Magnachip Strengthens Its Position in High-Efficiency Power Semiconductors with New IGBT Series for Solar and Energy Storage Applications
Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE: MX), a global designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions, has announced the launch of a new generation of Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) aimed at the rapidly expanding solar inverter and industrial energy storage system (ESS) markets. The introduction marks a strategic step forward for the company as it deepens its focus on high-efficiency power semiconductor technologies that support global energy transition goals.
The newly unveiled discrete IGBT lineup includes 650-volt and 1,200-volt devices specifically engineered for use in solar inverters and ESS applications. These products are designed to deliver higher current capacity, improved operational stability, and enhanced reliability under demanding high-voltage and high-current conditions—key requirements for modern renewable energy infrastructure. By combining advanced device architecture with refined manufacturing processes, Magnachip aims to address the growing demand for power components that enable higher efficiency, higher power density, and long-term system durability.
A major technical advancement in this new IGBT generation is the significant reduction in cell pitch compared to previous designs. By shrinking the cell pitch by approximately 40 percent, Magnachip has been able to substantially increase current handling capability within the same silicon die area. This improvement allows system designers to achieve higher power output without increasing component size, a critical advantage as inverter and ESS manufacturers seek to optimize performance while minimizing footprint and material costs.
In addition to higher current capacity, the new IGBT series features a notably improved Reverse Bias Safe Operating Area (RBSOA). RBSOA is a crucial parameter that defines a semiconductor device’s ability to safely operate under extreme electrical stress, particularly during switching events involving high voltage and current. Magnachip reports that the RBSOA performance of the new devices has been enhanced by more than 30 percent compared to the prior generation, significantly improving stability and reducing the risk of device failure in harsh operating environments. This enhancement makes the new IGBTs well-suited for industrial-scale power systems where reliability is paramount.
The products are offered in both standard TO-247 and high-capacity TO-247 Plus packages, providing customers with flexibility to select the most appropriate packaging for their thermal and electrical design requirements. These package options enable effective heat dissipation and support higher current levels, making them suitable for a wide range of applications across residential, commercial, and industrial solar and energy storage systems.
Market dynamics further underscore the strategic importance of Magnachip’s latest product launch. According to industry research firm Omdia, the global market for solar inverters and energy storage systems is projected to grow from approximately USD 1.4 billion in 2024 to USD 2.7 billion by 2029. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 10.6 percent, driven by accelerating investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and energy resilience worldwide. As governments and corporations pursue carbon-neutrality targets, demand is increasing for advanced power electronics that maximize energy efficiency and system reliability.
Within this context, energy efficiency and power density have emerged as critical performance benchmarks for inverter and ESS designs. Higher efficiency reduces energy losses and operating costs, while increased power density enables more compact and cost-effective systems. Magnachip’s new IGBT series directly addresses these requirements by enabling higher current throughput, improved switching robustness, and optimized thermal performance.
Magnachip is not new to the solar inverter market. The company already supplies IGBT products to major domestic and international inverter manufacturers and has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, technologically advanced solutions. With the introduction of this new generation, Magnachip is expanding its IGBT portfolio to cover a broader range of power capacities, from residential solar inverters to large industrial systems rated up to 150 kilowatts. This expanded coverage allows customers to select devices that are precisely matched to their system requirements and operating conditions.
At the core of the new product lineup is Magnachip’s use of Advanced Field Stop Trench technology. This architecture enables lower conduction losses, improved switching performance, and enhanced breakdown characteristics compared to conventional IGBT designs. The company has further refined this technology through process optimization and design enhancements, resulting in improved electrical performance without compromising reliability.
Looking ahead, Magnachip has outlined plans to continue expanding its IGBT offerings in response to evolving market needs. In the first half of 2026, the company intends to introduce a high-current IGBT series rated up to 650 volts and 150 amperes, as well as new 750-volt products. These additions are expected to support next-generation inverter and ESS designs that require higher current capability and greater operational flexibility.
Magnachip also plans to introduce devices in the TO-247-4Lead package, which includes a Kelvin emitter pin. This feature reduces parasitic inductance during switching, leading to improved switching efficiency, lower losses, and better overall system performance. The addition of Kelvin-pin packaging reflects Magnachip’s focus on enabling advanced system-level optimization for customers targeting higher efficiency and higher switching speeds.
By continuously expanding its product lineup and investing in advanced power semiconductor technologies, Magnachip aims to strengthen its role as a key supplier to the renewable energy ecosystem. As solar power generation and energy storage systems continue to scale globally, the demand for robust, high-performance power devices is expected to rise sharply. Magnachip’s latest IGBT launch positions the company to capitalize on these trends while supporting the broader transition toward cleaner, more efficient energy systems.
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