STMicroelectronics Enhances Power Conversion Efficiency with GaN HEMT Technology

STMicroelectronics Enhances Power Conversion Efficiency with GaN HEMT Technology

As power electronics systems continue moving toward higher switching frequencies, increased power density, and improved energy efficiency, gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technologies are becoming increasingly important across industrial, consumer, data center, and electrified power applications. Conventional silicon-based power devices face growing limitations at higher switching frequencies and power densities, creating demand for next-generation wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies capable of improving power conversion performance. STPower PowerGaN Technology highlights STMicroelectronics’ PowerGaN platform developed for high-performance and energy-efficient power conversion applications.

The company’s PowerGaN portfolio is based on enhancement-mode gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) technology designed to support high-frequency switching operation with lower switching losses compared to conventional silicon power devices. By utilizing the electrical characteristics of GaN materials, the technology enables faster switching performance while reducing energy losses during power conversion processes.

A major technical advantage of PowerGaN technology is its ability to operate at significantly higher switching frequencies. Higher-frequency operation allows designers to reduce the size of magnetic components, transformers, capacitors, and passive elements within power converter architectures, supporting more compact and power-dense system designs. STMicroelectronics highlights that this approach enables smaller power supplies while maintaining high conversion efficiency.

The platform is also designed to reduce both switching and conduction losses within power conversion systems. Lower power dissipation helps improve overall system efficiency while reducing heat generation, enabling simplified thermal management and higher-performance operation across demanding power electronics environments. The reduced thermal burden additionally supports higher power density and improved system integration.

ST highlights PowerGaN technology for applications including telecom infrastructure, industrial power systems, data centers, consumer power supplies, renewable energy platforms, and automotive-related power conversion environments where efficiency, switching speed, and compact design are increasingly important. The technology forms part of the company’s broader STPOWER portfolio focused on advanced power semiconductor solutions for energy-efficient electronic systems.

By combining enhancement-mode GaN HEMT architecture, high-frequency switching capability, reduced power losses, improved thermal performance, and higher power density, STMicroelectronics’ PowerGaN platform is designed to support the next generation of high-performance power conversion and energy-efficient power electronics infrastructure.

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About STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and develops semiconductor technologies for industrial, automotive, power and energy, communications, consumer electronics, and embedded computing applications. The company’s STPOWER portfolio includes silicon, silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor technologies designed to support electrification, energy efficiency, industrial automation, and advanced power conversion systems.