By Neil Tyler
Nidec and Renesas Electronics are to jointly develop semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system) that integrates EV drive motor and power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs).
EVs are increasingly adopting the 3-in-1 unit called the E-Axle, which integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear) and to realise high-performance and efficiency, as well as to accelerate vehicle development, EVs are also now integrating power electronics controls such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs).
EV manufacturers in advanced markets such as China have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions, accelerating the adoption in many vehicle models.
As X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases in complexity, maintaining a high-level of quality in vehicles is set to become more challenging. So, developing preventive safety technologies such as diagnostic functions and failure prediction will have a critical role to play in ensuring safety and security in vehicles.
In response, the two companies have agreed to combine Nidec’s motor technology and Renesas’ semiconductor technology to jointly develop a highly reliable and high-performance proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. The PoC will look to provide the industry’s highest performance and efficiency as well as smaller size, light weight and lower cost for the X-in-1 system.
The companies plan to launch the first PoC by the end of 2023, which will feature a 6-in-1 system with a DC-DC converter, OBC, and power distribution unit (PDU) as well as a motor, inverter, and gearbox.
As a second phase in 2024, Nidec and Renesas plan to develop a highly integrated X-in-1 PoC that incorporates a battery management system (BMS) along with other components. The first PoC will include power devices based on SiC (silicon carbide), and the second PoC will replace the DC-DC and OBC power devices with GaN (gallium nitride), offering excellent performance in high-frequency operation, to further reduce size and cost.
Building on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nidec plans to rapidly productise E-Axle systems to add to its portfolio and ramp up to mass production to lead the E-Axle market.
Renesas plans to develop and deliver turnkey solutions for increasingly complex X-in-1 systems by expanding the jointly developed PoC for E-Axle reference designs.
