industry news
Subscribe Now

Renesas Jointly Developed World-Cass “8-in-1” Proof of Concept with Nidec, Delivering Advanced Integration for EV E-Axles

New E-Axle Solution to be Showcased in a Live Demonstration at electronica 2024, Munich, Germany from November 12-15
TOKYO, Japan, November 11, 2024 ― Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the world’s first “8-in-1” proof of concept* (PoC) for E-Axle systems for electric vehicles (EV), which controls eight functions using a single microcontroller (MCU). Developed in collaboration with Nidec Corporation, this PoC integrates a motor, a gear (reduction gear), an inverter, a DC/DC converter, and an on-board battery charger (OBC). System-level testing was also completed to ensure its performance. Renesas will showcase a live demonstration of the new E-Axle design at electronica 2024 in Munich, Germany, November 12-15 (Hall B4, Stand 179).
The E-Axle is a unit in EVs that combines a drive motor, a gear, and an inverter. By integrating multiple functions, the E-Axle system can reduce system size and weight, simplifying EV design. Renesas provided key components, including semiconductors and a reference design for the new 8-in-1 E-Axle system. Renesas also plans to deliver turnkey semiconductor solutions for various X-in-1 systems based on the reference design verified through this PoC. Armed with these solutions, developers can implement and evaluate X-in-1 systems instantly, accelerating EV development.
Together with the motor and gear from Nidec, the eight functions in this PoC include an inverter from Renesas with 70~100kW output performance with the maximum efficiency of 99 percent or higher; a 1.5kW output DC/DC converter, a 6.6kW charge OBC; a power distribution unit (PDU); a battery management system (BMS); and Positive Temperature Co-efficiency (PTC) heater control for cars. While generally each function of an E-Axle requires a dedicated MCU and a power management IC (PMIC) to control an X-in-1 system, Renesas successfully implemented a new E-Axle system which can operate with only one MCU and a PMIC to control the entire 8-in-1 system. By systematically integrating these functions with a single MCU, the PoC has significantly reduced the number of components, cost and size.
This PoC, tested for optimal performance, includes numerous Renesas products: the 32-bit MCU RH850/U2B for automotive control, a PMIC for the MCU, the RAJ2930004AGM isolated gate driver, an IGBT module for the inverter, power devices for the DC/DC converter and OBC. Leveraging these innovations, Renesas can provide comprehensive system support and software for customers, along with key devices for X-in-1 solutions. Renesas is committed to providing comprehensive system solutions including reference designs and software to accelerate EV development.
“We are thrilled to deliver the world-class 8-in-1 E-Axle solution and have successfully verified its operational performance in collaboration with Nidec,” said Chris Allexandre, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Power at Renesas. “We are committed to delivering a broad range of power management products that work together with our digital products to provide complete, ready-to-use, system-level solutions. This approach enables Renesas to help customers accelerate their development and time to market.”
“In the rapidly changing EV market, there is a growing need for smaller and lower-cost E-Axle systems,” said Ryuji Omura, Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Technology Officer and Head of Nidec Semiconductor Solutions Center at Nidec. “Having a single ECU manage an electric powertrain control unit will help lower the weight and cost of the system, reducing the number of components. We were able to develop the world’s first PoC that controls an 8-in-1 system with a single MCU, and we are grateful for the Renesas team’s passion and collaboration on this project. This project made us realize the importance of developing a scalable design methodology, as the levels of X-in-1 system integration vary from segment to segment. By modifying the software configuration for multi-core MCUs, we expect to build the foundation for an X-in-1 platform that can flexibly accommodate various combinations.”
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) empowers a safer, smarter and more sustainable future where technology helps make our lives easier. A leading global provider of microcontrollers, Renesas combines our expertise in embedded processing, analog, power and connectivity to deliver complete semiconductor solutions. These Winning Combinations accelerate time to market for automotive, industrial, infrastructure and IoT applications, enabling billions of connected, intelligent devices that enhance the way people work and live. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Dec 2, 2024
The Wi-SUN Smart City Living Lab Challenge names the winners with Farmer's Voice, a voice command app for agriculture use, taking first place. Read the blog....
Dec 3, 2024
I've just seen something that is totally droolworthy, which may explain why I'm currently drooling all over my keyboard....

featured video

Introducing FPGAi – Innovations Unlocked by AI-enabled FPGAs

Sponsored by Intel

Altera Innovators Day presentation by Ilya Ganusov showing the advantages of FPGAs for implementing AI-based Systems. See additional videos on AI and other Altera Innovators Day in Altera’s YouTube channel playlists.

Learn more about FPGAs for Artificial Intelligence here

featured paper

Quantized Neural Networks for FPGA Inference

Sponsored by Intel

Implementing a low precision network in FPGA hardware for efficient inferencing provides numerous advantages when it comes to meeting demanding specifications. The increased flexibility allows optimization of throughput, overall power consumption, resource usage, device size, TOPs/watt, and deterministic latency. These are important benefits where scaling and efficiency are inherent requirements of the application.

Click to read more

featured chalk talk

Power Modules and Why You Should Use Them in Your Next Power Design
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Amelia Dalton and Christine Chacko from Texas Instruments explore a variety of power module package technologies, examine the many ways that power modules can help save on total design solution cost, and the unique benefits that Texas Instruments power modules can bring to your next design.
Aug 22, 2024
43,024 views