Navigating Mitsubishi Electric’s Power Semiconductor Acquisitions: How It Affects Your Components and Designs

September 25, 2025

In the fast-moving world of power semiconductors, staying ahead of changes in product lines, obsolescence, and supply chains is essential for engineers, procurement teams, and manufacturers. Mitsubishi Electric has reshaped the high-power device landscape through strategic acquisitions, creating opportunities — and challenges — for customers relying on IGBTs, MOSFETs, and SiC modules.

Strategic Acquisitions and Market Consolidation

2004 – Toshiba Power Module Business: Mitsubishi Electric acquired Toshiba’s high-capacity power module business, including product development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-power modules. These modules, used in industrial inverters, hybrid vehicles, and renewable energy systems, became part of Mitsubishi Electric’s expanding portfolio.
2018 – Powerex Power Device Distribution Business: Mitsubishi Electric strengthened its North American footprint by acquiring Powerex’s distribution operations. This move allowed Mitsubishi Electric to streamline sales channels, provide better customer support, and consolidate products like IGBTs, MOSFETs, and power modules under a unified portfolio.

These acquisitions reflect an industry trend toward consolidation, as leading suppliers integrate technologies to enhance inverter solutions, improve efficiency in power electronics, and expand renewable energy support.

What This Means for Customers

For engineers, OEMs, and maintenance teams, these acquisitions have real-world impacts:

Obsolescence of Legacy Products Some Toshiba- or Powerex-branded components may be phased out as Mitsubishi Electric standardizes its product lines. High-power IGBTs and SiC modules, commonly used in industrial automation, elevators, and motor drives, could see end-of-life announcements, requiring proactive planning.
Part Number Revisions Previously issued part numbers may change to align with Mitsubishi Electric’s branding and specifications. This affects BOMs (Bill of Materials), inventory management, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Supply Chain Adjustments Lead times, distributors, and sourcing channels may shift as Mitsubishi Electric integrates its acquisitions. Planning for these changes is essential to avoid production delays or system downtime.
Technical Specification Updates Some products may see improvements in thermal handling, switching speed, or voltage ratings. Engineers may need to re-evaluate designs to take advantage of new performance characteristics while ensuring backward compatibility.

How ATI Helps Customers Navigate Changes

ATI Accurate Technology Inc. specializes in helping customers maintain continuity, reduce risk, and optimize their power semiconductor strategies:

Cross-Reference Solutions Quickly identify equivalents for obsolete or rebranded Mitsubishi components, including IGBTs, MOSFETs, SiC modules, and high-power diodes.
Inventory Planning & Risk Management Predictive support for stock levels and replacement planning ensures uninterrupted production and field service.
Technical Expertise Our experienced staff provide guidance on selecting alternative components with equivalent or improved thermal performance, voltage ratings, and efficiency.
Supply Chain Optimization Access to trusted sourcing channels reduces lead time disruptions and ensures timely delivery for critical applications like industrial drives, renewable energy inverters, and electric vehicle systems.

Why This Matters

Industries like industrial automation, renewable energy, hybrid vehicles, HVAC systems, elevators, and electric rail rely on reliable power devices. Mitsubishi Electric’s acquisitions make it more important than ever to proactively manage obsolescence and part number changes. Delayed or mismatched components can cause costly downtime, design revisions, and maintenance challenges.