Market Trends of Japan Discrete Semiconductors Industry
Power Transistors are Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share
- MOSFETs are semiconductor devices used primarily for switching and amplifying electronic signals in various applications. They belong to the family of field-effect transistors (FETs) and are known for their ability for controlling the flow of current between the two terminals using an electric field. They function at low voltages while providing quick switching and maximum efficiency.
- The power loss in conventional power amplifiers creates demand for RF high-power MOSFET modules that offer a built-in input or output impedance-matching circuit and verified output power performance. Key vendors, such as Mitsubishi Electric, plan to expand the frequency range by launching a 900 MHz module equipped with the new MOSFET in the coming year. According to the company, the model with 50 W power output in the 763 MHz to 870 MHz band and a total efficiency of 40% is projected to help reduce power consumption and increase radio communication range.
- The electronics industry is witnessing a surge in the demand for different electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart wearables, and IoT devices. These devices require power transistors for various functions. The expanding consumer base and the continuous introduction of new electronic devices drive the demand for power transistors.
- The consumer electronic segment would contribute significantly to the market's growth, supported by the country's large manufacturing landscape and the established consumer electronic companies, including Sony and Panasonic, among others. This would fuel the demand for discrete semiconductor growth in the manufacturing of electronic components used in the consumer electronic segments, which would drive the market growth in Japan.
- Furthermore, in 2023, the electronics industry in Japan witnessed electronic components and devices contributing to a total production value of approximately JPY 6.97 trillion (USD 0.497 trillion), as reported by METI (Japan). The overall production value of the Japanese electronics industry during that period reached around JPY 10.7 trillion (USD 0.076 trillion).
Automotive Industry is Expected to Have a Significant Market Growth
- Discrete semiconductors, tailored for distinct electronic functions and inseparable, are pivotal in transforming automotive electronics. Unlike integrated circuits (ICs), which combine functions, discrete semiconductors, like diodes, transistors, and thyristors, operate autonomously, bolstering automotive capabilities, safety, and connectivity. This shift heralds a new age of technological progress, elevating benchmarks for automotive performance and features.
- Automotive demands are primarily fueling the market for discrete components, particularly power transistors and rectifiers. While traditional vehicles have relied on 12-V battery systems for decades, they are now struggling to support the increased electronic demands of modern cars, highlighting the necessity for more energy-efficient solutions.
- By 2050, the Japanese government has set a target to have all newly sold cars in Japan be electric or hybrid. The country intends to provide subsidies to the private sector to expedite the advancement of batteries and motors for electric-powered vehicles. In an effort to decrease its carbon emissions, the Government of Japan is actively promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), leading to significant investments in EV infrastructure development. As a result of government subsidies for EV buyers, Japan has experienced a surge in the number of EV charging stations to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles.
- Moreover, as per the data released by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Light Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Association, the year 2023 witnessed the sale of 43,991 standard-size electric vehicles (EVs) and 44,544 electric variants of Japan's renowned lightweight keiminicars.