Renesas Electronics Corporation and Nidec Corporation have joined forces to develop semiconductor solutions for the next generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system), which integrates an electric vehicle (EV) drive motor and power electronics for EVs .
Today's EVs are increasingly adopting the 3-in-1 unit called E-Axle, which integrates motor, inverter and gearbox (gearbox). To ensure high performance and efficiency — as well as a smaller size, lighter weight and lower cost — EVs are integrating electronic power controls. This includes DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs).
Electric vehicle manufacturers in advanced markets have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions, accelerating the adoption of many vehicle models.
As the X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases complexity, maintaining a high level of quality in vehicles becomes a challenge. Therefore, the development of preventive safety technologies (such as diagnostic and fault prediction functions) is crucial to ensuring safety and security in vehicles.
To address this challenge, the two companies agreed to combine Nidec's motor technology and Renesas' semiconductor technology to develop a highly reliable, high-performance proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. The PoC is designed to support the highest performance and efficiency in the industry, including lighter 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 DC-DC converter, OBC, power distribution unit (PDU), 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 SiC (silicon carbide) based power devices, and the second PoC will replace DC-DC and OBC power devices with GaN (gallium nitride), offering excellent performance in high frequency operation, to further reduce plus size and cost.
Based on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nidec plans to rapidly produce E-Axle systems to add to its portfolio and accelerate mass production to lead the E-Axle market.
Renesas plans to develop and deliver turnkey solutions for increasingly complex X-in-1 systems, expanding the jointly developed PoC for E-Axle reference designs.
“As we celebrate Nidec’s 50th anniversary, we have taken on the significant challenge of developing a world-class, next-generation X-in-1 system that builds on our founding principle of pioneering the world’s best innovations,” said Mitsuya Kishida, executive Vice president and general manager of Nidec's automotive engines and electronic control business unit. “By leveraging our strengths in automotive technology and developing PoCs together with Renesas, a leader in automotive semiconductor solutions, we aim to lead the market as the world's leading E-Axle supplier.”
