Partnership for Advanced Semiconductor Solutions in Next-Gen EV E-Axle Systems

Tokyo, Japan - June 5, 2023: Nideco Corporation (referred to as "Nideco") and Renesas Electronics Corporation (referred to as "Renesas Electronics") have reached a consensus to collaborate on the development of semiconductor solutions for the next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system), which integrates the drive motor and power electronic devices of electric vehicles (EVs).

The current trend in electric vehicles involves the integration of the motor, inverter, and gearbox into a single E-Axle system. To achieve higher performance, efficiency, smaller size, lighter weight, and lower costs while enhancing the efficiency of vehicle development, there is an increasing trend to integrate power electronic control components such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs) into the drive system. This trend is particularly prominent in the rapidly growing Chinese EV market, where multiple electric vehicle manufacturers have developed X-in-1 platforms with multiple functions integrated into a single system, which are being adopted by an increasing number of vehicle models.

The integration of multiple functions in the X-in-1 system increases complexity and poses challenges in meeting automotive-grade standards. Therefore, the development of safety and security technologies such as diagnostic functions and fault prediction is crucial to ensure the reliability and safety of vehicles. To address this challenge, Nideco and Renesas Electronics have agreed to combine Nideco's motor technology with Renesas Electronics' semiconductor technology to jointly develop a high-quality, high-performance Proof of Concept (PoC) solution for the X-in-1 system. The aim is to achieve industry-leading performance, efficiency, compactness, lightweight, and low cost.

Both companies plan to launch the first six-in-one PoC by the end of 2023. This system will include the motor, inverter, gearbox, DC-DC converter, OBC, and power distribution unit. In 2024, Nideco and Renesas Electronics also plan to develop a second high-integration X-in-1 PoC, which will include the battery management system (BMS) and other components. The first PoC will employ SiC (Silicon Carbide) in the power devices, while the second PoC will utilize GaN (Gallium Nitride) with excellent high-frequency operation characteristics to replace the DC-DC and OBC power devices, further achieving miniaturization and cost reduction.

Based on the PoC developed through this collaboration, Nideco aims to swiftly commercialize the E-Axle system, expand the product lineup of the E-Axle system, and gradually establish a mass production system, driving the advancement of the entire E-Axle market. Renesas Electronics plans to use the jointly developed PoC as a reference design for E-Axle and expand it, providing a "turnkey solution" for the increasingly complex X-in-1 system development.