Renesas Electronics, in collaboration with Nidec, has announced the development of the world’s first “8-in-1” proof of concept (PoC) for electric vehicle (EV) E-Axle systems.
This system integrates eight functions using a single microcontroller (MCU), which could further augment the efficiency and design of EVs.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The E-Axle system combines a drive motor, a gear, and an inverter into one compact unit.
The new E-Axle system is expected developed to reduce the size and weight of EV systems, simplifying the overall vehicle design.
Renesas provided crucial components, including semiconductors and a reference design, for the 8-in-1 E-Axle system.
The company plans to offer turnkey semiconductor solutions based on this reference design, which will enable developers to quickly implement and evaluate X-in-1 systems, thereby accelerating the development of EVs.
The PoC includes a motor and gear from Nidec, and from Renesas, an inverter with an output performance of 70~100kW and efficiency of 99% or higher, a 1.5kW DC/DC converter, a 6.6kW charge on-board battery charger (OBC), a power distribution unit (PDU), a battery management system (BMS), and Positive Temperature Co-efficiency (PTC) heater control for cars.
Traditionally, each function would require its own MCU and power management IC (PMIC), but Renesas’ new E-Axle system operates with just one MCU and PMIC.
The PoC has undergone stringent system-level testing to ensure optimal performance and includes a range of Renesas products such as the 32-bit MCU RH850/U2B for automotive control, a PMIC, the RAJ2930004AGM isolated gate driver, an IGBT module for the inverter, and power devices for the DC/DC converter and OBC.
Renesas is set to demonstrate the new E-Axle design at electronica 2024, taking place in Munich, Germany, from 12-15 November.
This showcase will provide a live demonstration of the system’s capabilities and the advanced integration achieved through the PoC.
Renesas senior vice president and general manager of power Chris Allexandre said: “We are thrilled to deliver the world-class 8-in-1 E-Axle solution and have successfully verified its operational performance in collaboration with Nidec.
“We are committed to delivering a broad range of power management products that work together with our digital products to provide complete, ready-to-use, system-level solutions. This approach enables Renesas to help customers accelerate their development and time to market.”
