Manuel Gärtner
Director – Wide bandgap & Electrification
STMicroelectronics
Manuel Gärtner is Director of Wide Bandgap & Electrification for automotive applications at STMicroelectronics Munich. Leveraging his extensive expertise in smart power product development and advanced research from prestigious institutions such as the University of Berlin and Fraunhofer Institute ISiT, Manuel drives innovation and excellence in automotive power electronics at ST.
His leadership accelerates ST’s position as a pioneer in wide bandgap technologies, enabling the company to deliver cutting-edge, energy-efficient solutions tailored for the automotive sector. With over 50 technical publications and multiple patents, Manuel contributes deep technical knowledge that fuels ST’s competitive edge and thought leadership.
Beyond his technical impact, Manuel strengthens ST’s industry influence through active roles on the EEHE Scientific Advisory Board, the SIA POWER TRAIN & ELECTRONICS scientific committee, and the technical program committee for the upcoming CIPS 2026 Conference. As principal partner representative and board member of ECPE, he ensures ST’s strategic collaboration and visibility in the global power electronics ecosystem.
Presentations
800V Automotive DC Bus Domain: Evolving Requirements for Semiconductor Voltage Robustness
The shift towards electrification in the automotive industry necessitates the adoption of wide-bandgap semiconductors, particularly silicon carbide and gallium nitride. These materials are essential for meeting the stringent efficiency targets of modern electric and hybrid vehicles, especially within the rapidly growing 800V DC bus domain. Recent developments indicate that maximum DC bus voltages are increasingly approaching 1000V—and may even exceed this threshold. Consequently, the requirements for power semiconductor breakdown voltage must be re-evaluated to ensure reliability and performance in extreme operational conditions. To remain competitive, especially against new entrants in the automotive sector, the traditional technology development strategies must undergo a paradigm shift. This involves not just advancements in semiconductor technology but also adapting to the complex dynamics of a fast-evolving OEM ecosystem.