Pretty much every electronic circuit that handles significant power utilizes some means of measuring current, whether to simply protect against overload or because it is a basic functional requirement. In this article we’ll cover some of the more common devices and circuit techniques for measuring current in the major subsystems of an EV, including when… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "ON Semiconductor"
Transphorm introduces second 900 V GaN FET for three-phase applications
Transphorm, a provider of Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, has introduced its second 900 V Field-Effect Transistor (FET), the Gen III TP90H050WS. Transphorm’s devices now enable three-phase industrial systems and higher voltage automotive electronics to use GaN. The FET has a typical on-resistance of 50 mOhm with a 1000 V transient rating, offered in a standard… Read more »
DOE announces $89 million in grants for energy storage manufacturing technologies
The DOE has announced it will award $89 million to support innovative, advanced manufacturing R&D projects. This DOE Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) specifically requests proposals in three areas: 1.Innovations for Manufacturing Advanced Materials: Focuses on employing machine learning to develop better batteries, phase change storage materials for heating and cooling applications, and new semiconductors that… Read more »
Cree joins Volkswagen’s FAST program to provide silicon carbide
Automotive manufacturer Volkswagen Group has selected Cree as the exclusive provider of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors for its Future Automotive Supply Tracks (FAST) program. Founded in 2015, FAST aims to optimize the collaboration between Volkswagen and its suppliers. According to Cree, the use of SiC semiconductors makes EVs more efficient, allowing for reduced costs, quicker… Read more »
Fraunhofer develops GaN power ICs with integrated sensors
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute have integrated current and temperature sensors, 600 V-class power transistors, freewheeling diodes, and gate drivers onto a gallium nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor chip. The new circuit measures 4 x 3 mm and enables high switching frequencies and a high power density, while providing fast and accurate condition monitoring, according to the… Read more »
Cree to invest $1 billion to expand silicon carbide capacity
LED and semiconductor manufacturer Cree will invest up to $1 billion to expand its silicon carbide materials capability and wafer fabrication capacity. Slated for completion in 2024, the expansion will entail the development of an automated 200 mm silicon carbide fabrication facility and a materials factory in Durham, North Carolina. The plan includes the buildout… Read more »
Battery bonding: Ultrasonic wire bonding vs laser welded bonding
Ultrasonic wire bonding vs laser welded bonding Li-ion cells come in many different shapes and size. There’s also a large variety of options to choose from when designing the connections between each cell and a vehicle’s electronics. In automotive applications, it’s critical to design reliable connections that are cost-effective and suited to high-volume manufacturing. F&K… Read more »
Silicon Lab’s new isolated amplifiers ensure precise current and voltage measurements with ultra-low temperature drift
Semiconductor company Silicon Labs has introduced a family of isolated analog amplifiers, voltage sensors and delta-sigma modulator (DSM) devices designed to provide accurate current and voltage measurement with very low drift across temperature. The Texas-based company says the Si89xx family provides flexible voltage, current, and output options to help developers reduce BOM cost and shrink… Read more »
Startup Canoo (formerly EVELOZCITY) to build subscription-only EVs
EVELOZCITY, a Los Angeles company working on EVs available only via subscription, has announced that it has changed its name to Canoo. Canoo hopes to offer four EVs in select cities by subscription only. In an effort to reduce design and production costs, it plans to use a single standardized EV platform. The company also… Read more »
Study shows gallium oxide could enable cheaper power electronics
Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have modeled the wafer cost of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) semiconductors, and determined the cost could be three times lower than that of silicon carbide (SiC). The finding could lead to lower costs for power electronics such as those used in EVs. The researchers created a bottom-up cost model… Read more »