Interest in energy efficient technology driving demand for power management ICs

LONDON, UK: Power management ICs (PMICs) accounted for 3.5 percent of the global semiconductor market in 2010, according to a new report available on companiesandmarkets.com. PMIC market growth is driven by consumer interest in portable devices such as smartphones, and their need for energy efficient technologies.

PMICs have applications in the communication, IT, industrial, automotive, medical, defence and electronics sectors. A factor encouraging growth in the PMIC market is the interest in energy efficient technologies, to combat rising energy prices and consumer adoption of portable electronic devices. Alternative energy technologies used to harness solar and wind power are driving demand, as power semiconductors use power management integrated circuits to minimise energy wastage and ensure efficient power distribution. The PMIC research report indicates that energy efficient technologies could reduce global electricity use by up to 30 percent, by 2025.

Manufacturing companies are seeking improvement opportunities for their power devices, and substrate technology is of interest. The power management integrated circuit research report highlights a trend for the use of gallium nitride (GaN) instead of as silicon carbide (SiC) in power semiconductors (which use PMICs), as it enhances power density, breakdown voltage, switching frequency, resistance and system efficiency.

Thermal management is another opportunity to minimise cost and improve efficiencies of power management semiconductor PMICs. Improvements to packaging systems will equip PMICs to cope with fluctuations in current, and subsequently enhance energy management.

Key companies profiled within the PMIC research report include: Infineon Technologies AG, Linear Technology Corporation, National Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics NV and Texas Instruments.