Traction inverters: the intersection of automotive innovation and performance
Summary
But advances in traction inverters, enabled by our company’s microcontrollers with real-time control capabilities and isolated gate drivers, are pushing expectations of EV performance even further. “We have learned a lot from working with our industrial customers and their motor drives, and our products have been designed for high-voltage systems since the beginning," said Audrey Dearien, an applications manager for isolated gate drivers at our company. One of the most significant changes pushing EVs to greater real-world performance is a transition from insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) to silicon carbide (SiC) technology for the high-voltage switches used in a traction inverter. That improvement will enable more energy out of smaller boards, which will reduce the size and weight of power conversion systems, motors and other drive components, including the traction inverter. That, in turn, creates a better experience for drivers, including lower costs of purchase or ownership, longer vehicle life, and better on-road performance.