Renesas has jointly developed world-class “8-in-1” proof of concept with Nidec, delivering advanced integration for EV E-Axles
Renesas has 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 on-board battery charger (OBC). System-level testing was also completed to ensure its performance.
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 reference design for the new 8-in-1 E-Axle system. Renesas also plans to deliver turnkey semiconductor solutions for various X-in-1 systems based on the reference design verified through this PoC. Armed with these solutions, developers can implement and evaluate X-in-1 systems instantly, accelerating EV development.
Together with the motor and gear from Nidec, the eight functions in this PoC include an inverter from Renesas with 70~100kW output performance with the maximum efficiency of 99 percent or higher; a 1.5kW output DC/DC converter, a 6.6kW charge OBC; a power distribution unit (PDU); a battery management system (BMS); and 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, 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. Renesas is committed to providing comprehensive system solutions including reference designs and software to accelerate EV development.
