The adoption of Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs in electric vehicle (EV) power systems has revolutionized the industry, offering superior performance compared to traditional silicon devices. IXYS has been at the forefront of developing advanced SiC MOSFETs for automotive applications, delivering enhanced efficiency and power density.

Benefits of SiC MOSFETs in EV Systems

SiC MOSFETs offer several distinct advantages in electric vehicle applications:

  • Higher Efficiency: SiC devices exhibit significantly lower switching and conduction losses, resulting in improved overall system efficiency and extended driving range.
  • Higher Power Density: The superior thermal characteristics of SiC allow for smaller, lighter power systems without compromising performance.
  • Higher Operating Temperature: SiC MOSFETs can operate reliably at higher temperatures, reducing cooling requirements.
  • Higher Switching Frequency: SiC devices enable higher switching frequencies, allowing for smaller passive components in power systems.

Key Applications in EV Power Systems

IXYS SiC MOSFETs find application in several critical EV power systems:

On-Board Chargers (OBC)

SiC MOSFETs enable faster charging with higher efficiency and reduced size. The higher switching frequencies possible with SiC allow for more compact magnetic components in the charger design.

DC-DC Converters

For bidirectional DC-DC conversion between battery and auxiliary systems, SiC MOSFETs provide high efficiency across wide load ranges while maintaining compact size.

Motor Drives

SiC MOSFETs in inverter applications provide smoother motor control with reduced acoustic noise and improved efficiency, particularly at higher operating temperatures.

Design Considerations for SiC Implementation

When implementing IXYS SiC MOSFETs in EV applications, several design considerations are critical:

Gate Drive Requirements

SiC MOSFETs typically require specialized gate drive circuits with specific voltage levels (usually +15V to -5V) and low inductance connections to maximize performance.

Thermal Management

Although SiC devices can operate at higher temperatures, proper thermal management remains essential for long-term reliability. Effective heat sinking and cooling solutions are required.

EMI Considerations

The fast switching characteristics of SiC MOSFETs can result in higher EMI. Careful layout and filtering are necessary to meet automotive EMI standards.

IXYS SiC MOSFET Portfolio

IXYS offers a comprehensive portfolio of SiC MOSFETs tailored for different EV applications, ranging from low-power 650V devices to high-power 1700V modules. Our devices are AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive applications.

For technical support with SiC implementation in your EV application, our FAE team is available to assist with design considerations, thermal analysis, and application-specific recommendations.