High-power Thyristors Companies

The Competitive Landscape of the High-power Thyristor Market

In the intricate orchestra of modern power electronics, where high currents and voltages dance to an unseen conductor, high-power thyristors act as the silent maestros, regulating power flow and powering a diverse range of applications. This market hums with innovation, fierce competition, and the promise of fueling an efficient and sustainable future. Navigating this complex space requires discerning the strategies of key players, understanding market share nuances, and recognizing the emerging trends shaping its future rhythm.

Key Players:

• ABB Ltd.


• Siemens AG


• Schneider Electric SE


• Eaton Corporation Plc.


• Honeywell International Inc.


• Analog Devices, Inc.


• STMicroelectronics N.V.


• Infineon Technologies AG


• ON Semiconductor


• Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.


• Mitsubishi Electric


• NXP


• Power Semiconductors


• Bourns


• Nihon Inter Electronics Corporation


• SanRex Corporation


• Dynex Semiconductor


• Hind Rectifiers Limited.


• Semikron


• NTE


• Naina Semiconductor Ltd.

Strategies Adopted by Leaders:

• Technological Prowess: ABB and Siemens lead the charge with expertise in high-current handling capabilities, advanced gate control technologies, and robust thermal management systems, catering to demanding railway traction, wind turbine conversion, and high-voltage DC transmission applications.


• Vertical Specialization: Mitsubishi Electric focuses on compact and energy-efficient thyristors for industrial drives and motor control, while Danfoss targets ruggedized solutions for harsh environments like off-grid power systems and marine applications.


• Partnership Play: Toshiba collaborates with power grid operators and renewable energy developers, offering integrated power conversion solutions and optimized thyristor configurations for specific project requirements.


• Open-Source Initiatives and Knowledge Sharing: The International Society for Power Electronics and Drives (ISPED) promotes standardized testing procedures and best practices in power semiconductor technology, benefiting the entire industry.


• Focus on Reliability and Safety: Prioritizing robust construction, redundant control systems, and compliance with stringent safety regulations builds trust and ensures uninterrupted operation in critical applications.

Factors for Market Share Analysis:

• Voltage and Current Handling Capacity: Companies offering thyristors capable of handling higher voltages and currents command premium prices and secure market share by enabling efficient power transmission and control in demanding applications.


• Switching Frequency and Efficiency: Offering thyristors with minimal switching losses and faster switching speeds minimizes energy consumption and operational costs, attracting customers focused on sustainability and cost optimization.


• Package Design and Thermal Management: Providing compact and thermally efficient packages with advanced cooling systems facilitates integration into space-constrained applications and increases device lifespan.


• Cost Competitiveness and Affordability: Balancing advanced features with an attractive price point is crucial for capturing market share, particularly in price-sensitive applications and emerging markets.


• Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Utilizing recycled materials, minimizing resource consumption during manufacturing, and offering energy-efficient thyristor solutions caters to growing environmental concerns and opens doors to eco-conscious buyers.

New and Emerging Companies:

• Startups like ON Semiconductor and Wolfspeed: These innovators focus on developing next-generation silicon carbide and gallium nitride thyristors with superior switching characteristics, higher breakdown voltage, and improved thermal management, aiming to revolutionize efficiency and power density in high-voltage applications.


• Academia and Research Labs: MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center and Stanford University's Power Systems Innovation Lab explore disruptive technologies like advanced gate structures, integrated cooling strategies, and novel materials like diamond thyristors, shaping the future of the market.


• Advanced Material Science Innovations: Companies like Dow Chemical and Infineon develop high-purity silicon wafers, advanced dopant materials, and innovative packaging materials, enabling the development of more reliable and efficient high-power thyristors.

Industry Developments:

ABB Ltd.:

• October 26, 2023: Unveiled a new generation of HiPer4 thyristors with improved surge current capability and thermal performance, targeting demanding HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) applications. 


• May 2023: Successfully delivered high-power thyristor valves for a major HVDC transmission project in China, contributing to increased power transmission capacity. 

Siemens AG:

• October 25, 2023: Showcased their latest SVC PLUS+ static VAR compensator solution employing high-power thyristors, offering reactive power management and grid stability enhancements. 


• June 2023: Partnered with a leading wind turbine manufacturer to develop and supply custom-designed thyristor converters for large-scale offshore wind farms. 

Schneider Electric SE:

• October 20, 2023: Launched their ActiVar SVC MAX high-power thyristor controller for improved grid voltage regulation and power quality in industrial and utility applications. 


• March 2023: Announced plans to expand their thyristor production capacity in Europe to meet rising demand for industrial drives and traction applications.