Compared to discrete power semiconductors, power module packages provide higher power density and more reliability, according to the analyst company’s Power Semiconductor Discretes and Modules Report.

Growth rate is twice that of power discretes in the same period, from 2014 to 2019. The overall power semiconductor market, including both power discretes and power modules, is predicted to grow 5% in 2015 to reach $17billion. In 2014, year-on-year power discrete revenue grew 5% while power module revenue grew 12%.

“OEMs will continue to want modular power solutions, which can be integrated easily into various subsystems and used in many different devices,” said Richard Eden, senior analyst of the semiconductor value chain for IHS Technology. “Power modules are widely found in inverters for wind converters, photovoltaic solar energy systems and other renewable energy applications. They are also found in industrial motor drives and hybrid and electric vehicles.”

“Standardised discrete power semiconductors have become commoditised with little differentiation,” said Victoria, Fodale, senior analyst, IHS Technology. “OEMs and ODMs typically multi-source discrete products through distributors. Suppliers will continue to face challenges, when it comes to increasing profit in commodity segments of the power discrete market.”

Infineon continued to be the largest supplier for the global power semiconductor market in 2014, with an estimated market share of 13%. Mitsubishi ranked second, at 7%.  STMicrosystems moved up to the third market position, displacing Toshiba, with an estimated market share of 6%.

Following Infineon’s acquisition of International Rectifier (IR) last year, the merged companies held almost 27% of the power transistor market in 2014. Bipolar transistors, MOSFETs, and IGBTs accounted for about two thirds of the total discrete power semiconductor market.

Mitsubishi Electric was the largest supplier for power modules in 2014. Its estimated share of the market remained at 24% for 2013 and 2014. Infineon maintained second position at 20%, followed by Semikron and Fuji Electric. These ‘big four’ accounted for 65% of the global power module market in 2014.