Nidec Corporation and Renesas Electronics Corporation have agreed to join forces on the development of semiconductor solutions for a next-generation E-Axle (X-in-1 system). Specifically, the new solution integrates EV drive motor and power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs).

Today’s EVs are increasingly adopting the 3-in-1 unit called E-Axle, which integrates a motor, inverter, and gearbox (reduction gear). Also, EVs are integrating power electronics controls such as DC-DC converters and on-board chargers (OBCs). This aims to realize high performance and efficiency as well as smaller size, lightweight and lower cost, and accelerate vehicle development. EV manufacturers in advanced markets such as China have developed an X-in-1 platform that integrates multiple functions. Thus, they accelerate its adoption in many vehicle models.

Challenges in X-in-1 System

As X-in-1 integrates multiple functions and increases in complexity, maintaining a high level of quality in vehicles becomes challenging. Thus, 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 jointly 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 as well as smaller size, lightweight and lower cost for the X-in-1 system.

Develop Proof of Concept

The companies plan to launch the first PoC by the end of 2023. Specifically, the PoC will feature a 6-in-1 system with a DC-DC converter, OBC, and power distribution unit (PDU) as well as a motor, inverter, and gearbox. As a second phase in 2024, Nidec and Renesas plan to develop a highly integrated X-in-1 PoC. Specifically, it 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). They will offer 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. Then, it will 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. It will expand 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 Vice President and Executive General manager of 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.”

“We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with Nidec, who has an exceptional track record of success in E-Axle traction motors,” said Vivek Bhan, Senior Vice President, Co-General Manager of High Performance Computing, Analog and Power Solutions Group at Renesas. “Our contribution to this collaboration extends beyond hardware design, encompassing software development, which is critical to enabling rapid development of PoCs for our customers.”