STMicroelectronics has expanded its STPOWER gallium nitride (GaN) line-up with seven new 700V PowerGaN transistors, the company announced from Geneva on May 26, 2026. The devices are aimed squarely at the surging power demands of AI servers, robotics and industrial systems, where conventional silicon is increasingly hitting its limits.
Higher efficiency for power-hungry AI
The new enhancement-mode high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) carry a 700V rating and span continuous current ratings from 6 A to 29 A, with typical on-resistance from 53 to 270 milliohms. According to ST, the parts deliver low conduction losses, very low switching loss at high frequencies and zero reverse-recovery charge, allowing engineers to shrink magnetics and passive components for a more compact, higher-density power stage.
"Broadening our PowerGaN portfolio with new 700V devices extends the benefits of gallium-nitride technology into medium-power and high-power applications," said Mario Aleo, Executive Vice President, Power & Discrete Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. He added that ST will keep expanding the range "for tomorrow's AI servers, humanoid robotics, industrial power, and advanced consumer power applications including home appliances."
Packaging and availability
The transistors ship in proven DPAK, TO-LL and PowerFLAT surface-mount packages, with the TO-LL and PowerFLAT variants offering a Kelvin source connection that isolates the gate-control circuit from the main power path to improve noise immunity and protect the gate driver. ST says the parts can drop into existing designs as MOSFET replacements or enable new higher-frequency topologies. They are in production now and priced from 0.63 to 2.25 US dollars in 1,000-piece quantities.
Why it matters for robotics
Power efficiency has become a defining constraint for the data-center build-out fueling generative AI, a theme underscored by NVIDIA's next-generation Vera Rubin supply-chain push. Wide-bandgap components like GaN help cut energy waste in the converters that feed those systems. The launch also lands amid intense consolidation in the chip sector, including Analog Devices' acquisition of Empower Semiconductor and SMIC's foundry restructuring, as suppliers race to serve AI and robotics demand. For robotics developers, more efficient power conversion translates directly into lighter, cooler and longer-running machines, from factory power supplies to the actuators inside emerging humanoid platforms.
Reporting based on coverage from RoboticsTomorrow and STMicroelectronics.