The European research center for electronics and software-based systems research, Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL), and Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) have successfully finished a joint proof of concept of the eFuse technology in high-voltage applications using silicon carbide (SiC)-based power devices.
The findings demonstrate that eFuse technology may greatly increase safety while also lowering the material and maintenance costs of automotive systems like on-board chargers (OBC).
Power devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are becoming more and more common in high-voltage applications such as electric automobiles. This means that in order to safeguard the devices and save money on maintenance, mechanical fuses, which have been used with traditional silicon (Si) based power converters, must be replaced.
Mechanical fuses are designed to rapidly shut down the system upon detecting an overcurrent.
The CZ39 is a coreless current sensor with a 100 ns reaction time that is made by AKM. Its high precision and fast response time enable accurate overcurrent detection and prompt system shutdown.
The eFuse system, created by AKM in collaboration with the Austrian research center SAL, addresses the drawbacks of traditional safety systems that rely on mechanical fuses.
With SiC and GaN-based power devices, including OBCs, this approach offers the overcurrent and short circuit protection needed for next-generation high-voltage EV systems. Moreover, the eFuse’s built-in current sensor can effectively control the current in linked subsystems, lowering the total number of parts.
“With this joint technology validation, we have set a new standard for eFuse technology, and we are proud to combine AKM’s expertise with SAL’s research capabilities to achieve this innovative result. We expect that the eFuse technology will contribute to smaller and lighter EV onboard chargers,” said Toshinori Takatsuka, General Manager of AKM’s current sensor business.
“By utilizing the latest AKM current sensing technologies, we can improve the reaction time of eFuses and the protection of wide-bandgap power converters,” said Thomas Langbauer, Team Lead within the Power Electronics Division at SAL.
From June 11–13, AKM will discuss the findings of their collaborative study with SAL at PCIM Europe 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany (Hall 7, booth 502). Furthermore, the two businesses are debating additional actions since they believe there will be a favorable market impact.
For Further Info: https://silicon-austria-labs.com/ | https://www.asahi-kasei.com/
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