- KATEK’s coolcept fleX family of Steca solar inverters aim to improve efficiency with GeneSiC power semiconductors
- Steca is a KATEK brand that develops and produces power electronics for grid inverters and energy storage
Navitas Semiconductor and KATEK GROUP recently announced that KATEK’s coolcept fleX family of Steca solar inverters adopted new GeneSiC power semiconductors with the aim to improve efficiency with significant market size expansion. The official note mentioned that each 4.6 kW Steca coolcept flex inverter uses 16x GeneSiC G3R75MT12J SiC MOSFETs. These 1,200 V, 75 mΩ-rated devices are used in a two-level converter, with bi-directional boost converters and an H4-topology for AC voltage output. It said that enhanced switching frequency shrinks the size and weight of ‘passive’ components, hence optimizing the KATEK unit.
The companies expect the installed solar power capacity to exceed that of natural gas in 2026, and of coal by 2027, becoming the largest in the world, a 3x increase in installed capacity from 2022-2027. They pointed out that the global levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from solar is now 40% lower than coal and natural gas.
KATEK’s Director of Innovation, Research and Development, Dr Peter Grabs remarked: “Next-generation GeneSiC technology has enabled a major step in system performance without compromising our high engineering standards, especially regarding EMI. Navitas’ excellent quality – with zero failures – and consistent, short lead-time delivery are critical success factors as we expand production into new markets.”
Explaining the utility of Silicon carbide, the partners called it a new ‘wide bandgap’ power semiconductor material that is rapidly replacing legacy silicon chips in high-power, high-voltage applications such as renewable energy, energy storage and micro-grids, EVs and industrial applications.
With the highest-published 100%-tested avalanche capability, 30% longer short-circuit withstand time, and stable threshold voltage for easy paralleling, GeneSiC MOEFTs are ideal for high-power, fast-time-to-market applications claimed the official note.
Navitas EVP for the GeneSiC business line, Dr Ranbir Singh said, “Navitas and KATEK are aligned in the mission to ‘Electrify Our World’ and accelerate the transition from 80% fossil-fuel sources of electricity and uses to 80% renewable sources and electrical uses.”
He believes that both companies also share a focus on sustainability, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Munich-headquartered KATEK Group is a growing electronics company which sees itself as an end-to-end service provider for high-value electronics. At its site in Memmingen, Germany, KATEK Memmingen GmbH develops, produces, and distributes electronics as well as innovative proprietary products for solar and energy that are known under the name ‘Steca’.
2014-born Navitas Semiconductor is a leading next-gen power-semiconductor company. GaNFast power ICs integrate GaN power and drive, with control, sensing, and protection to enable faster charging higher power density, and greater energy savings. Navitas claims to be the world’s first semiconductor company to be ‘CarbonNeutral’-certified.
