NXP Semiconductors recently announced a collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen AG,a global leader in electric mobility,to develop a next-generation Silicon Carbide(SiC)-based 800V traction inverter solution.The collaboration aims to accelerate the use of 800V and SiC power devices in electric vehicles(EVs)through NXP's GD316x family of high-voltage isolated gate drivers,enhancing the safety,efficiency,range and overall performance of EVs.
NXP and ZF Collaborate on SiC-Based Traction Inverter to Enhance EV Powertrain Performance
Driving EV powertrain innovation
The collaboration marks an important step for NXP and ZF in driving electrification in the automotive industry,NXP said,adding that its GD316x series of high-voltage isolated gate drivers will be used in ZF's new SiC-based traction inverters designed to extend EV range,reduce the number of recharges,and lower system-level costs for OEMs.
Commenting on the announcement,Dr.Carsten Götte,Senior Vice President,Electrified Powertrain Technologies at ZF,said:"We look forward to working with NXP to improve the capability and performance of our 800V traction inverter solution,helping us to achieve our emissions reduction and sustainability goals.ZF's expertise in the field of motor control and power electronics,combined with NXP's GD316x gate driver family combine to enable us to offer high power and high density,high efficiency SiC traction inverters,delivering significant safety,efficiency,range and performance improvements to our customers."
The Vital Role of Traction Inverters
Traction inverters are a key component of an electric vehicle's electric drive system,converting the DC voltage from the battery to the AC voltage that drives the vehicle's motor.With the shift to SiC-based designs for traction inverters,SiC power devices need to be coupled with high-voltage isolated gate drivers to take full advantage of their benefits,such as higher switching frequencies,lower conduction losses,better thermal characteristics and greater stability at high voltages.
NXP GD316x Series Gate Drivers
NXP's GD316x series of high-voltage isolated gate drivers feature a number of programmable control,diagnostic,monitoring and protection functions designed to drive SiC power modules in the latest automotive traction inverter applications.Their high level of integration allows for a smaller footprint,simplifying system design while reducing electromagnetic compatibility(EMC)noise and switching energy losses,resulting in improved efficiency.The fast short-circuit protection time(<1 microsecond)combined with a powerful programmable gate drive scheme optimises the performance of SiC power modules in traction inverters.
Robert Li,senior vice president and general manager of NXP's Electrification Division,said:"Working with ZF,we are developing the next generation of power electronics for the electric vehicles of the future.Our gate driver family implements a number of excellent features that both protect and unlock the benefits of high-voltage SiC power switches,making them ideal for ZF's new SiC traction inverter solution.This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that help OEMs achieve their EV performance and sustainability goals."
Towards an electrified future
ZF's traction inverters using NXP's GD316x family of products are already in real-world use,and these advanced solutions are helping EVs achieve longer range,fewer recharges,and higher operating efficiencies.
Through this partnership,NXP and ZF will jointly drive technological innovation in EV powertrains by providing high-performance SiC traction inverter solutions.This not only demonstrates the two companies'leadership in technology development and market application,but also brings more efficient,safer and sustainable solutions to the global EV market.