Hitachi Energy and Pakal Technologies have announced a collaboration to integrate Pakal’s IGTO(t) silicon power switch into Hitachi Energy’s high-voltage power modules.
The companies said the partnership will initially focus on devices used in rail, renewable energy, energy storage, artificial intelligence and data centre infrastructure.
They added the collaboration aims to reduce energy losses and improve efficiency in high-voltage power conversion by combining Hitachi Energy’s module design capabilities with Pakal’s IGTO(t) technology, which the firms said delivers about 30% lower losses than widely used devices.
Niklas Persson, managing director of Hitachi Energy’s grid integration business unit, said the agreement supports continued innovation in power electronics.
“With a century-long legacy of in-house semiconductor manufacturing expertise and ongoing expansion, Hitachi Energy is committed to advancing innovation in power electronics. We are pleased to join forces with Pakal Technologies to incorporate its novel IGTO(t) within our semiconductor portfolio,” Persson said.
“This collaboration represents, over time, an opportunity to strengthen the global energy ecosystem at its core,” he added.
Ben Quinones, chief executive of Pakal Technologies, said the partnership would help scale the company’s technology.
“Pakal Technologies was founded to make power conversion simpler, better, and more efficient. Collaborating with Hitachi Energy is an honor and secures a long-term partner capable of scaling impact with us,” Quinones said.
“Having our IGTO(t) platform recognized by a company with Hitachi Energy’s exceptional history for quality, reliability, and performance in the energy landscape ensures we can contribute to today’s sprint toward the electrification era,” he added.
The companies said the IGTO(t) is the first new high-voltage silicon power semiconductor since the insulated gate bipolar transistor was introduced in the 1980s, offering lower conduction losses while remaining compatible with existing system architectures.
