Automotive Engineering - March 2023 - BET33

Electric Vehicle Inverters
Renesas Electronics Corporation (Milpitas, CA) announced the development of a new generation of Si-IGBTs (Silicon
Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) which will be offered in a small footprint. Aimed at next-generation EVs inverters,
AE5-generation IGBTs will be mass produced starting in the first half of 2023 on Renesas' 200- and 300-mm wafer lines.
The silicon-based AE5 process for IGBTs achieve a 10 percent reduction in power losses compared to the current-generation
AE4 products, a power savings that will help EV developers save battery power and increase driving range. In
addition, the new products are approximately 10 percent smaller while maintaining high robustness. The new devices
achieve high performance for IGBTs by optimally balancing low power loss and robustness tradeoffs. Moreover, the new IGBTs significantly improve performance
and safety as modules by minimizing parameter variations among the IGBTs and providing stability when operating IGBTs in parallel.
For more info visit http://info.hotims.com/84477-400
Battery Interconnect System
Interplex (Tustin, CA) has further strengthened its product portfolio of interconnect solutions aimed at use in EV
batteries. Having already proved popular with battery modules based on cylindrical and standard prismatic cells, the
latest Cell-PLX™ version is specifically optimized for next-generation prismatic cells. Compliant with USCAR 2-6
automotive performance requirements, the platform provides the data transfer capabilities needed for constant monitoring
of voltage and temperature parameters, with the ability to cover battery module voltages from 12V to above
800V. It can be adapted to suit any battery shape or size, with battery modules consisting of thousands of cells being addressed. These interconnect
solutions can handle current densities up to 15A/mm². They will continue to function even when exposed to intense vibrations. They can be supplied
with a choice of either aluminum or copper current collecting layers, each accompanied by a UL 94 rated dielectric insulation layer.
For more info visit http://info.hotims.com/84477-401
Safe Packaging and Transport Case
The ZARGES (Charlotte, SC) BatterySafe Intermediate is a case for the safe packaging and transport of Lithium-ion
batteries. The ZARGES solution is comprised of an aluminum case with a custom lining, which contains an intumescent
glass fiber material that suppresses ignition and extinguishes flames. The BatterySafe Intermediate offers all the available
features of our standard K470 cases, including secure latches, stacking corners, three fully welded aluminum profile
frames, and easy loading and unloading. The cases are appropriate for a variety of uses including for defense contractors
standardizing battery management, vehicle battery development, medical equipment, and drones. U.N. Certification is
available on select cases for domestic and international shipping, including UN3090, UN3091, UN3480, and UN3481.
The case is suitable for 1- 1,500 Wh batteries (at 100 percent state of charge) and is outfitted with three separate cavities, each 17 x 5 x 5 cavities
may be subdivided (x2, x3, x4, or more) with BatterySafe intumescent glass fiber pad. Custom configurations are available for higher Wh batteries.
For more info visit http://info.hotims.com/84477-402
Silicon Nitride Bearing Balls
CoorsTek (Lakewood, CO) offers Cerbec® silicon nitride bearing balls that are an ideal combination of mechanical strength
and electrical resistivity for usage in electric vehicle traction motors. Unlike steel, silicon nitride hybrid bearing assemblies
provide strong electrical insulation to eliminate arcing without compromise to critical mechanical properties. Silicon nitride
bearing balls are extremely smooth for low friction, tough enough to withstand shock loads, and very hard for rolling efficiency
and durability. In electric vehicle motors, especially those designed as variable speed drives, shaft voltage occurs from
leakage, induction, or capacitive coupling with the windings of the motor and can create arcing in the bearing assembly.
Inherently electrically resistant, silicon nitride bearing balls prevent arcing caused by charge build up or high voltage. In addition
to offering the right mix of mechanical properties and electrical insulation ideal for usage in EV motor shafts, Cerbec® silicon nitride bearing balls require
less lubrication, are corrosion resistant, and 58 percent lighter than steel alloys, which also increases the high-speed capability of hybrid bearing assemblies.
For more info visit http://info.hotims.com/84477-403
Automotive Relays
CIT Relay & Switch (Rogers, MN) is offering an automotive relay with a blow-out magnet. In the automotive
relay world, 12VDC and 24VDC systems have been the norm for over 50 years. With the world trending toward EVs
there is a need for higher voltage DC switching. As DC voltages increase, so does the chance of developing what is
called a standing arc, where the contacts open and the arc does not extinguish when the relay returns to the fully
open position. This condition is very damaging to the contacts and can cause welding of the contacts and even
melting of the relay. To combat this, a permanent magnet has been placed next to the contacts to pull on the arc to help it extinguish sooner. The
A2K Series uses the blow-out magnet to help break the electric arc that is formed when the contacts of the relay are opening. With a large switching
capacity up to 60 amps, the A2K series also offers resistor and diode options for coil suppression along with PCB Pin or Quick Connect terminals and
is available with or without a mounting bracket.
For more info visit http://info.hotims.com/84477-404
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http://info.hotims.com/84477-400 http://info.hotims.com/84477-401 http://info.hotims.com/84477-402 http://info.hotims.com/84477-403 http://info.hotims.com/84477-404

Automotive Engineering - March 2023

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