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Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), a major French public research and training organization in the fields of energy, transport and the environment, have developed a demo which confirms the suitability of CGD’s ICeGaN®650 V GaN ICs in a multi-level, 800 VDC inverter.
The demo delivers super-high power density – 30 kW/l – which is greater than can be achieved by more expensive, state-of-the-art silicon-carbide (SiC)-based devices. The inverter realization also demonstrates the ease of paralleling that ICeGaN technology enables; each inverter node has three 25mΩ / 650V ICeGaN ICs – 36 devices in total – in parallel.
ANDREA BRICCONI | CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, CGD
“We are super excited at this first result of our partnership with IFPEN. 800 VDC supports the 800 V bus which is being increasingly adopted by the EV industry. By addressing automotive and other high voltage inverter applications with energy-efficient ICeGaN-based solutions we are delivering on CGD’s key commitment – sustainability.”This multi-level GaN Inverters can power electric motors to over 100 kW peak, 75 kW continuous power. The CGD/IFPEN demo features: a high voltage input of up to 800Vdc; 3-phase output; a peak current of 125 Arms (10s) (180 Apk); and a continuous current of 85 Arms continuous (120 Apk).
The ICeGaN multi-level design proposed by IFPEN reveals several compelling benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: the improvement in the efficiency of the traction inverter leads to an increase in battery range and a reduction in charging cycles. It also leads to a reduction in battery cost if the initial range (iso-range) is maintained
- Higher switching frequencies: GaN transistors can operate at much higher frequencies than silicon transistors. This reduces iron losses in the motor, particularly in the case of machines with low inductances
- Reduced Electromagnetic Interferences: 3-level topology minimizes EMI and enhances the reliability of the system
- Enhanced thermal management: insulated metallized substrate boards featuring an aluminium core facilitate superior thermal dissipation, ensuring optimal operating temperatures and extending the lifespan of the system and associated GaN devices
- Modular design: this facilitates scalability and adaptability for varying system requirements.
GAETANO DE PAOLA | PROGRAM MANAGER, IFPEN
“Following the implementation of this inverter reference using CGD’s enabling ICeGaN ICs coupled with innovative topologies, such as multi-level solutions, IFPEN now strongly believes that GaN is a breakthrough technology in terms of performance and cost for high-voltage traction inverters.”Original – Cambridge GaN Devices
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ROHM has developed surface mount SiC Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) that improve insulation resistance by increasing the creepage distance between terminals. The initial lineup includes eight models – SCS2xxxNHR – for automotive applications such as onboard chargers (OBCs), with plans to deploy eight models – SCS2xxxN – for industrial equipment such as FA devices and PV inverters in December 2024.
The rapidly expanding xEV market is driving the demand for power semiconductors, among them SiC SBDs, that provide low heat generation along with high-speed switching and high-voltage capabilities in applications such as onboard chargers. Additionally, manufacturers increasingly rely on compact surface mount devices (SMDs) compatible with automated assembly equipment to boost manufacturing efficiency. Compact SMDs tend to typically feature smaller creepage distances, fact that makes high-voltage tracking prevention a critical design challenge.
As leading SiC supplier, ROHM has been working to develop high-performance SiC SBDs that offer breakdown voltages suitable for high-voltage applications with ease of mounting. Adopting an optimized package shape, it achieves a minimum creepage distance of 5.1mm, improving insulation performance when contrasted with standard products.
The new products utilize an original design that removes the center pin previously located at the bottom of the package, extending the creepage distance to a minimum of 5.1mm, approx. 1.3 times greater than standard products. This minimizes the possibility of tracking (creepage discharge) between terminals, eliminating the need for insulation treatment through resin potting when surface mounting the device on circuit boards in high voltage applications. Additionally, the devices can be mounted on the same land pattern as standard and conventional TO-263 package products, allowing an easy replacement on existing circuit boards.
Two voltage ratings are offered, 650V and 1200V, supporting 400V systems commonly used in xEVs as well as higher voltage systems expected to gain wider adoption in the future. The automotive-grade SCS2xxxNHR are AEC-Q101 qualified, ensuring they meet the high reliability standards this application sector demands.
Going forward, ROHM will continue to develop high-voltage SBDs using SiC, contributing to low energy consumption and high efficiency requirements in automotive and industrial equipment by providing optimal power devices that meet market needs.
Original – ROHM
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Texas Instruments (TI) announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art product distribution center in Dreieich, Germany, outside of Frankfurt. This new distribution center includes 9,000 square meters of space and new automation features. The new center has the capacity to quickly ship up to 7,500 orders per day of a broad range of TI analog and embedded processing semiconductors across Europe.
“Our new product distribution center offers faster, more efficient, flexible and reliable service for TI’s customers in Europe to meet semiconductor demand now and in the future,” said Stefan Bruder, president of Texas Instruments Europe. “Our new center in Dreieich is the latest addition to TI’s global product distribution network which, combined with our convenient purchasing options, provides an improved customer experience from product selection to shipment.”
Located near many of TI’s industrial and automotive customers, as well as the Frankfurt Airport, the new distribution center enables faster product delivery in Europe. The pick, pack and ship process is fully automated and orders are ready to ship within 15 minutes or less. Customers in central Germany can expect same-day product delivery, while next-day delivery is available to customers in most European countries.
TI has been operating in Europe since 1956, and its new distribution center builds on TI’s existing European footprint which includes a semiconductor wafer factory in Freising, Germany, research and development teams, as well as more than 30 sales offices across 18 different European countries.
Customers in Europe and across the globe can conveniently buy from TI and save on exchange fees with more than 20 currency options available (including euro, pound sterling, Norwegian kroner and Swiss franc) when purchasing on TI.com or through TI API suites.
Original – Texas Instruments
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Qorvo® announced the election of Mr. Alan S. Lowe to its Board of Directors, effective November 11, 2024. Mr. Lowe also joined the Board’s Audit Committee.
Since 2015, Mr. Lowe has served as president and chief executive officer of Lumentum Holdings Inc., a designer and manufacturer of optical and photonic products enabling optical networking and laser applications worldwide.
Prior to Lumentum’s separation from Viavi Solutions Inc. in 2015, Mr. Lowe was employed by Viavi. Mr. Lowe joined Viavi in September 2007 as senior vice president of the Lasers business and became executive vice president and president of Viavi’s communications and commercial optical products business in October 2008.
Bob Bruggeworth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Qorvo, said, “I am delighted that Alan is joining our Board of Directors. He brings terrific experience, insight and leadership to our Board, and we look forward to his contributions.”
“Qorvo is recognized globally for its product and technology leadership,” said Mr. Lowe. “I am excited to join Qorvo’s Board, and I look forward to working with my fellow directors in continuing Qorvo’s growth and creating long-term value for its shareholders.”
Original – Qorvo
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Power components are evolving to meet the increasing demands for higher efficiency, smaller size and greater performance in power electronic systems. To provide system designers with a wide range of power solutions, Microchip Technology announced its portfolio of IGBT 7 devices offered in different packages, multiple topologies, and current and voltage ranges.
Featuring increased power capability, lower power losses and compact device sizes, this new portfolio is designed to meet high-growth market segments such as sustainability, E-Mobility and data centers. These high-performance IGBT 7 devices are key building blocks for power applications in solar inverters, hydrogen ecosystems, commercial and agricultural vehicles and More Electric Aircraft (MEA).
Designers can select a suitable power solution based on their requirements. The IGBT 7 devices are offered in standard D3 and D4 62 mm packages, as well as SP6C, SP1F and SP6LI packages. Many configurations are available in the following topologies: three-level Neutral-Point Clamped (NPC), three-phase bridge, boost chopper, buck chopper, dual-common source, full-bridge, phase leg, single switch and T-type. Devices are available with voltages ranging from 1200V to 1700V and current ranging from 50A to 900A.
“The versatile IGBT 7 portfolio combines ease of use and cost efficiency with higher power density and reliability, offering our customers maximum flexibility. These products are designed for general industrial applications as well as specialized aerospace and defense applications,” said Leon Gross, corporate vice president of Microchip’s discrete product group. “Additionally, our power solutions can be integrated with Microchip’s broad range of FPGAs, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors (MPUs), dsPiC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) and analog devices to provide a comprehensive system solution from one supplier.”
The lower on-state IGBT voltage (Vce), improved antiparallel diode (lower Vf) and increased current capability can enable lower power losses, higher power density and higher system efficiency. The lower-inductance packages, combined with the higher overload capability at Tvj −175°C, make these devices excellent options for creating rugged and high-reliability aviation and defense applications—such as propulsion, actuation and power distribution—at a lower system cost.
For motor control applications where enhanced controllability of dv/dt is important, the IGBT 7 devices are designed to offer freewheeling softness for efficient, smooth and optimized driving of switches. These high-performance devices also aim to improve system reliability, reduce EMI and minimize voltage spikes.
Original – Microchip Technology
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Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) and Qorvo® have partnered to bring together industry-leading motor control and power efficiency technologies in the PAC5556A + ICeGaN® evaluation kit (EVK). This collaboration combines Qorvo’s high-performance BLDC/PMSM motor controller/driver and CGD’s easy-to-use ICeGaN ICs in a board that significantly improves motor control applications.
ANDREA BRICCONI | CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, CGD
“By combining industry-leading solutions from our two technology-strong companies in this EVK, we are enabling the development of compact, energy-efficient systems with high power density. Unlike other GaN implementations, ICeGaN technology easily interfaces with Qorvo’s PAC5556A motor control IC for seamless high performance in BLDC and PMSM applications.”JEFF STRANG | GENERAL MANAGER, POWER MANAGEMENT BUSINESS UNIT, QORVO
“Wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC are being integrated into motor control applications for the power density and efficiency advantages they offer. CGD’s ICeGaN technology delivers ease of use and reliability – two critical factors for motor control and drive designers. Customers are responding enthusiastically when they experience the power of GaN combined with our highly integrated PAC5556A 600V BLDC motor control solution.”By employing CGD’s latest-generation P2 ICs, the PAC5556AEVK2 evaluation kit with 240 mΩ ICeGaN achieves up to 400W peak performance without a heatsink, whilst the PAC5556AEVK3 with 55 mΩ ICeGaN hits 800W peak with minimal airflow cooling.
ICeGaN’s efficiency gains result in reduced power loss, increased power availability, and minimized heat dissipation, enabling smaller and more reliable systems. Because ICeGaN integrates essential current sense and Miller clamp elements, gate driver design is simplified and BOM costs are reduced. This makes the solution easy to implement and price-competitive, as well as high performance.
The PAC5556A + CGD GaN EVKs offer higher torque at low speeds and precise control, making them ideal for white goods, ceiling fans, refrigerators, compressors and pumps. Target markets include industrial and home automation, especially where compact, high-efficiency motor control systems are required. PAC5556AEVK2 and PAC5556AEVK3 are now available to order at Qorvo’s website.
Original – Cambridge GaN Devices
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Texas Instruments (TI) announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has received the company’s commitment to set near-term company-wide emissions reductions in line with climate science.
As part of its commitment, TI is developing science-based targets for review and validation by SBTi’s technical experts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions aligned with the Paris Agreement which sets the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In addition, TI plans to begin reporting additional relevant Scope 3 GHG emission categories in 2025 and plans to set supplier engagement targets to reduce emissions across its value chain.
“Our semiconductors are the foundation of sustainable technology solutions, from renewable energy and storage to vehicle electrification,” said Haviv Ilan, TI president and chief executive officer. “As a manufacturer of tens of billions of semiconductors each year, it’s critical that we provide dependable capacity while continuously striving to reduce our environmental impact. Setting and achieving climate goals underscores TI’s long-standing commitment to operate in a socially thoughtful and environmentally responsible manner, and we are confident that our collective efforts will be impactful and long-lasting.”
As TI works with SBTi to develop and assess its future goals, the company remains focused on its current multiyear goals that continue through 2025, including a reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 25% from a 2015 base year.
As the company continues to expand its manufacturing and provide geopolitically dependable capacity, TI will further increase its use of renewable electricity, with key milestones to reach 100% in its 300mm manufacturing operations by 2025, 100% in its U.S. operations by 2027, and 100% in its worldwide operations by 2030.
Original – Texas Instruments
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ROHM has developed automotive-grade AEC-Q101 qualified 4th Generation 1200V IGBTs that combine class-leading low loss characteristics with high short-circuit resistance. This makes the devices ideal for vehicle electric compressors and HV heaters as well as industrial inverters.
The current lineup includes RGA80TRX2HR / RGA80TRX2EHR / RGA80TSX2HR / RGA80TSX2EHR – in two discrete package types (TO-247-4L and TO-247N), along with 11 bare chip variants – SG84xxWN – with plans to further expand the lineup in the future.
The increasing use of higher voltages in automotive systems and industrial equipment has led to a growing demand for power devices capable of handling high voltages in applications such as vehicle electric compressors, HV heaters, and inverters for industrial equipment.
At the same time, there is a strong push for high efficiency power devices to improve energy conservation, simplified cooling mechanisms, and smaller form factors for a decarbonized society. Automotive electrical components must also comply with automotive reliability standards, while power devices for inverter and heater circuits are required to provide current interruption capabilities during short circuits, necessitating high short-circuit tolerance.
In response, ROHM redesigned the device structure and adopted an appropriate package to develop new 4th Generation IGBTs suitable for high voltage by delivering industry-low loss characteristics with superior short-circuit tolerance.
These devices achieve an industry-leading short-circuit withstand time of 10µs (Tj=25°C) together with low switching and conduction losses while maintaining a high withstand voltage of 1200V and meeting automotive standards by reviewing the device structure, including the peripheral design. At the same time, the new TO-247-4L package products, which feature 4 terminals, can accommodate an effective voltage of 1100V in a ‘Pollution Degree 2 environment’ by ensuring adequate creepage distance between pins. This enables support for higher voltage applications than conventional products.
Implementing creepage distance measures on the device side alleviates the design burden for manufacturers. On top, the TO-247-4L package achieves high-speed switching by including a Kelvin emitter terminal, resulting in even lower losses. In fact, when comparing the efficiency of the new TO-247-4L packages with conventional and standard products in a 3-phase inverter, loss is reduced by about 24% compared to standard products and by 35% over conventional products – contributing to higher efficiency in drive applications.
ROHM will continue to expand its lineup of high-performance IGBTs that contribute to greater miniaturization and high efficiency drive in automotive and industrial equipment applications.
Original – ROHM
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Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) announced that the Full Commission of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has affirmed the ITC’s initial determination that Innoscience infringed EPC’s foundational patent for GaN technology, which is core to applications involving artificial intelligence, satellites, rapid chargers, humanoid robots, and autonomous driving, among others. The decision imposes a ban on Innoscience (Zhuhai) Technology Co., Ltd. and its affiliates (Innoscience) from importing GaN-related products into the United States without a license from EPC.
This milestone decision marks the first successfully litigated U.S. patent dispute involving GaN-based wide bandgap semiconductors and solidifies EPC’s position as a leading developer of these next-generation devices, which are significantly more efficient, faster, and smaller than traditional, silicon-based technology. The decision also paves the way for EPC to expand access to its IP through licensing agreements with potential partners and customers around the world.
“After pouring nearly two decades and immense resources into developing our uniquely valuable intellectual property portfolio, this is a tremendous victory for EPC and a major win for fair competition globally, which is critical to the success of next-generation technological advances. We are grateful to the ITC for their diligent work in recognizing the validity of our patents and Innoscience’s infringement,” said Alex Lidow, CEO and Co-Founder of EPC. “EPC will continue to vigorously defend our IP against unfair use to ensure that we can continue to innovate and provide our customers with the cutting-edge technologies needed to help power our future.”
The ITC’s most recent decision is the fourth time that EPC’s IP rights have been affirmed against Innoscience in the past six months. EPC initially filed the infringement claim against Innoscience in the ITC in May 2023. In response, Innoscience challenged the validity of the EPC patents at issue in the U.S., as well as EPC’s counterpart patents in China.
The China National Intellectual Property Administration upheld the validity of EPC’s counterpart patents in April and May 2024. The ITC’s initial determination in July 2024 similarly confirmed the validity of the challenged patents, and also found that Innoscience infringed EPC’s foundational patent, U.S. Patent No. 8,350,294. The ITC’s final determination is subject to a 60-day Presidential review period, expiring on January 6, 2025.
Original – Efficient Power Conversion
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Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. announced that at electronica 2024, the company will be exhibiting its broad portfolio of passive and semiconductor solutions, and discussing their pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future through the all-electric society. Vishay experts will be on hand to dive into cutting-edge developments in automation, AI, e-mobility, and smart and alternative energy technologies.
In hall C4, booth 478, Vishay will be showcasing its differentiated products and solutions in a range of applications and use cases, including AI, alternative energy, energy storage systems (ESS), ADAS, e-mobility and urban mobility, EV charging infrastructure, HMI, HVAC, grid management, and building automation. In reference designs on display, Vishay’s components — including the company’s latest silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, diodes, and power modules — make up to 70 % or more of the BOMs. Among the highlights taking center stage at Vishay’s booth will be:
AI
- A multi-phase power board for SoCs used in AI applications featuring 100 A smart power stages, ultra low DCR, vertical-mount IHVR inductors, and polymer tantalum capacitors
Alternative Energy
- An auxiliary power system for solar inverters, featuring 1200 V MaxSiC™ series SiC MOSFETs and FRED Pt® hyperfast rectifiers for the conversion of 100 V to 700 V inputs down to 24 V
- A bidirectional 230 V AC / 1500 V DC multi-waveform direct inverter with battery storage, featuring surface-mount MOSFETs with low on-resistance and NTC thermistors
- A 10 kW hybrid solar inverter with MPPT, featuring 1200 V, 15 A SiC diodes
e-Mobility
- An intelligent battery shunt built on WSBE Power Metal Strip® resistors, with low TCR and a CAN FD interface for 400 V / 800 V systems
- A 22 kW bidirectional 800 V to 800 V power converter for OBCs featuring SiC power modules
- A 4 kW bidirectional 800 V to 48 V power converter for auxiliary power featuring Si and SiC MOSFETs
- Active discharge circuits with wirewound safety resistors and MOSFET drivers for 400 V / 800 V DC-Link capacitors
ADAS
- A DMS / CMS system in which IR LEDs shut off when a user comes too close, featuring high accuracy ambient lights sensors with I²C interfaces; reflective optical sensors with transistor output; and fully integrated proximity and ambient lights sensors with infrared emitters, I²C interfaces, and interrupt functions
ESS
- Isolated busbar current sensors with analog output in which an isolation amplifier transmits voltage signals from a WSBE shunt and WSL2726 resistor
HMI and EMI Suppression
- An HMI featuring IHPT series haptic feedback actuators with Immersion Corporation licenses
- A multi-axis robot capturing and displaying the EMI performance of IHLE® inductors and competing devices running side by side
Grid Management and Power Conversion
- A smart meter and gateway for the real-time monitoring of energy consumption and generation in the home
- A bidirectional 72 V / 12 V DC/DC converter with Transzorb® TVS for telecom power supplies
Additional reference designs and demonstrations being offered by Vishay at electronica 2024 will include isolated AC/DC voltage sensors for high voltage networks; a BMS optical communication system; a compact 800 V power distribution solution; a 48 V, 15 kW traction inverter; a 48 V, 3 kW on-board charger; a 30 kW fast charger; a BLDC motor control board for heat pumps; a smart smoke, CO, and heat detector with supercapacitor backup; a photovoltaic energy harvester featuring ENYCAP® capacitors; a dual-side cooled, low voltage BLDC motor controller with high thermal efficiency, as well as designs featuring inrush current limiters and sensing thermistor solutions from the company’s latest acquisition: Ametherm.
Original – Vishay Intertechnology
