The Schaeffler inverter subassembly is the essential power unit for controlling the electric drive via logic signals. This is where the high-frequency current pulses that power the vehicle's electric motor are generated. The performance characteristics of the inverter brick currently manufactured are impressive: Schaeffler has increased the brick's power output by raising the maximum possible battery voltage well above the standard 800 V, and with RMS currents up to 650 A, making the submodule a compact power package.
High Voltage Inverter Brick
“Thanks to our strategic focus on incorporating scalability and modularity into our electric mobility solutions, from individual components to a highly integrated electric axle, we have developed the easily integrated inverter brick. Building on the development of our generic platform, it has only taken us a year to prepare this product, optimized for the popular X-in-1 architectures, for series production,” says Thomas Stierle, CEO of Schaeffler’s electric mobility division.
Modularity and scalability as key to easy integration.
As a fundamental component of an inverter, a brick must meet very strict requirements. The characteristics of the submodule are indicative of the factors behind its current sales success and the start of mass production: ROHM's silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors enable the rack-mounted submodule to be compact, efficient, and easy to integrate into various inverters thanks to its modular and scalable design. The submodule incorporates the power module for pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the current pulses, the DC link capacitor, a DC link, and a cooler. Furthermore, the brick has a DC boost function, allowing a vehicle with an 800V architecture to be charged at a 400V charging station at an 800V charging rate.
SiC MOS Wafer
“We are very pleased with the start of series production of the Schaeffler inverter featuring our 4th generation SiC MOSFET,” says Dr. Kazuhide Ino, Member of the Board and Managing Executive Officer of ROHM. “With our SiC technology, we are making a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. By partnering with Schaeffler, we are fostering innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry,” adds Dr. Ino.
The strategic alliance between Schaeffler (originally initiated under Vitesco Technologies) and ROHM has existed since 2020 and guarantees the production capacity of energy-efficient SiC power semiconductors.
