IAV and Nexperia rethink high-voltage architectures to unlock more value from every battery cell
Electric mobility needs batteries that unlock more value from every cell, not simply more battery capacity. With the ONE Inverter concept, engineering specialist IAV and semiconductor specialist Nexperia are exploring a new approach to high-voltage architectures. The concept enables more efficient use of available battery capacity. By dynamically controlling and allocating battery sections through a software-defined architecture, functions that today rely on separate power electronics systems can be combined within a single system concept. IAV developed the underlying software-defined system architecture and battery control strategy, while Nexperia contributed the enabling wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies.
A key advantage of the ONE Inverter concept is that battery cells can be managed according to their actual condition. Instead of the entire battery being limited by its weakest cell, each cell can contribute according to its capabilities. This can improve battery utilisation and increase system robustness.
This approach is enabled by advanced wide bandgap semiconductor technologies from Nexperia, in particular a bidirectional GaN device, which allows efficient and fast switching at battery cell level and makes the approach technically and economically viable. Alternative semiconductor solutions would significantly increase system complexity and cost. In addition, further components from Nexperia’s semiconductor portfolio, including bipolar devices, support the overall system design.
The collaboration highlights IAV’s role in translating semiconductor innovation into software-defined system architectures. By combining IAV’s expertise in battery systems, software and vehicle architectures with Nexperia’s semiconductor and packaging know-how, the two companies are exploring new ways to help customers build more efficient, resilient and future-ready electric mobility solutions.
“IAV’s strength lies in translating technological innovation into system-level solutions for our customers. Together with Nexperia, we are exploring how software-defined battery architectures can unlock new levels of efficiency, flexibility and resilience for future software-defined vehicles,” said Jörg Astalosch, CEO IAV.
“Strong partnerships are key to driving innovation in next-generation vehicle architectures. By combining our wide bandgap semiconductor expertise – spanning both SiC and GaN – with the advanced system concepts of our partner IAV, we are enabling new approaches to e-mobility design from the ground up. Close collaboration at an early stage allows us to align semiconductor and system requirements and translate innovative ideas into scalable, high-performance solutions,” said Edoardo Merli, SVP and Head of Business Group Wide Bandgap, IGBT & Modules (WIM), Nexperia.
