Zinsight to use Wolfspeed SiC mosfets for fuel cell vehicles
1200V MOSFETs to be used in motor controller for air compressors in fuel cell vehicle engines
SiC semiconductor company Wolfspeed (formerly Cree) has announced that the Chinese electric drive developer ZinsightTechnology will use Wolfspeed 1200V SiC MOSFETs in its advanced motor controller for ultra-high-speed air compressors in fuel cell vehicle (FCV) engines.
Consumer demand for zero-emission vehicles such as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and FCVs is expected to increase over the next decade as automakers and government entities shift focus away from production of internal combustion engine vehicles for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The use of SiC in BEVs and FCVs results in significant cost savings, while high-efficiency power modules enable lower energy losses and higher range.
“The air compressor is one of the most critical components in FCV engines, affecting both efficiency and volume,” said Shi Jingkui, CEO of ZINSIGHT. “We partnered with Wolfspeed to harness its leadership in SiC and ensure our technologies deliver best-in-class performance in speed, performance, efficiency, reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).”
Using Wolfspeed’s 1200V SiC MOSFETs, Zinsight developed a high-speed motor controller for use in FCV air compressors. The 35kW HS35 solution provides enhanced efficiency and energy production, achieving more precise motor control over the entire FCV speed range.
“This collaboration further diversifies our automotive pipeline as we bring SiC technology to fuel cell vehicles,” said Jay Cameron, senior vice president and general manager for Wolfspeed Power. “Wolfspeed SiC enables our customers to provide best-in-class efficiency as they help automakers lead the transition to a more sustainable future.”
As a pure-play semiconductor powerhouse, Wolfspeed is leading the industry transition from silicon to SiC in the automotive sector as it transitions away from internal combustion engines.
