PCIM Europe 2022 shows huge developments in the EV space

PCIM EUROPE 2022 PCIM Europe 2022 shows huge developments in the EV space

15.06.2022 From Luke James

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Each year, we’ve seen more of a focus on EVs at the annual PCIM Europe event, and 2022 was no exception with a range of exciting new developments that illustrate just how quickly the sector is innovating.

One area that was particularly well-represented at PCIM 2022 was electric vehicles (EVs).
(Source: Buffaloboy - stock.adobe.com)

PCIM Europe 2022 held in mid-May was an international event for experts in the field of power electronics. With a total of 384 exhibitors and around 11,300 visitors this year, it was, as ever, one packed full of exciting new developments that highlight the current and emerging trends within the industry.

Throughout the course of the three-day event, no less than 280 high-level presentations on current R&D topics were given, and over 700 participants representing 37 countries shared their specialist knowledge with spectators.

One area that was particularly well-represented at PCIM 2022 was electric vehicles (EVs) as many leading manufacturers proudly demonstrated their latest innovations. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.

After three years, PCIM Europe finally took place again live in Nuremberg. (Klaus J.A. Mellenthin 2022 / BFF, DGPh)

A ‘benchmark’ power semiconductor for EVs

Hitachi Energy launched its latest “pioneering power semiconductor for electric vehicles” at the event. Named ‘RoadPak’, the compact module uses state-of-the-art silicon carbide (SiC) technology to achieve “exceptional” levels of power density for faster charging, more reliability over the EV lifecycle, and the lowest possible power losses for the longest possible driving range, Hitachi said in a press release.

A RoadPak semiconductor, which is designed to operate for more than 4 million start-stop cycles
(Source: Hitachi Energy)

“RoadPak is the result of more than 100 years of Hitachi Energy innovation and market leadership in power electronics… it builds on our commitment to take e-mobility to the next level and advance a more sustainable energy future for all,” Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, said.

RoadPak is available in both 750 and 1,200-volt ranges, making it useful for a variety of EVs, including regular consumer cars, agricultural EVs, heavy-duty vehicles, and high-performance racing cars.

GaN-based solutions for autonomous driving

Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) delivered several technical presentations on gallium nitride (GaN) technology at the event, covering a variety of consumer end products.

Some examples shared by EPC included a demonstration of how GaN can enable 2-kW bidirectional converters that increase efficiency, shrink the size, and reduce system costs for the next generation of EVs, as well as GaN-based motors for applications including e-bikes, autonomous robots, drones, and city cars with smaller sizes lower weights, and improved range and reliability.

According to EPC, eGaN FETs and ICs provide the short pulse widths that are needed for higher-resolution LiDAR systems that are needed for further advances in autonomous vehicles, and the higher pulse current to extend their range.

For the first time, three Best Paper Awards will be presented at PCIM Europe, one Young Engineer Award, as well as the new Young Researcher Award in addition. (ATKWORK888 - stock.adobe.com)

Energy-efficient solutions for e-mobility

Finally, onsemi showcased a range of its latest energy-efficient technologies, demonstrating how they enable the development of solutions for applications including e-mobility, smart power, and energy storage.

Included among the many product demonstrations were an e-scooter and Student Formula car developed in collaboration with students from Technical University Munich. The company also demonstrated an EV charger from industry leader Kempower which used onsemi SiC diodes.

The company also presented its seventh-generation insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and diode for the very first time. Their latest IGBT has reduced forward-bias voltage by 20 percent when compared to the sixth-generation model, massively improving efficiency and power density in motor control applications.

PCIM Europe 2023 will be held at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center from May 9 to 11 next year.

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