Abstract
The external ac-dc power supply market is more than five times larger than the embedded ac-dc power supply market in unit terms and more than fifteen times larger than the dc-dc converter market. However, it is ultra competitive and highly commoditized. Additionally, this market operates in low wattages with correspondingly low prices. Two primary groups of competitors exist; a relatively small number of global multinationals that dominant the market in terms of unit sales volume and market share and hundreds of smaller companies targeting specific niche applications.
In an effort to provide more energy efficient products, a growing number of companies are adopting standards designed to make external ac-dc external power supplies more energy efficient. Two specific programs, the ENERGY STAR program developed in the US and the European Code of Conduct, both establish voluntary codes of conduct designed to reduce energy consumption on external power supplies up to 250W.
The ENERGY STAR program was initiated in 1992, when the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced it as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. Through 1995, the EPA expanded the label to additional office equipment products and residential heating and cooling equipment. In 1996, the EPA partnered with the US Department of Energy for particular product categories. The ENERGY STAR label is now found on major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and more. The EPA also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.
The drive for increased energy efficiency is also driving competition and creating opportunities in this market. The European Code of Conduct for External Power Supplies is directed at external power supplies for electronic appliances, including AC adapters, battery chargers, domestic appliances, power tools and IT equipment. The Code of Conduct was prepared by the European Commission, following the discussions and decisions of the Commission' s adhoc working group composed of independent experts, member state representatives and representatives of industry. The participating manufacturers of power supplies commit themselves to design and produce power supplies that comply with ever-stricter energy efficiency guidelines. The participating manufacturers of appliances that use power supplies in their products commit themselves to the use of these more efficient parts. Though it is a voluntary plan, the list of participants includes major players in electronics in Europe. This trend is not limited to the United States and Europe; it is expanding and includes Canada, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Mexico, China and Brazil.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Energy Efficiency
- Profiles of Leading Competitors
- Acbel Polytech Inc.
- Astec (Emerson Network Power)
- Dee Van Enterprise Inc.
- Delta Electronics
- FRIWO
- FSP Group (SPI Electronic Corp.)
- GlobTek
- Jerome Industries
- Lambda
- Leader Electronics Inc.
- Li Shin International Enterprise Corp
- Lite-On Technology Corp.
- Nagano JRC
- Phihong
- Potrans Electrical Corp.
- Powerbox
- Salcomp PLC
- Sanken Electric Company Ltd.
- SL Power Electronics
- Tamura Corp
Tables
- Table I -1 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market Top Five Manufacturers
- Table I -2 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market Delta Electronics Product Inventory
- Table I -3 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market Astec Power Product Inventory
- Table I -4 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market Lite-On Technology Product Inventory
- Table I -5 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market FRIWO Product Inventory
- Table I -6 - Worldwide External AC-DC Power Supply Market Salcomp Plc Product Inventory
