Semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi's EliteSiC technology to be employed in Schaeffler's latest PHEV inverter system
Schaeffler, a leading automotive and industrial supplier, has partnered with onsemi to develop a traction inverter for a global automaker using onsemi's industry-leading silicon carbide (SiC) technology. This collaboration aims to improve energy efficiency, reliability, and packaging flexibility in electric mobility solutions, including plug-in hybrid platforms.
The cornerstone of this collaboration is onsemi's EliteSiC MOSFETs, which offer the lowest on-state resistance in their class. This feature enables higher peak power delivery and system efficiency, extending vehicle range and reducing maintenance needs. The EliteSiC MOSFETs also provide low conduction losses and strong short-circuit robustness, enabling a compact and thermally efficient inverter design.
The benefits of this partnership are numerous. Vehicles equipped with this advanced technology can expect extended driving ranges due to improved energy conversion efficiency. They will also experience higher peak power output, enhancing performance in the electric drivetrain. The increased reliability, thanks to enhanced short-circuit resilience, ensures consistent performance and reduced maintenance needs. Moreover, the optimized form factor offers design flexibility, potentially allowing for more compact or efficient vehicle architectures.
This partnership marks a significant shift from traditional insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) towards advanced SiC-based solutions, which are critical for meeting stringent energy efficiency and performance targets in modern hybrid and electric vehicles. By leveraging onsemi’s EliteSiC technology, Schaeffler can offer a state-of-the-art traction inverter, improving both the operational efficiency and range of next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms for global automakers.
The collaboration between onsemi and Schaeffler, which began under Vitesco Technologies, has been ongoing for multiple years. Christopher Breitsameter, Head of Business Division Controls at Schaeffler, stated that onsemi's EliteSiC solution plays a vital role in achieving the efficiency and performance targets that their customer demands.
Recently, onsemi has expanded its collaboration with Schaeffler to supply SiC MOSFETs from its EliteSiC product line for a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle platform. This continued partnership underscores both companies' commitment to delivering high-efficiency electric mobility solutions.
[1] Schaeffler Press Release, "Schaeffler develops electric powertrain solutions with onsemi’s silicon carbide technology," [URL] [2] onsemi Press Release, "onsemi and Schaeffler partner to deliver high-efficiency electric mobility solutions," [URL] [3] IEEE Spectrum, "Silicon carbide is the key to high-efficiency electric vehicles," [URL] [4] Electrive, "Schaeffler and onsemi team up to develop electric powertrains," [URL]
In the partnership between Schaeffler and onsemi, they aim to develop electric powertrain solutions for the transportation industry, using onsemi's industry-leading silicon carbide technology. This collaboration is expected to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric vehicles through the use of onsemi's EliteSiC MOSFETs, which offer low on-state resistance for higher peak power delivery and system efficiency, extending vehicle range and reducing maintenance needs. With this partnership, Schaeffler plans to provide a state-of-the-art traction inverter for global automakers, contributing to the development of next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platforms. The collaboration between these companies, initiated under Vitesco Technologies, has been ongoing for several years and underscores both their commitment to delivering high-efficiency electric mobility solutions.
