Over the past couple of years, India has witnessed a great revolution in electronics and semiconductors. We cannot even imagine any advanced device without electronic components. As technology is enhancing day by day, Power Electronics is capturing the market and has gained much popularity. Moreover, devices that provide reliable and stable power are in demand. Many companies have understood this market demand and set foot in the power electronics and semiconductor industry.

RIR Power Electronics Limited is a prominent player offering various quality electronic products. Formerly known as Ruttonsha International Rectifier Limited, the company is at the forefront of manufacturing power semiconductor devices and high-power equipment. It has an impressive legacy of over five decades (54 years) and boasts profound expertise in semiconductor technology. Moreover, the company has cultivated a unique understanding of diverse product applications and focuses on product manufacturing.

RIR Power Electronics owes its visionary approach and relentless pursuit of success to its promoter—Dr Harshad Mehta, Owner and Promoter. Driven by unwavering determination, he embodies the values of perseverance, iron willpower, and eternal optimism. With a focus on the MUST (Manufacturable, Useable and Saleable Technology) goal—Dr Mehta instils a passion for questioning ‘Why Not’ and delivering on promises.

In an exclusive interview with CIOLOOK India, RIR’s leader, Dr Mehta, narrated how he has taken the business to the next level and become the market leader in ‘Power Electronics.’

Tell us more about your services and what makes them stand out in the cutthroat competition.

RIR Power Electronics has held a distinctive position as the sole company in India engaged in the manufacturing of power semiconductor components, value-added subsystems, and systems for over 54 years. Our unique vertical integration sets us apart, offering a comprehensive range of “Made in India” products that encompass the entire value chain, from silicon-based to systems-level products. This capability enables us to cater to global markets with unparalleled efficiency and expertise.

Tell us about the immersive benefits offered by your business enterprise to the modern semiconductor industry.

Our honourable Electronics Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has aptly identified power electronics as the “lowest hanging fruit” for India, emphasizing its immense potential. In line with the vision of the Government of India, RIR Power Electronics is at the forefront of this transformative sector, spearheading advancements and making this vision a reality. Our contributions are evident in our partnerships and collaborations with esteemed entities such as Indian Railways, Indian Defense, renowned Indian and global corporations like Adani, ABB, Siemens, and CG Power, as well as leading research institutes and universities. By providing cutting-edge products and services, we are actively driving progress in this space, aligning with the government’s objectives and serving a diverse range of esteemed clientele.

Please brief us about RIR’s journey in the business world and how the company has made its venture excel in its niche.

RIR is now embarking on the next technological frontier in Power Electronics by setting up the entire Ecosystem of manufacturing facilities in India for SiC (Silicon Carbide) based Compound Semiconductor. This strategic step holds tremendous potential in various sectors, such as Electric Vehicles (EVs), Railways, Aerospace and Defense, Renewable Energy, and Grid applications. By embracing SiC technology, we aim to revolutionize these industries with enhanced performance and efficiency.

Furthermore, our expertise places the company in an advantageous position to provide power quality and reliability solutions. It becomes particularly critical in advanced semiconductor fabs, where uninterrupted and reliable power is essential for the flawless operation of robotically automated manufacturing infrastructure. By ensuring a stable power supply, we contribute to the seamless functioning of such sophisticated facilities, enabling optimal productivity and precision. With these initiatives, our company is cementing its position as a pioneer in the Power Electronics field, driving innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of diverse industries.

Being an experienced leader, share your opinion on how adopting modern technologies like AI and ML impacts today’s semiconductor sector and how your organization is adapting to the change.

Based on my experience, I can attest to the significant impact that the adoption of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) has on today’s semiconductor sector. AI and ML are revolutionizing how semiconductor companies design, manufacture, and optimize their products and processes. In the semiconductor sector, AI and ML are employed across various value chain stages. These technologies are instrumental in accelerating design automation, optimizing chip performance, improving yield rates, enhancing quality control, and enabling predictive maintenance. With the vast amounts of data generated during semiconductor manufacturing, AI and ML algorithms can extract valuable insights, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

In our organisation’s context, we recognise AI and ML’s immense potential in transforming the semiconductor industry. We leverage these technologies to enhance product development cycles, improve manufacturing efficiency, and optimize product performance. By embracing these modern technologies, we strive to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and deliver advanced solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. The adoption of AI and ML is revolutionizing the semiconductor sector, and we are embracing these technologies to stay competitive, enhance productivity, and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers.

Considering the current industry scenario, what challenges do you face, and how do you drive your services to overcome them?

RIR Power Electronics takes pride in its unmatched global technical capabilities. However, we acknowledge the significant challenges of well-resourced Indian giants with multi-billion plans for Giga Factories. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in maintaining its leadership position in high-value niche sectors. One of our key factors contributing to the company’s confidence is its deep understanding that high-value niche sectors demand substantial resources, extensive product development, and a proven track record of successful applications.

Additionally, RIR has invested considerable time, effort, and resources in developing its technical expertise, which sets it apart from competitors. We recognize that maintaining a leading position requires more than just large-scale manufacturing capabilities. We necessitate an in-depth understanding of the unique requirements of these niche sectors and the ability to provide tailored solutions.

RIR’s confidence also stems from its strong foothold in these niche sectors. Our proven track record, coupled with its technical prowess, instils confidence in customers and partners. We have longstanding relationships and a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions to our clientele. While competition from well-resourced Indian giants is formidable, we are committed to maintaining our leadership by focusing on high-value niche sectors.

We at RIR will continue to leverage our technical capabilities, expertise, and extensive experience to deliver specialized solutions that cater to the specific needs of these sectors. We remain dedicated to innovation, research, and development, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of technological advancements to provide unmatched products and services to our customers.

How do you envision scaling your business services and offerings in the future?

Until now, we have been primarily involved in manufacturing Silicon (Si) based devices and power equipment using Si technology acquired from International Rectifiers & Silicon Power Corporation (USA). However, with a new project on the horizon, we are ready to embrace SiC (Silicon Carbide) technology, which provides a significant advantage over traditional devices. SiC technology has superior performance characteristics, such as higher energy efficiency, faster switching speeds, and better temperature resistance.

While SiC technology offers numerous benefits, it comes at a higher cost for customers. This cost premium is due to the advanced materials and manufacturing processes of SiC-based devices. Despite the higher price, customers are willing to invest in SiC devices due to their cutting-edge capabilities and the potential long-term cost savings through improved energy efficiency and reliability.

By embracing SiC technology, we aim to stay at the forefront of the power semiconductor industry and provide our customers with state-of-the-art solutions that meet their evolving needs. This decision to adopt SiC technology demonstrates our commitment to innovation. Incidentally, we are the only end-to-end manufacturing facility in India for Si devices & also will be the only one for SiC power semiconductors.