Power semiconductors in motor drives to hit $1.3B by 2010

Power semiconductor components are the biggest revenue opportunity used in industrial motor drives and the market size is about twice the size of the combined market for MCU and analog-based components. "IGBT modules are used in the large majority of industrial motor drives, explained Jamie Fox, an IMS Research analyst, in a statement. "As well as standard IGBT modules, intelligent power modules and power integrated modules are also used." Power integrated modules have the highest growth forecast, of 10.8 percent annually.

Most of the market is for modules; however there is also a small market for discrete transistors and power ICs. Significant changes in the basic BOMs are not expected in the next few years. Performance trends for power semiconductors include a demand for reduced heat losses, better temperature tolerance and higher power densities.

- Peter Clarke
EE Times Europe