Renesas and Nidec partner on E-Axle semiconductor solutions for EVs

Renesas Electronics Corporation and Nidec Corporation have joined forces to develop semiconductor solutions for the next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system), which integrates an electric vehicle (EV) drive motor and power electronics for EVs.

Today’s EVs are increasingly adopting the 3-in-1 unit called E-Axle, which integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear). To ensure high performance and efficiency — as well as a smaller size, a lighter weight, and lower cost — EVs are integrating power electronics controls. This includes DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs).

EV manufacturers in advanced markets have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions, accelerating the adoption of many vehicle models.

As X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases in complexity, maintaining a high level of quality in vehicles becomes challenging. Therefore, developing preventive safety technologies (such as diagnostic functions and failure prediction) is crucial for ensuring safety and security in vehicles.

To address this challenge, the two companies agreed to combine Nidec’s motor technology and Renesas’ semiconductor technology to develop a highly reliable and high-performance proof of concept (PoC) for the X-in-1 system. The PoC is designed to support the industry’s highest performance and efficiency, including a lighter weight and lower cost for the X-in-1 system.

The companies plan to launch the first PoC by the end of 2023, which will feature a 6-in-1 system with a DC-DC converter, OBC, power distribution unit (PDU), motor, inverter, and gearbox.

As a second phase in 2024, Nidec and Renesas plan to develop a highly integrated X-in-1 PoC that incorporates a battery-management system (BMS) along with other components. The first PoC will include power devices based on SiC (silicon carbide), and the second PoC will replace the DC-DC and OBC power devices with GaN (gallium nitride), offering excellent performance in high-frequency operation, to further reduce size and cost.

Building on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nidec plans to rapidly productize E-Axle systems to add to its portfolio and ramp up to mass production to lead the E-Axle market.

Renesas plans to develop and deliver turnkey solutions for increasingly complex X-in-1 systems by expanding the jointly developed PoC for E-Axle reference designs.

“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 VP and GM of the Automotive Motor & Electronic Control Business Unit at Nidec. “By harnessing our strengths in automotive technology and developing PoCs together with Renesas who is a leader in automotive semiconductor solutions, we aim to lead the market as a world-leading E-Axle provider.”