Silicon Carbide (SiC) Semiconductor Market

Silicon Carbide Semiconductor: Introduction

• Silicon carbide is a hard, synthetically produced, crystalline compound of silicon and carbide, having chemical formula “SiC”
• It occurs in nature as an extremely rare mineral moissanite. Grains of silicon carbide can be bonded together to form hard ceramics which can be used in applications requiring high endurance such as car brakes, car clutches, and ceramic plates in bulletproof vests.
• Silicon carbide is also known as carborundum. Its powder has been mass produced since 1983 for use as an abrasive.
• Characteristics of silicon carbide include:
  • High thermal conductivity of 120-270 w/mk
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion of 04x 10^-6/°C
  • High maximum current density
• Silicon carbide is generally suitable for high power applications where high current, high temperature, and high thermal conductivity is required

Expanding Applications of Silicon Carbide Semiconductor in the Automotive Industry

• SiC module created by STMicroelectronics for vehicle Tesla and its Model 3 is a great example of adoption of Silicon carbide semiconductor
•  According to the International Energy Agency, the global sales of electric vehicles are anticipated to reach 44 million per year by 2030, which in turn increases the demand for silicon carbide semiconductor based devices such as inverters and MOSFET.
• Silicon carbide semiconductors are mainly used in electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EV/HEV), as well as in automobile charging infrastructure, power supplies, rail, motor drives, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
• The EV motor drives application is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Silicon carbide-based semiconductor devices can be used in industrial and commercial motor drives, electro-mechanical computing systems, and high-temperature sensors.
• Batteries made from silicon carbide semiconductor prevents loss of charge and ensures that electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) run for longer distances while reducing weight and cost of vehicle and increasing the efficiency. 

Asia Pacific to Lead the Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market

• Automobile makers are developing lightweight vehicles that are economical, emit low carbon dioxide, and still give superior performance due to rising environmental concerns in Asia Pacific.
• Growing demand for lightweight vehicles is beneficial for silicon carbide semiconductor abrasive manufacturers. This is expected to positively impact the market growth during the forecast period.
• Developing economies in Asia Pacific are multiplying production of SiC based products in steel, automotive, electrical & electronics, and healthcare sectors. 
• China, Japan, Indonesia, and India are seeing demand for electric vehicles, which in turn offers opportunities for silicon carbide semiconductor manufacturers.
• Asia Pacific holds the major market for cellular base stations and radio frequency devices, due to which it captures dominant share in the silicon carbide semiconductor market.

Key Players in the Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market Include:

• Infineon Technologies AG
• Cree, Inc.
• ROHM Co. Ltd.
• STMicroelectronics N.V.
• Fuji Electric Co. Ltd

Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market: Research Scope

Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market, by Device

• SIC Discrete Device
  • SIC Diode
  • SIC MOSFET
  • SIC Module
• SIC Bare Die

Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market, by Wafer Size

• 2 Inch
• 4 Inch
• 6 Inch and Above

Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market, by Application

• Power Grid Devices
• Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTs)
• High-voltage, Direct Current Systems (HVCDs)
• Power Supplies and Inverters
• RF Devices & Cellular Base Stations
• Lighting Control Systems
• Industrial Motor Drives
• Flame Detectors
• EV Motor Drives
• EV Charging Stations
• Electronic Combat Systems
• Wind Turbines
• Solar Power Systems

Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market, by Vertical

• Energy & Power
• Automotive
• Renewable Power Generation
• Defense
• Power Electronics
• Telecommunication
• Others

 Global Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Market, by Geography

• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Rest of North America
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa