DISCRETE SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET ANALYSIS

Discrete Semiconductor Market Size and Trends

The discrete semiconductor market is estimated to be valued at US$ 43.85 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 82.12 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2024 to 2031.

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The widespread use of discrete semiconductors across industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and telecommunication is driving the growth of this market.

Increased demand for more efficient and compact semiconductors from OEMs to support the development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and IoT is expected to boost the demand for discrete semiconductors. However, high development costs associated with small node sizes could hamper the market growth.

Increased adoption of semiconductor chips in connected devices and IoT applications

Traditional electronics have increasingly incorporated wireless connectivity capabilities that allow them to communicate with other devices and share data via local networks or cloud services. This trend has enabled many new IoT use cases in areas such as industrial automation, healthcare monitoring, environmental sensing, asset tracking, and smart city infrastructure. As more everyday objects gain embedded intelligence and network connectivity, they require discrete semiconductor components like microcontrollers, power management ICs, memory chips, and wireless communication chips.

For instance, the expanding IoT market, as reported by the CTA, is expected to drive the demand for discrete semiconductors in the U.S. In 2021, 23% of the U.S. homes had smart or connected health monitoring devices, and 19% had connected sports or fitness equipment, showing a growing trend in IoT adoption.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Vehicles are evolving from purely mechanical transport systems into highly sophisticated mobile computing platforms packed with cutting-edge electronics. This technological shift requires a tremendous increase in the number of discrete semiconductor chips utilized per vehicle. Functions like advanced driver assist, collision avoidance, infotainment interfaces, battery management, and electric powertrain controls rely on highly integrated and specialized automotive-grade chips. As electric and self-driving cars become mainstream options, they will integrate more powerful onboard computers that run complex deep learning algorithms alongside dedicated SoCs, MCUs, PMICs, memory, and connectivity chips.

For instance, in the electric vehicle (EV) power electronics system, the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) plays a crucial role. With the global sales of electric cars reaching 6.6 million in 2021, representing 9% of total car sales according to the IEA report, there is an increasing demand for IGBTs. In December 2021, STMicroelectronics introduced its third generation of STPOWER silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, enhancing power devices for EV powertrains and other applications prioritizing power density, energy efficiency, and reliability.

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Traditional discrete devices are gradually being replaced by integrated circuits and other higher functionality components. This transition threatens the viability of traditional discrete products over the long run. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply chains and trade relations, making it tougher for discrete suppliers to access key resources and markets. Rising development and manufacturing costs also put pressure on profit margins.

Market Opportunities: Expansion into Emerging Applications

Growing demand for applications like renewable energy, electric vehicles, 5G infrastructure, and internet of things have opened up new domains for discrete semiconductors. Suppliers can develop customized discrete components tailored for these emerging sectors. Additionally, gaps remain for discrete solutions in harsh environments and applications requiring high reliability. Discrete players are innovating to address needs not met by integrated solutions.

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The discrete semiconductor market is segmented based on type, with MOSFET accounting for the largest share of 38.7% in 2024. MOSFETs have seen rising demand due to their mall size and energy efficiency. Compared to other transistor types like bipolar junction transistors, MOSFETs can handle higher voltages with lower power consumption, making them well-suited for applications where power efficiency is critical.

MOSFETs are very commonly used in power management circuits to regulate voltage levels or switch heavier loads on and off efficiently. Their power-efficient switching capabilities have made MOSFETs the transistor of choice for a variety of power control applications. The applications are in devices, appliances, motor drives, and others. Their small size also allows more MOSFETs to be placed on a single integrated circuit. This has supported the increasing integration of power functions into more compact system designs.

Another factor driving the increased MOSFET usage is the rising adoption of advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies like Silicon on Insulator (SOI) wafer fabrication. SOI technology reduces parasitic capacitance for better power handling and switching speeds. It allows for the creation of even more finely tuned, high-performance MOSFETs optimized for particular functions. SOI fabrication is being applied to developing strategic growth areas like power electronics for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

MOSFETs are also prevalent as the core components of ICs like CPUs and other digital logic circuits. Advancements in MOSFET design and fabrication have supported ongoing gains in integrated circuit performance over the years. As digital applications become more widespread, this will continue fueling strong demand growth for discreet MOSFETs integrated into advanced logic and memory chips.

In terms of End User, Consumer electronics contributes the highest share of the market due to the proliferation of smart devices

The consumer electronics segment in the discrete semiconductor market is expected to account for the largest share of 38.45% in 2024. Rapid changes in consumer electronics have fueled the strong demand for discrete transistors, diodes, and other components.

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other smart connected devices have seen widespread adoption in recent years. Their proliferating use across populations has generated huge volumes of component sales. Discrete semiconductors are key building blocks within the ICs, power circuits, and other sub-systems that bring next-generation features to consumer devices.

Beyond smartphones, the rise of smart home appliances, voice assistants, wearables, and other internet of things devices is another major driver. Semiconductors play critical roles in these systems for functions like sensing, data processing, wireless connectivity, and power management.

Regional Insights

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The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the discrete semiconductor market in 2024, capturing a significant market share of 47.6%. This dominance can be attributed to several factors, including the region's rapid economic growth and its flourishing electronics manufacturing base, particularly in countries like China. Additionally, government initiatives in the region are actively promoting domestic production and advancements in semiconductor technology.

Furthermore, Asia Pacific is projected to witness the highest market growth rate (CAGR) of 11.82% in 2024. This surging demand for discrete semiconductors is driven by the increasing consumption of consumer electronics, the expansion of the automotive industry, and the growing adoption of automation technologies in various industrial sectors across the region. This confluence of factors makes Asia Pacific a lucrative market for discrete semiconductor manufacturers, with vast potential for continued growth in the coming years.

Market Report Scope

Discrete Semiconductor Industry News

• In January 2023, Renesas Electronics Corporation introduced a new gate driver IC designed for high-voltage power devices like IGBTs and SiC MOSFETs for EV inverters
• Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. announced in January 2023 that its electric vehicle inverters would utilize ROHM Semiconductor's fourth-generation SiCMOSFETs and gate driver ICs, offering improved efficiency and cruising range
• STMicroelectronics launched new silicon-carbide (SiC) high-power modules in December 2022 to enhance electric vehicle performance and range. Hyundai selected five of these modules for use in the E-GMP electric vehicle platform shared by the KIA EV6 and multiple models.
• Renesas Electronics Corporation announced the development of a new generation of Si-IGBTs in August 2022, targeting next-generation EV inverters. The AE5-generation IGBTs were set to be mass-produced starting in the first half of 2023.

*Definition: The discrete semiconductor market involves the trade of individual discrete semiconductor components like transistors, diodes, and thyristors that are not yet a part of an integrated circuit. Discrete semiconductors are stand-alone components that perform single electronic functions and are used as individual building blocks in circuit design. They are widely used in residential, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics applications. The discrete semiconductor market serves the needs of electronics manufacturers by providing reliable and cost-effective electronic components.

Market Segmentation

• Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • MOSFET
  • IGBT
  • Bipolar Transistor
  • Thyristor
  • Rectifier
  • Other
•  End User Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Automotive
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Communication
  • Industrial
  • Other End-use Verticals
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • ABB
  • Diodes Incorporated 
  • GeneSiC Semiconductor Inc.
  • Infineon Technologies AG 
  • Nexperia
  • NXP Semiconductors
  • Renesas Electronics Corporation
  • ROHM CO., LTD.
  • Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
  • StarPower Semiconductor Ltd.
  • STMicroelectronics
  • Taiwan Semiconductor
  • Texas Instruments Incorporated
  • TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION 
  • Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.
  • WeEn Semiconductors