Nexperia Shifted Strategy for Semiconductors
The company has prioritized application-specific testing over standard datasheet specifications for power semiconductors.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Semiconductors
Live Poll
Do you trust advertised performance specifications more than your own independent verification when buying electronics?
Nexperia has announced a strategic shift to focus on real-world application performance for its wide-bandgap semiconductors rather than relying on datasheet metrics. This move addresses the increasing demands of AI and electrification sectors for higher thermal efficiency and reliability.
Why it matters
Headline specifications often fail to capture how devices perform under specific conditions, leading manufacturers to prioritize testing that mirrors real-world deployment. As data center rack power exceeds 250kW, this approach provides clearer insights into thermal performance and power density.
Nexperia's 650V Cascode GaN device outperformed a competitor's e-mode GaN device during 400-to-230V buck converter testing at 200kHz. Additionally, the company is preparing to release approximately 60 new SiC diodes and MOSFETs in 2026.
The players
Nexperia
Nexperia is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power electronics and wide-bandgap materials.
The details
Engineers are moving toward merging AC/DC and DC/DC stages using bidirectional switches to lower bill of materials. The company is simultaneously rebuilding assembly and test capacity in Malaysia and the Philippines following the loss of Chinese sites in 2025.
Timeline
In October 2025, Nexperia lost control of its assembly and test facilities in Guangdong and Wuxi.
Nexperia expects to nearly double its gallium nitride (GaN) portfolio throughout 2026.
The new strategy was presented at Pretzl Connect in October 2026.
The Tech Race
The push for application-specific testing for wide-bandgap semiconductors represents a maturation of the power electronics market. This strategy reflects the industry's attempt to move beyond raw material capabilities toward optimized system-level performance for next-generation hardware.
Engineers and product designers can expect more granular data that helps simplify the design of power converters and reduces the overall bill of materials. These improvements aim to support the development of complex systems like humanoid robots, which may require up to 300 GaN switches.
The takeaway
Reliability in power-intensive AI and robotics applications now hinges on performance benchmarks that reflect actual heat and load conditions. Designers should look beyond standard data sheets to ensure component selection meets the rigorous requirements of modern infrastructure.
Further reading
For more background on the sector, visit the Semiconductors section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronic Specifier.
Live Poll
Do you trust advertised performance specifications more than your own independent verification when buying electronics?
