NXP and ZF collaborate on SiC-based traction inverters
NXP has announced a collaboration with ZF Friedrichshafen AG on next-generation SiC-based traction inverter solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). By leveraging NXP’s GD316x high-voltage (HV) isolated gate drivers, the solutions are designed to accelerate the adoption of 800-V and SiC power devices. Traction inverters enabled by the GD316x product family can be designed to extend EV range and reduce the number of charging stops while lowering system level costs for OEMs.
The collaboration between ZF and NXP is a significant step towards accelerating the electrification of the automotive industry, and creating more safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient EVs for the future.
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 the advantages such as 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 functionally safe, isolated, high voltage gate drivers incorporates a number of programmable control, diagnostic, monitoring, and protection features, enhanced to drive the latest SiC power modules for automotive traction inverter applications. Its high level of integration allows a smaller footprint and simplifies the system design. The capabilities reduce Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) noise while also reducing switching energy losses for better efficiency. Fast short-circuit protection times (< 1 µsec) in combination with powerful and programmable gate drive schemes optimise the performance of the traction inverter’s SiC power modules.
NXP’s Electrification solutions manage the flow of energy in EVs with flexibility and precision to extend driving range and keep vehicles on the road longer. With complete system solutions for EVs, NXP’s electrification solutions deliver the optimised performance and integrated safety that OEMs need and are designed for scalability and compatibility across fleets.
