Overview
Global Discrete Semiconductors Market reached US$ 33.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 97.5 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The demand for more recent more effective devices is fueled by ongoing improvements in semiconductor technology which result in the creation of discrete semiconductor components that are more effective and operate at a higher level. In energy-efficient systems discrete semiconductors are essential. The market for discrete components used in power management and energy-efficient systems is anticipated to expand as energy conservation becomes a global priority.
For instance, Thailand became a significant hub for electronic product and parts manufacturing and COVID-19 pandemic has driven increased demand for electronics globally. Toshiba Semiconductor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (TST) plays a crucial role within Toshiba’s network of companies, ensuring a stable supply of discrete semiconductors. Toshiba’s largest semiconductor back-end manufacturing facility, TST serves as a core base in Asia-Pacific.
In 2022, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the global market covering more than 1/4th of the market. Asia-Pacific is a global home for manufacturing electronics, in which countries such as China, South Korea and Japan are major producers of electronic devices they also create substantial demand for discrete semiconductors. As the growing population in the region and increased consumer spending led to increasing demand for consumer electronics.
Dynamics
Adoption of Discrete Semiconductors in Electric Vehicles
The demand for discrete semiconductors, which are utilized in numerous EV components, has increased as a result of the global move toward electric vehicles brought on by environmental concerns and government incentives. Powertrains, battery management systems, onboard chargers and other components and systems that are progressively electrified are all included in the construction of EVs. For effective operation, each of these systems depends on discrete semiconductors.
For instance, on 14 April 2021, a semiconductor factory in Shanghai being built for US$ 1.8 billion by the Chinese electronics giant Wingtech Technology will produce power semiconductors for control circuits used in electric vehicle batteries. The investment seems appealing since these semiconductors aren’t impacted by American sanctions. The facility, which was constructed in partnership with subsidiary Nexperia, is used to make discrete semiconductors, including transistors and power semiconductors.
Growing Need for Renewable Energy
Due to the global shift toward renewable energy sources including solar, wind and hydropower, power electronics and discrete semiconductors are in high demand and as components are required for efficiently converting and managing electrical energy supplied from renewable sources. Discrete semiconductors are essential for increasing the effectiveness of renewable energy systems in terms of energy usage.
For instance, on 23 June 2022, Trilogy Metals, in collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines and the United States Geological Survey has discovered the potential for germanium as a by-product during copper production at the Bornite copper-cobalt project. Germanium is a critical element used in modern technologies and demand for renewable energy and advanced technologies continues to rise, the role of discrete semiconductors in enabling these advancements becomes a significant growth factor in the industry.
Rising Government Initiatives
Investments in infrastructure, such as semiconductor fabrication facilities (fabs), research centers and testing facilities, create an environment conducive to semiconductor manufacturing. Government support for infrastructure development can attract semiconductor companies and promote market growth. Trade agreements between countries can facilitate the import and export of semiconductor products, reducing trade barriers and expanding market access. Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements can benefit semiconductor manufacturers by providing access to a broader customer base.
For instance, on 3 November 2022, the Indian government announced plans to invite new applications for the establishment of Semiconductor Fabs and Display Fabs in India starting from June 1, 2023, as part of the Modified Semicon India Programme. The India Semiconductor Mission will be responsible for receiving and processing these applications.
Under the Modified Programme, companies, consortia and joint ventures setting up Semiconductor Fabs in India, regardless of the node, can avail of a fiscal incentive equivalent to 50% of the project cost. Similarly, a fiscal incentive of 50% of the project cost is available for the establishment of Display Fabs with specified technologies in India.
Lack of Integrated Functionality and More Power Consumption
Discrete semiconductors typically perform a single function, like amplification, rectification or switching and they lack the integrated functionality of complex integrated circuit which can perform multiple functions within a single chip. Separate packages, in which discrete semiconductors come in instead of integrated circuits, can be a drawback in applications where space is at a premium.
Utilized of discrete semiconductors in high-performance or low-power applications may not be as power-efficient as integrated circuits. ICs are designed for optimized power consumption. Achieving specific circuit functions with discrete semiconductors may require a larger number of components compared to integrated circuits and this can increase manufacturing costs, complexity and the risk of component failures.
Segment Analysis
The global discrete semiconductors market is segmented based on type, end-user and region.
Continuous Advancement in MOSFET Technology
In 2022, MOSFET is expected to be the dominant segment in the global market holding around 1/3rd of the market. MOSFET is continually in demand as a result of the expanding use of electronic devices in a variety of industries like consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and telecommunications. MOSFETs are known for their switching capabilities and energy economy. MOSFETs are essential in accomplishing these goals as businesses and customers look for more energy-efficient products, especially in power supplies and inverters.
For instance, on 17 March 2023, Toshiba introduced the "SSM14N956L," a 12V common-drain N-channel MOSFET with a current rating of 20A, designed for use in battery protection circuits within lithium-ion battery packs, commonly found in mobile devices and these protection circuits are essential for ensuring the safe charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries, minimizing heat generation and enhancing safety.
Geographical Penetration
Rising Consumers of Discrete Semiconductor
North America is the dominant region in the global discrete semiconductors market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. North American automotive industry is a significant consumer of discrete semiconductors, particularly power devices, as vehicles become more electrified with advanced driver assistance systems, electric powertrains and infotainment systems. The region hosts a thriving start-up ecosystem focused on hardware innovation, including IoT devices and robotics, which drives the demand for discrete semiconductor components.
For instance, on 20 September 2023, Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Limited (AOS) unveiled its AOZ8S207BLS-01 Ultra-Low Reverse Working Voltage transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode and this diode is designed to provide exceptionally low capacitance and rapid response time, making it suitable for high-speed data line protection, particularly for USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include NXP Semiconductors, Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC, Infineon Technologies AG, Taiwan Semiconductor, Nexperia, Renesas Electronics Corporation, StarPower Semiconductor Ltd., Diodes Incorporated, ROHM CO., LTD. and Texas Instruments Incorporated.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The pandemic led to a surge in demand for electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones as remote work and online learning became the norm and this increased demand for discrete semiconductors used in these devices. The need for medical equipment and devices, including ventilators, diagnostic tools and wearable health monitors, grew substantially. Discrete semiconductors played a crucial role in these healthcare electronics.
During the pandemic, many companies intensified their digital transformation initiatives, which raised demand for networking equipment, cloud computing and data center infrastructure all of which depend on discrete semiconductors. The automobile industry kept investing in electric cars and autonomous driving technologies despite certain setbacks since these technologies significantly rely on discrete semiconductor components for power management, sensors and control systems.
The pandemic disrupted global supply chains, causing shortages of critical semiconductor components and this impacted the production of various electronic devices and led to increased lead times and prices for discrete semiconductors. Lockdowns and restrictions forced many semiconductor manufacturing facilities to temporarily shut down or operate at reduced capacity, affecting production volumes.
AI Impact
AI is being used to optimize the design and simulation of discrete semiconductor components. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to identify the most efficient designs and configurations, leading to improved performance and reduced power consumption. AI-powered systems are enhancing the manufacturing processes of discrete semiconductors. Machine vision and AI algorithms can inspect and detect defects in semiconductor wafers and components with high precision improving quality control and reducing waste
AI is used to optimize the semiconductor fabrication process. Machine learning algorithms can analyze real-time sensor data from manufacturing equipment to identify patterns and anomalies leading to more efficient and cost-effective production. AI helps semiconductor manufacturers optimize their supply chains by predicting demand, managing inventory and identifying potential disruptions and this ensures a stable supply of discrete components to meet market demands.
For instance, on 28 September 2023, Lattice Semiconductor introduced a new family of field-programmable array parts called Lattice CrossLinkU-NX, which features integrated USB connectivity and these FPGAs are designed for low-power on-device computer vision and artificial intelligence projects. The CrossLinkU-NX FPGAs come with a hardened USB controller offering USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 connectivity at data rates up to 5Gb/s.
Russia- Ukraine War Impact
Ukraine and Russia play significant roles in the global semiconductor supply chain. Ukraine, particularly, has several semiconductor manufacturing facilities. Any disruptions to these facilities could influence the manufacture and supply of discrete semiconductors and result in supply chain disruptions. Trade restrictions, export controls and sanctions may result from geopolitical tensions and wars like the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Geopolitical unrest and supply chain interruptions can raise production and transportation expenses, which could then be passed on to customers in the form of higher pricing for electronic gadgets that use discrete semiconductors. Uncertainty in international markets, particularly the semiconductor business, can be brought on by geopolitical unrest. For discrete semiconductor producers, uncertainty can have an impact on investment choices, research and development and long-term planning.
By Type
• MOSFET
• IGBT
• Silicon (Si)
• Silicon Carbide (SiC)
• Gallium Nitride (GaN)
• Others
By End-User
• Automotive
• Consumer Electronics
• Communication
• Industrial
• Others
By Region
• North America
o U.S.
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Russia
o Rest of Europe
• South America
o Brazil
o Argentina
o Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
Key Developments
• In August 2021, Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd. introduced the MG031 Series power modules designed for driving 3-phase brushless DC motors, particularly in applications like automotive electric power steering (EPS) and this series includes various types of MOSFET power modules for motor drive and phase separation relays, allowing for the creation of motor drive and phase separation relay circuits, ultimately contributing to more lightweight and compact electro-mechanical EPS systems.
• In August 2022, Renesas Electronics Corporation announced the development of a new generation of Si-IGBTs designed for next-generation electric vehicle (EV) inverters and these AE5-generation IGBTs will be smaller in size and provide a 10% reduction in power losses compared to the current-generation AE4 products, this improvement in efficiency will help EVs save battery power and increase their driving range.
• In Januray 2023, ROHM announced that its 4th Generation SiC MOSFETs and gate driver ICs will be adopted in electric vehicle inverters from Hitachi Astemo, a leading Japanese automotive parts manufacturer and these SiC power devices will help make the inverter, ultimately extending the cruising range of electric vehicles and reducing the size of onboard batteries.
Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global discrete semiconductors market segmentation based on type, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of discrete semiconductors market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global discrete semiconductors market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 52 figures and 202 pages.
Target Audience 2023
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies