Onsemi’s EliteSiC product line of silicon carbide MOSFETs has been chosen to power the Schaeffler traction inverter that will go into a new-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform.
“The traction inverter is at the heart of every electrified drivetrain, and Onsemi’s EliteSiC solution plays a vital role in achieving the efficiency and performance targets that our customer demands,” said Christopher Breitsameter, Head of Business Division Controls at Schaeffler.
EliteSiC technology provides significantly lower conduction losses and superior short-circuit robustness, enabling a compact, thermally-efficient inverter design that enhances overall system performance. This silicon carbide-based solution offers the lowest on-state resistance to provide highest peak power compared to other SiC solutions in its class. These benefits allow Schaeffler to deliver an innovative traction inverter system that achieves measurable benefits to the end customer, including longer driving range, enabled by higher energy conversion efficiency, enhanced reliability and for consistent operation with lower maintenance, among others.
Energy efficiency and performance are crucial parameters in automotive design today, so the industry is focusing on more advanced hybrid architectures.. Traditionally here insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) dominated, but silicon carbide’s beneficial parameters are helping with make the transition.
“Our industry-leading silicon carbide semiconductor technology delivers unmatched efficiency, thermal performance, and power density—key enablers for next-generation electric powertrain systems not only for battery electric vehicles, but also for plug-in Hybrid platforms,” said Simon Keeton, Group President, Power Solutions Group, Onsemi.
This new milestone builds on the existing long-term collaboration between Onsemi and Schaeffler (formerly Vitesco Technologies), extending the companies’ multi-year collaboration and reinforcing their shared commitment to delivering high-efficiency electric mobility solutions.
