According to a recent report by Strategy Analytics (Boston), 92 percent of the chips used in EVs and HEVs are analog ICs. Between 2011 and 2018, the value of analog ICs for EVs and HEVs is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 23 percent, well-above the projected CAGR of 7.2 percent for standard automotive analog and linear products, according to Strategy Analytics.

Strategy Analytics estimates that power and non-power analog circuits make up 78 percent and 14 percent, respectively, of the combined semiconductor market value from HEV and EV powertrain control produced today. High power IGBT used in AC traction motor inverters will continue to account for the majority of the power analog demand, the firm projects.

"Digital logic will provide the brains for hybrid electric and pure electric vehicles drive, but analog semiconductor chips will provide the bulk of the interface, measurement, protection and muscle-power for control of these alternative powertrains, creating significant new business opportunities for analog IC vendors," said Chris Webber, vice president of Strategy Analytics's global automotive practice, in a statement.