News: Microelectronics
13 March 2025
UK can lead in power electronics for data centers, reckons CSA Catapult
A new report by Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult has highlighted how the UK can be a leader in power electronics for data centers and the critical role of compound semiconductors in managing data-center energy consumption.
Established in 2018 by government agency Innovate UK, CSA Catapult is a not-for-profit center of excellence that specializes in the measurement, characterization, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology spanning power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency and microwave, and photonics applications.
The report ‘Advancing Data Centres: Key Trends and the Rise of Wide Bandgap Solutions’ explores the exponential rise in the number of data centers worldwide to meet the growing demand of AI applications. Energy efficiency is paramount for data-center providers, with projections showing they could account for up to 10% of global electricity by 2030.
The report highlights the possible efficiencies that can be achieved by integrating compound semiconductor devices into power distribution networks. In particular, it highlights three areas in which compound semiconductors can play a significant role: power supply units (PSUs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and solid-state transformers (SSTs).
With over 500 data centers — the third highest amount in the world — and robust engineering and compound semiconductor expertise, it is reckoned that the UK is well positioned to lead in advancing wide-bandgap technologies for data centers. CSA Catapult says that it plays a pivotal role in this innovation landscape, providing capabilities in advanced power electronics design, simulation, optimization and rapid prototyping.
“This report is a timely reminder that, as the UK leverages AI in unlocking growth and consumer data demands continue to rise, compound semiconductors have a vital role to play in managing our future energy needs,” says chief technology officer Nick Singh.
CSA Catapult hosts UK government ministers and South Wales’ compound semiconductor cluster
