Renesas announces a collaboration with Nidec for the development of semiconductor solutions for the next-generation E-Axle in EVs

Jun 6, 2023 /SemiMedia/ — Renesas Electronics Corporation and Nidec Corporation have announced a joint development of Semiconductor The next-generation EAxle (X in 1 system) integrates EV motors and power electronic for electric vehicles.

The 3-in-1 unit, called E-Axle (motor, inverter and gearbox), is increasingly being used by EVs today. It combines a motor, an inverter and a gearbox. EVs also integrate power electronics controls like DC-DC converters, on-board chargers, and smaller size, lighter weight, and lower cost to realize high performance, efficiency, and reduce vehicle costs. EV manufacturers on advanced markets like China have developed a multi-function platform called the X-in-1 that integrates many functions. This platform is being adopted in a wide range of vehicle models.

As X-in-1 integrates more functions and becomes more complex, maintaining a high level of quality in vehicles is becoming increasingly difficult. To ensure safety and security, it is important to develop preventive safety technologies like diagnostic functions and failure predictions. To meet this challenge, Nidec and Renesas agreed to combine their motor technology with Renesas semiconductor technology to jointly create a highly reliable, high-performance proof-of-concept (PoC). 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 their first PoC before the end of 2023. It will feature a 6-in-1 DC-DC system. converter, OBC and power distribution unit, as well as a gearbox, motor, inverter and other components. In a subsequent phase in 2024 Nidec and Renesas intend to develop a highly integrative X-in-1 X-in-1 that incorporates a BMS along with other components. The first PoC is expected to include power devices that are based on SiC. The second PoC, however, will replace DC-DC and OBC devices with GaN. This will offer excellent performance for high-frequency operations and further reduce the size and costs.

Nidec is planning to quickly produce E-Axle system to add to their portfolio, and ramp up to full production in order to lead the EAxle market.

Renesas plans on expanding the PoC developed jointly for E-Axle Reference Designs to develop and deliver turnkey systems for increasingly complex X in 1 systems.

“As we celebrate Nidec's 50th anniversary, 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 leveraging our strengths in automotive technologies and developing PoCs with Renesas, who is a leading automotive semiconductor solution provider, we aim to be a market leader as a world's leading E-Axle supplier."

“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 the collaboration extends beyond hardware development, encompassing software which is critical to enable rapid development of PoCs by our customers."