| | | |

Nidec and Renesas Collaborate on Semiconductor Solutions for Next-Generation E-Axle for EVs

June 5, 2023

Nidec and Renesas Collaborate on Semiconductor Solutions for Next-Generation E-Axle for EVs

Nidec Corporation and Renesas Electronics Corporation have agreed to join forces on the development of semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system) that integrates an EV drive motor and power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs). 

Today’s EVs are increasingly adopting the 3-in-1 unit called E-Axle, which integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear). To realize high-performance and efficiency as well as smaller size, light weight and lower cost, and to accelerate vehicle development, EVs are also integrating power electronics controls such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs). EV manufacturers in advanced markets such as China have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions, accelerating the adoption in many vehicle models. 

As X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases in complexity, maintaining a high-level of quality in vehicles becomes challenging. Thus, developing preventive safety technologies such as diagnostic functions and failure prediction is crucial for 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 jointly develop a highly reliable and high-performance proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. The PoC is designed to support the industry’s highest performance and efficiency as well as smaller size, light 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 a DC-DC converter, OBC, and power distribution unit (PDU) as well as a 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 power devices based on SiC (silicon carbide), and the second PoC will replace the DC-DC and OBC power devices with GaN (gallium nitride), offering excellent performance in high-frequency operation, to further reduce size and cost.

Building on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nidec plans to rapidly productize E-Axle systems to add to its portfolio and ramp up to mass production to lead the E-Axle market.

Renesas plans to develop and deliver turnkey solutions for increasingly complex X-in-1 systems by expanding the jointly developed PoC for E-Axle reference designs.

“As we celebrate Nidec’s 50thanniversary, we take on a significant challenge of developing a world-class next-generation X-in-1 system, which goes back to our core principle of pioneering the world’s best innovations,” said Mitsuya Kishida, Executive Vice President and Executive General manager of Automotive Motor & Electronic Control Business Unit at Nidec. “By harnessing our strengths in automotive technology and developing PoCs together with Renesas who is a leader in automotive semiconductor solutions, we aim to lead the market as a world-leading E-Axle provider.”

Mitsuya Kishida, Executive Vice President and Executive General manager of Automotive Motor & Electronic Control Business Unit at Nidec

“We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Nidec, who has an exceptional track record of success in E-Axle traction motors,” said Vivek Bhan, Senior Vice President, Co-General Manager of High Performance Computing, Analog and Power Solutions Group at Renesas. “Our contribution to this collaboration extends beyond hardware design, encompassing software development which is critical to enabling rapid development of PoCs for our customers.”

Vivek Bhan, Senior Vice President, Co-General Manager of High Performance Computing, Analog and Power Solutions Group at Renesas

Source

Related Story

Nidec Receives “Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovator 2023” Award

Nidec Corporation has announced that it has been selected by the UK’s Clarivate Plc, a global information service provider, as a top 100 global innovator for 2023

Since 2012, Clarivate Plc annually gives the “Clarivate Top 100 Global Innovator” award to organizations selected as the top 100 revolutionary companies and institutions leading the world, based on the company’s own patent database to analyze various entities’ intellectual properties (IP) in the four evaluation areas of “success rate,” “global reach,” “influence,” and “scarcity.” This year, 38 Japanese companies have received this award.

Related Articles



Editor’s Pick: Featured Article

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s u-control 2000: The Automation Controller

Weidmüller’s scalable engineering software, u-control 2000, adapts individually to your requirements. And, the u-control is powerful, compact and fully compatible with Weidmüller’s I/O system u-remote. This article looks at what makes u-control the heart of your automation.

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are one of the main components of any automated system. A typical control system has inputs, outputs, controllers (i.e., PLCs), and some type of human interaction with the system, a human machine interface (HMI), for example.

Read More



Latest Articles

  • Verifying Quality without Compromising Production Output Through Holistic Traceability

    March 28, 2024 Shipping a mislabeled product is at the heart of some of the largest recalls, damaged supplier relations, compliance violations, and warranty costs across multiple industries. Customers relying on “just-in-time” delivery can experience costly downtime if the quality of a label or barcode is not maintained upstream. Handheld high-volume traceability systems continue to be a… Read More…

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    March 25, 2024 By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it… Read More…