Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced the world’s first “8-in-1” proof of concept* (PoC) for E-Axle systems for electric vehicles (EV), which controls eight functions using a single microcontroller (MCU).
Developed in collaboration with Nidec Corporation, this PoC integrates a motor, a gear (reduction gear), an inverter, a dc/dc converter, and an onboard battery charger (OBC). System-level testing was also completed to ensure its performance.
Renesas will showcase a live demonstration of the new E-Axle design at electronica 2024 in Munich, Germany, November 12-15 (Hall B4, Stand 179).
The E-Axle is a unit in EVs that combines a drive motor, a gear, and an inverter. By integrating multiple functions, the E-Axle system can reduce system size and weight, simplifying EV design. Renesas provided key components, including semiconductors and a new 8-in-1 E-Axle system reference design. The company also plans to deliver turnkey semiconductor solutions for various X-in-1 systems based on the reference design verified through this PoC. With these solutions, developers can instantly implement and evaluate X-in-1 systems, accelerating EV development.
Together with the motor and gear from Nidec, the eight functions in this PoC include:
- An inverter from Renesas with 70~100-kW output performance with the maximum efficiency of 99% or higher
- A 1.5-kW output dc/dc converter
- A 6.6-kW charge OBC
- A power distribution unit (PDU)
- A battery management system (BMS)
- A positive temperature co-efficiency (PTC) heater control for cars.
While generally each function of an E-Axle requires a dedicated MCU and a power management IC (PMIC) to control an X-in-1 system, Renesas successfully implemented a new E-Axle system which can operate with only one MCU and a PMIC to control the entire 8-in-1 system. By systematically integrating these functions with a single MCU, the PoC has significantly reduced the number of components, cost, and size.
This PoC, tested for optimal performance, includes numerous Renesas products: the 32-bit MCU RH850/U2B for automotive control, a PMIC for the MCU, the RAJ2930004AGM isolated gate driver, an IGBT module for the inverter, and power devices for the dc/dc converter and OBC.
Leveraging these innovations, Renesas can provide comprehensive system support and software for customers, along with key devices for X-in-1 solutions. It’s committed to providing comprehensive system solutions including reference designs and software to accelerate EV development.
Filed Under: Technology News