Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Offering: High-Efficiency IGBT and SiC Power Modules for Rail and Industrial Systems
Case Study
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, one of the global leaders in power electronics and automation systems, strengthened its footprint in Europe’s sustainable transportation sector through a strategic partnership with Siemens Mobility. The collaboration aimed to develop and deploy next-generation hybrid power modules, combining Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) technologies, for high-speed rail traction systems across major European routes.
The railway industry has been under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency without compromising reliability or speed. Mitsubishi Electric identified a key opportunity to enhance traction inverter performance — a core component responsible for converting and managing power between the train’s electrical supply and its traction motors.
Traditional IGBT modules, while reliable, face limitations in terms of power density and thermal efficiency. To address these challenges, Mitsubishi Electric’s engineers designed an advanced SiC-IGBT hybrid module leveraging their proprietary Smart Module Design. This design integrates cutting-edge semiconductor materials with superior heat dissipation features, including optimized thermal conductivity layers and micro-channel cooling structures. The new system enables trains to operate at higher voltages and switching frequencies while maintaining stable performance under extreme conditions.
During the pilot implementation with Siemens Mobility, these hybrid modules were integrated into a new generation of high-speed trains operating on major European corridors. Mitsubishi’s modules not only reduced power conversion losses but also improved inverter cooling efficiency, allowing for more compact inverter assemblies. This integration contributed to lighter train weight, lower noise levels, and enhanced acceleration control — all critical factors in modern rail system design.
Outcome
The deployment of Mitsubishi’s hybrid SiC power modules delivered transformative results. Siemens Mobility reported that its upgraded high-speed rail traction systems achieved a 10% improvement in energy efficiency, directly translating into lower power consumption per trip. Moreover, inverter cooling efficiency enhancements reduced system stress, leading to a 20% reduction in maintenance costs and extending the operational lifespan of core components.
These results not only supported Siemens’ commitment to sustainable mobility under the EU’s Green Deal objectives but also validated the commercial and technical feasibility of hybrid power solutions in large-scale rail infrastructure. The trains equipped with Mitsubishi’s modules also demonstrated improved regenerative braking efficiency, allowing surplus energy to be redirected into the grid — further enhancing environmental performance.
Protectional Measures
Given the high-power demands and continuous operation of high-speed rail systems, Mitsubishi Electric prioritized safety, reliability, and durability throughout the design and production stages. The modules were engineered with multi-layer insulation coatings to prevent dielectric breakdown and ensure stable operation under high-voltage conditions.
Additionally, the company incorporated redundant fault protection circuits to guard against overcurrent and thermal runaway events — critical in maintaining uninterrupted service and passenger safety. Each module underwent extensive qualification testing aligned with EN 50155 and IEC 61800 standards for rail electronics, ensuring compliance with European safety and performance regulations. Mitsubishi also implemented real-time data monitoring capabilities, enabling predictive maintenance and performance analytics across Siemens’ traction systems.
Impact on the Market
This successful collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and Siemens Mobility set a new benchmark in the transport electrification and power semiconductor industries. It demonstrated that hybrid SiC-IGBT architectures could deliver tangible performance and sustainability advantages, not just in electric vehicles but in large-scale transportation applications such as rail and industrial drives.
As a result, several other European OEMs, including Alstom and Hitachi Rail, began exploring similar SiC-based solutions for their upcoming electrification projects. The case reinforced the market’s confidence in Mitsubishi Electric’s technological leadership and accelerated the global transition toward wide-bandgap semiconductor adoption in high-power applications.
The project also contributed to broader policy goals under the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 framework by enabling more efficient rail transport — a crucial pillar in Europe’s decarbonization roadmap. Mitsubishi’s innovation positioned it as a trusted partner for sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide.
Financial After Implementation
From a business perspective, the project proved to be a major growth driver for Mitsubishi Electric’s Power Device Division. The success of its hybrid SiC modules in Europe catalyzed a wave of new orders from global OEMs in both transportation and industrial automation sectors.
By the end of FY2025, Mitsubishi reported a 12% revenue increase in its Power Device Division, largely attributed to the surge in demand for energy-efficient traction inverters and power conversion modules. The company’s share in the global power semiconductor market grew notably, with its SiC-based product line accounting for nearly 18% of its total power electronics revenue.
Moreover, the strong market performance validated Mitsubishi’s ongoing investments in SiC wafer manufacturing and vertical integration, ensuring cost control and consistent quality across its product portfolio. The partnership also enhanced Mitsubishi’s brand perception in the European rail market, opening doors for multi-year supply contracts and research collaborations in next-generation mobility solutions.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mitsubishi Electric–Siemens Mobility case exemplifies how strategic collaboration, material innovation, and system-level engineering can reshape the power semiconductor landscape. Through its hybrid SiC power modules, Mitsubishi not only improved the efficiency and reliability of Europe’s rail systems but also contributed meaningfully to the global movement toward cleaner, smarter transportation.
This success story underscores Mitsubishi Electric’s role as a technological pioneer driving the future of power semiconductors — where sustainability and performance converge to redefine what’s possible in modern infrastructure and mobility.
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