Vertiv and Infineon strengthen partnership to secure power semiconductor supply for AI infrastructure

Last Updated 12 mins ago by Kenya Engineer

Vertiv Holdings Co. and Infineon Technologies AG have signed a three-year strategic agreement to strengthen the supply of critical power semiconductors used in data centre infrastructure and other power-intensive applications.

The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between the two companies and is intended to improve supply continuity as Vertiv expands production to meet rising global demand for critical digital infrastructure.

Under the arrangement, Infineon will support Vertiv’s access to silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, which are integral to the conversion, management and distribution of electrical power across its product portfolio. These technologies will also support Vertiv’s next-generation 800 VDC power systems, designed to address the changing electrical requirements of AI infrastructure.

The partnership comes as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and hyperscale data centres places increasing demands on electrical power infrastructure. Higher computing densities are driving the need for more advanced power conversion and distribution technologies capable of supporting large and increasingly complex loads.

Securing critical components for power infrastructure

Power semiconductors are essential components in modern electrical power systems. They control and convert electrical energy, enabling equipment to operate at the required voltage, current and frequency while managing efficiency and heat losses.

Vertiv’s expanded collaboration with Infineon is expected to provide greater visibility and predictability in the supply of these components over the three-year agreement period.

The arrangement also forms part of Vertiv’s wider multi-supplier strategy to strengthen supply-chain resilience and maintain production continuity across its global manufacturing operations.

Infineon’s portfolio includes insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), silicon-based power semiconductors and silicon carbide technologies. These components serve different power conversion requirements, with SiC devices offering advantages in high-voltage and high-efficiency applications, including the potential for reduced switching losses and more compact power conversion systems.

The companies will also continue aligning their technology and product development roadmaps to address emerging requirements in critical power infrastructure.

Supporting the transition to higher-voltage data centre architectures

One of the important areas covered by the agreement is Vertiv’s next-generation 800 VDC power systems.

As AI workloads increase the electrical demands of data centres, conventional power distribution architectures face growing challenges associated with current levels, conductor sizing, power losses and thermal management.

Higher-voltage direct current distribution is attracting attention as a potential approach to delivering large amounts of electrical power more efficiently within next-generation data centre environments. The transition requires advanced power conversion equipment, protection systems and semiconductor devices capable of operating reliably under demanding electrical conditions.

The availability of suitable silicon and silicon carbide components will consequently be important as equipment manufacturers develop and scale these emerging architectures.

Commenting on the agreement, Frieda He, Chief Procurement Officer at Vertiv, said the rapid development of AI was changing data centre power requirements and increasing the need for infrastructure partners capable of anticipating future technologies.

She said the agreement would strengthen Vertiv’s ability to serve customers while supporting the next generation of power architectures for AI and other critical applications.

Andreas Weisl, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Industrial & Infrastructure at Infineon, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to meeting the changing requirements of critical power infrastructure.

He added that Infineon’s technology portfolio and manufacturing capabilities would support Vertiv’s continued product development and growth.

The agreement extends a relationship spanning several decades, with Infineon’s globally manufactured components expected to be integrated into Vertiv products serving data centres, communication networks and commercial and industrial applications worldwide.