- The partners are developing a traction inverter solution for the OEM’s modular car platform for electric vehicles
- onsemi is providing VW with IGBTs, MOSFETs, image sensors etc; it also has a vertical silicon carbide production chain
Leading power and sensing tech company onsemi recently announced its strategic collaboration with German automaker Volkswagen AG (VW) to provide modules and semiconductors for its electric vehicle (EV) traction inverter solution. The company said that the semiconductors are part of an overall system optimization that will support the front and rear traction inverters in the VW models.
The deal mentioned that onsemi would deliver in a first step its EliteSiC 1200 V traction inverter power modules. As per onsemi, EliteSiC power modules can quickly scale the solution to different power levels and types of motors. Notably, the two companies have been collaborating for over a year on the optimization of the power modules for the next-generation platform, with pre-production samples under development and evaluation.
The head of the operative and strategic semiconductor taskforce COMPASS at Volkswagen AG, Karsten Schnake remarked: “The superior performance and quality of onsemi’s traction inverter modules together with our joint efforts to create the best system solution enable us to deliver the outstanding driving experience and quality customers expect from a VW group vehicle.”
Schnake added, “onsemi’s broad portfolio of intelligent power and sensing solutions further allows us to offer cutting-edge technologies and features in our EVs, from the traction inverter and beyond. Besides this milestone, onsemi with its balanced production facility layout in the USA, Asia and Europe, including the plant in the Czech Republic, is the perfect match to support our strategic markets with all high-voltage solutions and more.”
“Our broad manufacturing footprint – including a resilient end-to-end SiC supply chain – empowers onsemi to deliver the supply assurance OEMs demand,” commented Simon Keeton, Executive VP & GM, Power Solutions Group, onsemi. “Our investments in ramping production globally, especially in silicon carbide, further allow us to support VW’s rapidly scaling EV production.”
The inverter solution for EVs consists of onsemi’s EliteSiC 1200 V 3x Half-Bridge Modules. The company noted that this system solution supports both axle inverters covering a wide range of power.
Phoenix-based onsemi is working in the automotive and industrial end markets. It focuses on vehicle electrification and safety, sustainable energy grids, industrial automation, and 5G and cloud infrastructure.
