Mitsubishi Electric Corporation takes an equity position in Novel Crystal Technology, Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of gallium-oxide wafers. Specifically, these materials are a promising candidate for use in superior energy-saving power semiconductors that Mitsubishi Electric intends to develop at an accelerated pace in support of global decarbonization.

Novel Crystal is one of the world’s first companies to develop, manufacture and sell gallium-oxide wafers for power semiconductors. Now, it is a leading producer of these products. Additionally, Novel Crystal has a manufacturing technology that Mitsubishi Electric will use in its production of gallium-oxide power semiconductors.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electric consistently contributes to energy savings in power-electronic products. Specifically, it manufactures semiconductors made of silicon and silicon carbide (SiC). Recent advances have been achieved with SiC and gallium-nitride wafers. However, gallium-oxide wafers are expected to help achieve even higher breakdown voltages and lower power dissipation.

Mitsubishi Electric now expects to accelerate the development of superior energy-saving gallium-oxide power semiconductors. Specifically, it will combine its own expertise in the design and manufacture of low-energy-loss, high-reliability power semiconductors with Novel Crystal Technology’s expertise in the production of gallium-oxide wafers.