150 kVA – 16kW/L SiC power stack for heavy-duty EV Mersen partnered with AgileSwitch and FTCAP to develop two high performance 3-phase inverter power stack reference designs. The SiC MOSFET version uses Wolfspeed SiC modules to deliver 150 kVA at a power density of 16 kVA/l, exceeding the DOE’s 2020 roadmap for electric vehicle applications…. Read more »
Japanese conglomerates TDK and Toshiba have agreed to establish a joint venture to manufacture automotive inverters for hybrids, PHEVs and EVs. With an eye on the global trend toward stricter emissions regulations, TDK is strengthening its energy unit business, which centers on power conversion hardware, and the controlling software, for electrified vehicles. TDK’s line-up includes… Read more »
Driven by the triple trends of vehicle electrification, automation and connectivity, the automotive semiconductor market had a splendid 2014, and is on track for more growth, according to a new report from research firm IHS (NYSE: IHS). Automakers built more cars and used more semiconductors in 2014, bringing the market to $29 billion, a 10… Read more »
Renesas Electronics has announced the new RH850/C1x series of 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), designed for motor control in hybrid and electric vehicles. The new RH850/C1x devices can be used with the RAA270000KFT RH850 family power supply management IC (PMIC), which integrates into one device all the power supply systems required for MCU operation, two external sensor… Read more »
GM is developing a next-generation power inverter capable of 55 kW peak/30 kW continuous power. According to GM’s Sean Gleason, who gave a presentation on the project at the DOE’s Annual Merit Review, GM is almost two-thirds of the way through the $16.6-million project ($6 million of the funding support came from the DOE), which… Read more »
The European MotorBrain project has presented a prototype of a lightweight electric motor system that integrates the motor, gear drive and inverter, and requires no rare earth metals. The prototype motor system is three quarters the size of models from the beginning of the project in 2011, and, at less than 77 kg (170 lbs),… Read more »
Topping the list of EV inhibitors are cost and consumer perception of long-term reliability of the vehicle. After batteries, power electronics contribute the greatest cost to EVs, when compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Additionally, inverters and converters are among the most stressed powertrain components. Increasing inverter performance, reliability, and lifetime –… Read more »