Technical Hurdle for AI Data Centers: Infineon and Solaredge Develop Ultra-Fast Circuit Breakers for 800-Volt DC Grids

Munich/Milpitas, California – Protecting high-voltage direct current grids in AI data centers from faults is considered a key technical challenge, as such networks require extremely fast fault isolation while conventional electromechanical circuit breakers are comparatively slow. To address this, Infineon and Solaredge are jointly developing semiconductor-based circuit breakers, known as solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs).

The rapidly rising compute density of AI applications is increasingly pushing the industry toward high-voltage DC power distribution. Unlike alternating current, direct current has no natural zero crossing. As a result, opening a mechanical contact can produce an arc that does not self-extinguish, making it difficult to protect such grids using conventional electromechanical circuit breakers.

Infineon and Solaredge Develop Solid-State Circuit Breakers for 800-Volt DC Grids

Infineon Technologies AG and Israeli energy technology company Solaredge Technologies are expanding their existing collaboration on solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) technology for high-voltage DC power distribution in AI and hyperscale data centers, the companies announced. Electromechanical circuit breakers are comparatively slow, and opening a mechanical contact can also generate an arc. Given the rising power density of AI infrastructure, particularly fast fault isolation is required for safe and reliable operation. The SSCB solution is designed to isolate faults in DC grids within microseconds and without arc formation. Solaredge is leading the design of the SSCB solution, while Infineon supplies the core component using its CoolSiC™ silicon carbide (SiC) JFET technology. The solution is intended to align with leading industry standards for 800-volt DC (VDC) architectures.

"High-density AI infrastructure at 800 VDC demands uncompromising efficiency and protection," said Shuki Nir, Chief Executive Officer of Solaredge. "Solid-state protection will enable operators to achieve both, delivering ultra-fast and dependable fault isolation without sacrificing conversion performance. Infineon's silicon carbide technology is what makes it practical at scale."

Collaboration Builds on Solaredge Transformer Platform Using Infineon Semiconductors

The expanded partnership builds on the solid-state transformer (SST) platform collaboration announced in November 2025, which is based on Infineon's silicon carbide components. The SST converts medium voltage (13.8 to 34.5 kilovolts) directly into 800 to 1,500 volts DC at an efficiency of over 99 percent, reducing the number of conversion stages and the space required compared with conventional architectures. With the addition of the circuit breaker, the partners are now closing the gap between the transformer and the compute rack, advancing a comprehensive grid-to-rack solution.

"Today's data infrastructures have become more vulnerable to electrical faults, thereby driving the demand for smarter, faster and more robust power distribution systems," said Andreas Weisl, Chief Sales Officer of the Industrial & Infrastructure division at Infineon.

Solaredge Shares Up Significantly Since Late December

Solaredge, which is listed on the renewable energy stock index RENIXX World, has seen its share price recover significantly since late 2025. Between December 30, 2025, and September 14, 2026, the RENIXX-listed company's stock rose from EUR 24.62 to EUR 30.55, a gain of 24.1 percent.

Source: IWR Online, 15 Sep 2026