Ideal Power wins order from Tier 1 auto supplier
Ideal Power, the US developer of the B-TRAN bidirectional semiconductor power switch, has received an order from a global Tier 1 automotive supplier that provides power train, safety and other power electronic systems.
The order is for packaged B-TRAN devices, SymCool power modules, solid-state circuit breaker reference design boards and drivers that the Tier 1 will evaluate for an innovative solid-state EV contactor design implementation.
In connection with this engagement, the Tier 1 automotive supplier requested and was provided with budgetary quoting for millions of SymCool power modules as part of their product planning.
"This order is a significant milestone in the commercialisation of our B-TRAN technology as it shows continued momentum with large, prospective customers for EV contactor applications. The benefits that B-TRAN brings to solid-state EV contactors are similar to the benefits it brings to solid-state circuit breakers - very low conduction losses and bidirectionality," said Dan Brdar, president and CEO of Ideal Power.
He added: "We are now engaged with three global automakers, including Stellantis, and five global Tier 1 auto suppliers. Our growing number of engagements with global automakers and their Tier 1 suppliers is indicative of the ongoing transition from legacy electromechanical contactors to solid-state circuit protection solutions and the benefits of B-TRAN compared to other semiconductor technologies for these applications."
An EV contactor disconnects electric vehicle subsystems from the vehicle's battery during events such as crashes and faults, and when the vehicle or subsystem is being serviced or otherwise not operational. Contactors are essential for safety, controlling high-current and high-voltage loads to and from the battery. Several contactors, typically 5 to 8, are employed in an electric vehicle to disconnect the battery from electrical loads such as the motor drive, heating and cooling systems, and charging systems.
According to Ideal Power, B-TRAN-enabled solid-state contactors provide substantial benefits over electromechanical contactors. They operate orders of magnitude faster, effectively eliminating arcing and improving safety, and are more reliable as they do not contain physical contacts subject to wear and requiring maintenance. B-TRAN-enabled solid-state contactors can also provide programmable trip and current limit settings and built-in safety diagnostics.
Benefits specific to B-TRAN include ultra-low conduction losses, lower cost and a 50 percent reduction in the number of semiconductor switches needed for the application due to B-TRAN's inherent bidirectionality. The company believes that, within the next five years, solid-state contactors will surpass electromechanical contactors in the EV and hybrid EV markets, driven by these compelling advantages.
