RFMW and Powerex Forge Alliance for Critical High-Power Tech

SAN JOSE, CA – March 23, 2026

In a strategic move poised to reshape the supply chain for high-power electronics, specialty distributor RFMW has announced a new distribution agreement with Powerex Inc., a U.S.-based leader in high-power semiconductor solutions. The partnership grants RFMW, a division of Exponential Technology Group, global distribution rights for Powerex’s extensive catalog of components designed for the world’s most demanding applications.

This alliance significantly expands RFMW's portfolio, adding a crucial high-power dimension to its offerings. It provides engineers in mission-critical sectors—from military and defense to renewable energy and transportation—with streamlined access to Powerex's robust rectifiers, thyristors, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), and advanced Silicon Carbide (SiC) modules. The deal connects Powerex's deep manufacturing expertise with RFMW's technically-driven global sales network, aiming to accelerate the development of next-generation power systems.

Powering a High-Tech Future

The timing of this partnership coincides with a surge in demand for sophisticated power semiconductors. The global power semiconductor market, valued at over $50 billion, is on a steep growth trajectory, fueled by a worldwide push for electrification and energy efficiency. Market analysts project the sector to grow substantially, driven by the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), the expansion of renewable energy grids, and the insatiable power demands of AI-driven data centers.

At the heart of this technological revolution are components like those made by Powerex. The company's portfolio includes devices with formidable specifications, such as rectifiers and thyristors rated up to 11 kV and 8,000A, and next-generation SiC MOSFET modules capable of handling up to 15 kV. These are not standard, off-the-shelf parts; they are the workhorses that manage massive electrical loads in systems where reliability is non-negotiable.

This move is particularly centered on the rapid adoption of wide-bandgap (WBG) materials like Silicon Carbide. The SiC power semiconductor market is experiencing explosive growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 30%. SiC devices offer superior efficiency, higher operating temperatures, and faster switching speeds compared to traditional silicon, making them essential for high-performance EV inverters, fast-charging infrastructure, and efficient solar power conversion.

A Strategic Fit for Distribution

For RFMW, the agreement is more than a simple line-card expansion; it represents a key execution of its core business strategy. The company prides itself on a “block diagram strategy,” aiming to provide customers with a comprehensive suite of components to build entire electronic systems.

“Powerex fills an important gap in our product portfolio for high-power semiconductor solutions,” said Joel Levine, President of RFMW, in the original announcement. “Their long history of reliable performance in mission critical applications and their vertically integrated U.S. manufacturing capability make them a strong addition to our supplier lineup. Powerex products align well with RFMW’s block diagram strategy and complement many of the power solutions already available through our line card.”

By integrating Powerex's high-voltage and high-current devices, RFMW can now service the entire power chain within a system design, from low-power control signals to the high-power switching and conversion stages. This positions RFMW as a more complete solution provider, offering deep technical support across a broader spectrum of engineering challenges. It elevates the distributor's role from a component supplier to a strategic partner in system design and development.

The American Manufacturing Advantage

Central to the partnership's value proposition is Powerex's identity as a U.S.-based, vertically integrated manufacturer. Headquartered in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Powerex operates with a unique heritage, born from the power semiconductor divisions of General Electric and Westinghouse Electric. Today, it stands as a joint venture between GE and Mitsubishi Electric, combining American industrial legacy with Japanese technological leadership.

In an era defined by supply chain volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, Powerex's domestic manufacturing is a significant competitive advantage. Vertical integration—encompassing design, wafer fabrication, assembly, and testing—gives the company end-to-end control over quality and production. This ensures the high level of reliability demanded by its customers in the military, aviation, and medical fields. Furthermore, it offers a secure and resilient supply chain for critical components, a factor of growing importance for both commercial and government clients.

This domestic strength is now paired with a global reach. “We are pleased to partner with RFMW to expand the availability of our high-power semiconductor technologies,” commented Ron Yurko, COO at Powerex. “RFMW’s strong presence in RF and power electronics markets, combined with their technical sales expertise, will help bring our solutions to a broader range of engineers designing next-generation high-power systems.”

Impact on Mission-Critical Industries

The tangible impact of this alliance will be felt across a wide range of industries that form the backbone of modern infrastructure. In the defense sector, Powerex components are vital for advanced radar systems, naval propulsion, and directed energy applications. In transportation, they enable the powerful traction inverters for electric trains and heavy-duty vehicles. For the green energy transition, these semiconductors are essential for efficiently converting and managing power from wind turbines and large-scale solar farms.

Other key applications include industrial motor controls, welding, induction heating, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that protect critical data centers. The availability of Powerex's standard and custom solutions through RFMW's established sales channels, which began in the second quarter, is expected to simplify procurement and provide engineers with the expert technical support necessary to integrate these complex components effectively. This collaboration ultimately promises to foster innovation by making advanced, reliable, and domestically-supported power technology more accessible than ever before.