Automotive Industry Updates: Wolfspeed, Infineon, VicOne, Pirelli, Bosch, Mojo Vision, CY Vision, Geotab, Kia, Toyoda, and Magna in Focus
In the rapidly evolving world of automotive technology, Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation has made a significant stride with the release of four new 40V MXT MV MOSFETs designed specifically for automotive applications. These MOSFETs promise enhanced thermal management, high efficiency, compactness, and robust performance, making them well-suited for power-intensive and reliability-critical automotive systems.
The new MOSFETs are packaged in Power Dual Flat No-Lead (PDFN) 33, reducing their area by more than 60% and weight by approximately 75% compared to PDFN56. This compact design supports lightweight and space-saving automotive designs without compromising current handling or thermal safety.
One of the key advantages of the 40V MXT MV MOSFETs is their superior thermal performance. They utilize innovative packaging, such as the TOLT package for their 80V MOSFETs, that allows heat to be dissipated directly from the top via a metal heat sink. This design significantly reduces junction temperature by about 22%, extending lifespan and improving reliability.
The MOSFETs also boast exceptional efficiency and switching performance. They combine ultra-low on-resistance (RDS(on)) with fast switching speeds, helping reduce conduction and switching losses crucial for automotive power control systems.
In addition, these MOSFETs are engineered for thermally and electrically challenging automotive applications, supporting stable operation under dynamic conditions and contributing to overall system robustness. Three of the new models have a low gate threshold voltage of 1.8V, which reduces the energy required to operate the MOSFET and decreases the overall power consumption of the system.
While the detailed specification of the 40V variant wasn't directly cited, the technological features from Magnachip’s latest MXT MV MOSFET family strongly suggest these 40V devices inherit the thermal and efficiency innovations found in their 80V TOLT-packaged models, tailored for automotive power electronics where reliability and efficiency are critical.
Elsewhere in the automotive sector, Wolfspeed, Inc. has unveiled a silicon carbide module designed to transform the renewable energy, energy storage, and high-capacity fast-charging sectors. The module, developed utilizing Wolfspeed's state-of-the-art 200mm silicon carbide wafers, is expected to find fast adoption in industrial, automotive, and consumer, computing & communication applications due to its superior efficiency and reliability.
Wolfspeed is partnering with EPC Power, a premier North American utility-scale inverter manufacturer, to employ the modules in utility-grade solar and energy storage systems. This collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and improve the efficiency of energy storage and fast-charging solutions.
In other news, Pirelli and Bosch have signed a joint development agreement to create software-based solutions and driving functions thanks to sensors integrated into tires. The world's first system based on tires with integrated sensors, Pirelli Cyber Tyre, collects data and transmits it to the vehicle for real-time processing. This innovation promises to revolutionise tire safety and performance.
Meanwhile, Geotab, Kia, and 42dot have signed a MOU to integrate advanced data solutions with enhanced in-vehicle technology to deliver innovative systems that support safety, sustainability, and efficiency for fleets worldwide. The partnership aims to leverage Geotab's telematics capabilities, Kia's vehicle expertise, and 42dot's AI-powered solutions to create a comprehensive fleet management system.
UD Trucks has partnered with VicOne for their xNexus platform to enhance their product security and meet regulatory requirements such as UN R155. UD Trucks has also selected VicOne's xNexus next-generation vehicle security operations center (VSOC) platform to take advantage of contextualized security risk insights and improve their product's overall security.
Finally, Toyoda Gosei has developed a new system that enables automotive developers to experience changes in vehicle interior sounds with different combinations of sealing parts installed on vehicles. This innovation contributes to the creation of more comfortable moving spaces through improved quietness in cabin.
In the realm of augmented reality, Mojo Vision and CY Vision are partnering to develop HUDs built with micro-LED technology that incorporate augmented-reality into automobiles. This collaboration aims to bring cutting-edge AR technology to the automotive industry, enhancing driver experience and safety.
Trimble and Platform Science have announced a partnership for Platform Science to acquire Trimble's global transportation telematics business units. The partnership aims to enhance driver experience, fleet safety, efficiency, and compliance by leveraging Trimble's expertise in fleet management and Platform Science's innovative telematics solutions.
These developments underscore the rapid pace of innovation in the automotive and renewable energy sectors. As these industries continue to evolve, we can expect to see more groundbreaking technologies that redefine the way we travel and harness renewable energy.
[1] Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation. (2023). "Magnachip Announces Four New 40V MXT MV MOSFETs for Automotive Applications." Business Wire.
[2] Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation. (2023). "Magnachip's MXT MV MOSFETs: Superior Thermal Performance, High Power Density, Exceptional Efficiency, and Robust Performance." Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation.
- The newly released 40V MXT MV MOSFETs from Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the automotive industry, particularly in power-intensive systems needing high efficiency, thermal management, compactness, and robust performance.
- Infotainment systems, fleet management, and electric-vehicles stand to gain from the advancements in automotive technology, as evidenced by the 40V MXT MV MOSFETs, boasting superior thermal performance and exceptional efficiency.
- In the rapidly evolving automotive and renewable energy sectors, finance is also of great importance, as witnessed by the collaborations between companies like Trimble and Platform Science, aiming to improve driver experience, fleet safety, efficiency, and compliance.
- Cybersecurity plays a vital role in the future of transportation, as demonstrated by UD Trucks' partnership with VicOne to fortify their product security and meet regulatory requirements such as UN R155.
- The automotive industry is evolving to cater to modern lifestyles, with partnerships like the one between Pirelli and Bosch, developing software-based solutions and tire sensors to revolutionize tire safety and performance.
- Technology continues to transform the automotive landscape, with collaborations like the one between Mojo Vision and CY Vision, bringing augmented-reality heads-up displays to vehicles to enhance driver experience and safety.
