Upgrading Factory Power Safety with Silicon Carbide Semiconductors from Infineon and Siemens - ELE Times

Infineon and Siemens have partnered to enhance factory power safety through the use of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology. The collaboration focuses on Siemens' SENTRON 3QD2 solid-state ci... Read original →

Infineon and Siemens’ collaboration marks a pivotal inflection point for wide-bandgap semiconductors in industrial power systems. Technically, CoolSiC MOSFETs’ microsecond-level interruption forces redesigns across legacy circuit breakers, distribution panels, and even PLC control logic—accelerating DC microgrid adoption in AI data centers. Regulatory shifts like the EU Green Deal and U.S. Inflation Reduction Act are embedding efficiency mandates into supply chain gatekeeping; while SiC raises BOM costs short-term, it preempts future carbon tariffs and penalties. Competitors like onsemi and Wolfspeed will likely fast-track industrial SiC certifications and partner with Schneider or ABB to counter this alliance. Within 18 months, solid-state circuit breakers will expand from factories into BESS inverters and EV fast-charging, potentially boosting SiC device shipments by over 30%—ushering in an era of ‘Moore’s Law for power electronics.’