ZF taps NXP for SiC gate drivers
ZF has integrated high-voltage isolated gate drivers from NXP Semiconductor into its latest 800V SiC-based traction inverter for EVs.
ZF Friedrichshafen is using the GD316x gate driver family from NXP for 800V traction inverters. These are a critical component of an EV’s electric powertrain, converting DC voltage from the battery into a time-varying AC voltage, which drives the vehicle’s motor.
ZF uses SiC power devices from ST and Wolfspeed having signed long term supply agreements, and ita traction inverters using the GD316x SiC gate drivers are already on the road.
As traction inverters migrate to SiC-based designs, the SiC power devices need to be paired with HV isolated gate drivers that support higher switching frequency, lower conduction losses, better thermal characteristics and higher robustness at high voltages. This reduces loses to boost range and cut the requirement for charging.
- ZF signs long-term supply contract for SiC devices with ST
- Wolfspeed, ZF plan world’s largest SiC production line
The GD316x functionally safe, isolated, high voltage gate drivers incorporate programmable control, diagnostic, monitoring and protection features.
Fast short-circuit protection times (< 1 µsec) in combination with powerful and programmable gate drive schemes optimize the performance of the traction inverter’s SiC power modules.
The higher level of integration allows a smaller footprint and simplifies the system design as well as reducing Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) noise and switching energy losses for better efficiency.
NXP says the collaboration with ZF is a significant step towards accelerating the electrification of the automotive industry, and creating more safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient EVs for the future.
“We look forward to working with NXP to raise the bar for the capabilities and performance of our 800-V traction inverter solutions, which will help us achieve our goals of reducing emissions and promoting sustainability,” said Dr. Carsten Götte, SVP Electrified Powertrain Technology at ZF. “The combination of ZF’s expertise in motor control and power electronics with NXP’s GD316x gate driver family enables us to provide our latest SiC-based traction inverters with higher power and volume density, efficiency and differentiation, and provide our customers with significant safety, efficiency, range and performance improvements.”
“Together with ZF, we are developing next-generation power electronics for future EVs,” said Robert Li, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Electrification at NXP. “Our gate driver family implements a number of outstanding features to both protect and unleash the benefits of high-voltage SiC power switches, making them an ideal choice for ZF’s new SiC-based traction inverter solutions. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that enable OEMs to achieve their EV performance and sustainability goals.”
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