NXP Semiconductors N.V. is partnering with ZF Friedrichshafen AG on next-generation SiC-based traction inverter solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). By leveraging NXP’s advanced GD316x high-voltage (HV) isolated gate drivers, these solutions are designed to accelerate the adoption of 800-V and SiC power devices.
The GD316x product family enables the design of safe, efficient, and high-performance electric vehicle traction inverters while extending range, reducing charging stops, and lowering OEM costs. ZF traction inverters, enabled by NXP’s GD316x product family, are already on the road.
Traction inverters are a critical component of an EV’s electric powertrain, converting dc voltage from the battery into a time-varying ac voltage, which drives the vehicle’s motor. As traction inverters now migrate to SiC-based designs, the SiC power devices need to be paired with HV-isolated gate drivers to harness higher switching frequency, lower conduction losses, better thermal characteristics, and higher robustness at high voltages, compared to previous generation silicon-based IGBT and MOSFET power switches.
The GD316x family of advanced, functionally safe, isolated, high-voltage gate drivers incorporates a number of programmable control, diagnostic, monitoring, and protection features. Its high level of integration allows a smaller footprint and simplifies the system design. The outstanding capabilities reduce Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) noise while reducing energy losses for better efficiency. Fast short-circuit protection times (< 1 µsec) in combination with powerful and programmable gate drive schemes optimize the performance of the traction inverter’s SiC power modules.
“Together with ZF, we are developing next-generation power electronics for future EVs,” said Robert Li, SVP and GM of Electrification at NXP. “Our gate-driver family implements a number of outstanding features to both protect and unleash the benefits of high-voltage SiC power switches, making them an ideal choice for ZF’s new SiC-based traction inverter solutions. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that enable OEMs to achieve their EV performance and sustainability goals.”
Filed Under: Inverter, Technology News