ROHM’s 4th Generation SiC MOSFETs to be Used in Hitachi Astemo’s Inverters for Electric Vehicles

ROHM has recently announced the adoption of its new 4th Generation SiC MOSFETs and gate driver ICs in electric vehicle inverters from Hitachi Astemo, Ltd., a leading Japanese automotive parts manufacturer.

As the electrification of cars rapidly advances towards achieving a decarbonised society, the development of electric powertrain systems that are more efficient, compact, and lightweight is currently underway.

Especially for EVs, the inverter, which plays a central role in the drive system, needs to be made more efficient to extend the cruising range and reduce the size of the onboard battery, increasing the expectations for SiC power devices.

As the first supplier in the world to begin mass production of SiC MOSFETs in 2010, ROHM continues to develop market-leading SiC power device technologies. Among these are ROHM’s latest 4th Generation SiC MOSFETs that deliver improved short-circuit withstand time along with the industry’s lowest ON-resistance, making it possible to extend the cruising range of electric vehicles by reducing power consumption 6% vs IGBTs (as calculated by the international standard WLTC fuel efficiency test) when installed in the main inverter.

At the same time, Hitachi Astemo, which has been developing advanced technologies for vehicle motors and inverters for a number of years, already enjoys a considerable track record in the increasingly popular EV market. However, this marks the first time SiC devices will be adopted for the main inverter circuit to further improve performance. The inverters are slated to be supplied to automakers from 2025, starting in Japan and then expanding overseas.

Going forward, as a leading supplier of SiC power devices, ROHM will continue to strengthen its lineup and provide power solutions that contribute to technical innovation in vehicles by combining peripheral device technologies such as control ICs designed to maximise performance.

Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.

Hitachi Astemo is committed to strengthening its business and delivering technological innovation through a strategic business portfolio, which consists of the Powertrain & Safety Systems business, Chassis business, Motorcycle business, Software business and Aftermarket business. Aiming for a better environment globally and growth around the pillars of “green,” “digital,” and “innovation,” we will deliver highly efficient internal combustion engine systems; electric systems that reduce emissions; autonomous driving for improved safety and comfort; advanced driver assistance systems; and advanced chassis systems. Through such advanced mobility solutions, we will contribute to realising a sustainable society and provide enhanced corporate value for our customers.

About ROHM Semiconductor

ROHM Semiconductor is a global company of 452.1 billion Yen (3.3 billion Euros) per March 31st, 2022, with over 23,000 employees. The company develops and manufactures a very large product range from SiC Diodes and MOSFETs, Analog ICs such as Gate Drivers and Power Management ICs to Power Transistors and Diodes to Passive Components. The production of our high performing products is taking place in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Japan, Germany, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. ROHM Semiconductor Europe has its Head Office near Dusseldorf serving the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). For further information, please contact www.rohm.com