Nidec and Renesas have announced a new collaboration focused on the development of semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system) that integrates an electric drive motor and power electronics for EVs.
The companies have said that an increasing number of EVs are adopting the system, which more specifically integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear). To help them achieve various advantages in performance, efficiency, size, weight, and cost while reducing development times – OEMs are also integrating power electronics controls, such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers, into their EVs. In advanced markets, such as China, EV manufacturers have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions, accelerating adoption across many vehicle models.
As X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases in complexity, maintaining a high standard of quality becomes challenging. As such, developing preventive safety technologies will be crucial to ensuring vehicle safety and security are designed and integrated to the highest standard. Through their collaboration, the companies will combine Nidec’s motor technology with Renesas’ semiconductor technology to jointly develop a reliable, high-performance, proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. This PoC has been designed to support vehicles with high performance and efficiency capabilities, as well as those with a smaller size, lighter weight, and a lower cost for the X-in-1 system.
The companies plan to launch their 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 as well as a motor, inverter, and gearbox. A second phase of the collaboration, beginning in 2024, will see them develop a highly integrated X-in-1 PoC that incorporates a battery management system along with other components. The first PoC will include power devices based on silicon carbide, while the second will replace the DC-DC and OBC power devices with gallium nitride to further reduce size and cost.
Building on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nidec then plans to productize E-Axle systems, add to its portfolio and ramp up to mass production. Renesas likewise plans to develop and deliver turnkey solutions for increasingly complex X-in-1 systems by expanding the jointly developed PoC for future E-Axle reference designs.