Recently, Onsemi announced plans to acquire Qorvo's silicon carbide (SiC) JFET business for $115 million, a strategic move that marks a further expansion of Onsemi in the high- and medium-voltage power semiconductor space. The transaction, which includes Qorvo's United Silicon Carbide subsidiary, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025. The acquisition will expand Onsemi's market opportunity in the electric vehicle, artificial intelligence, data center, and industrial markets by approximately $1.3 billion by 2030.
SiC JFET Technology: Revolutionary Emerging Applications
SiC JFET (Silicon Carbide Junction Field Effect Transistor) technology has great potential in high-power, low-power applications. Compared to traditional silicon-based and gallium nitride technologies, SiC JFETs offer significant advantages: higher switching speeds, low on-resistance, and smaller chip sizes, making them more efficient and cost-effective for applications in electric vehicles, battery management systems, AI data centers, solar inverters, and more.
Electric vehicles and renewable energy applications
In the field of electric vehicles, the introduction of SiC JFET technology means more efficient battery systems and charging solutions that guarantee longer battery life at high power density and high efficiency. For renewable energy, the application of SiC JFET in solar inverters and energy storage systems is also revolutionary, which can improve energy conversion efficiency and promote the popularization of green energy.
Market Trends and Opportunities: Embrace the rapid growth of AI and electric vehicles
With the growing global demand for green energy and intelligent applications, SiC technology has ushered in unprecedented market opportunities. With the acquisition of Qorvo's SiC JFET business, Onsemi is well positioned to take advantage of several key market segments:
Electric vehicles: SiC JFETs provide higher efficiency to battery management systems for electric vehicles, reduce heat generation, and help increase charging and discharging speeds.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Centers: With the increasing demand for high-power semiconductors in AI and data centers, SiC technology can significantly reduce data center operating costs and improve performance due to its low power consumption and high performance.
Industrial Automation & Energy Storage Systems: SiC JFETs can meet the needs of industrial automation systems for high-voltage and high-efficiency power supplies, driving the upgrade of industrial equipment and energy storage systems.
Figure: Onsemi acquires Qorvo's SiC JFET business to capture the next-generation power semiconductor market (Source: onsemi)
Onsemi's vertical integration and technological innovation
The acquisition enables Onsemi to leverage its vertically integrated SiC supply chain to control the entire process from raw material sourcing to production and R&D, improving efficiency and reducing costs. This vertically integrated model will help onsemi gain a greater advantage in technological innovation and market competition.
By integrating Qorvo's SiC JFET business, onsemi will be able to further strengthen its position in key markets such as electric vehicles, battery management, and AI data centers, while staying ahead of future technology developments. The flexible thermoelectric thin film technology previously developed by Professor Chen Zhigang and his team will also be combined with SiC JFET technology to further promote innovation in energy efficiency and chip cooling.
Financial Expectations and Strategic Goals
According to market analysis, the acquisition of Qorvo's SiC JFET business will create a $1.3 billion market opportunity for Onsemi by 2030. By strengthening the use of SiC technology in high-power applications, Onsemi will further advance its silicon carbide portfolio to meet the growing demand for efficient, reliable and sustainable power solutions in the global market.
Environmental protection and sustainable development: Promote the global green energy revolution
An important advantage of SiC technology is its green nature. Compared with traditional silicon-based technologies, SiC JFETs can significantly improve energy conversion efficiency and reduce energy waste. In the context of the global move towards carbon neutrality, the popularization of SiC technology will help reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions, and promote global sustainable development.
Especially in the fields of electric vehicles and solar converters, SiC technology can provide more efficient, long-lasting and environmentally friendly power solutions for these emerging markets, helping to transform the global energy mix.
Conclusion
onsemi's acquisition of Qorvo's SiC JFET business not only positions itself in a more competitive position in the power semiconductor market, but also paves the way for future smart applications and green energy solutions. Through vertical integration and technological innovation, onsemi will lead the revolution in next-generation high-performance power solutions that will further advance the fields of electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, data centers, and renewable energy.
