Pre-Switch adds remote update and analysis to AI switching software
Pre-Switch has added the ability to update its soft-switching motor/inverter chip in the field along with key remote monitoring and diagnostics.
The Pre-Flex chip now includes an embedded digital oscilloscope, enabling designers to diagnose exactly what is occurring remotely, and then make adjustments in-situ. This will be key for preventative maintenance in the future, chief executive Bruce Renouard tells eeNews Europe at the PCIM 2023 show.
The company,, now with 12 staff, has developed an AI-based forced-resonant, soft-switching technology enabling ultra-efficient DC-AC, AC-DC inverters running at 100kHz and above. Developing the analysis tools have been a key requirement for the startup, says. Renouard.
The Pre-Flex chip, a Microchip SmartFusin FPGA with ARM core, contains all the AI algorithms necessary for soft switching across all operating voltages, load conditions and temperatures. Adaptations are made on a cycle-by-cycle basis to minimize losses and maximize efficiency.
Pre-Switch is targeting EVs and other e-mobility applications needing very high inverter efficiency levels delivered across a wide load range by the Pre-Switch technology – 99.57% (peak); 98.5% (5% load) – both measured at 100kHz switching frequency. The result is an increased EV range of 5-12%, and providing the analysis data from the inverter during the lifetime of the vehicle is a key advantage.
“We are continually developing the AI and infrastructure that enables us to deploy true soft-switching and hence achieve such outstanding efficiency performance,” said Renouard. “ By incorporating a remote boot code on the chip, we can update the AI at any point in the EV or other product’s lifetime, ensuring that performance is always optimal.”
The Deep View embedded oscilloscope gives users 12 channels and 160 MSPS the ability to analyze the timings of the switching. Traces can be recorded and exported out to see how the system is performing. If there are any issues,
This enables developers and even remote program managers at Pre-Switch to understand why, so that actions can be taken. In the future, preventative maintenance programs may be able to be implemented, using the feedback from Deep View.
“Although the idea of soft-switching is not new, until Pre-Switch, no-one had previously been able to implement it in an inverter with continuously varying input and output conditions. Pre-Switch eliminates switching losses and thereby reduces the amount of SiC or IGBTs needed for high efficiency. This substantially improves low load efficiency and runs at 5-10X higher switching frequencies which improves motor efficiency and reduces DC link capacitor size and cost.”
Pre-Switch developed the CleanWave inverter reference system, the PDS-2 development system with Deep View and the remote programming, Pre-Tune dynamometer motor control tuner, a resonant tank design tool and training courses.
