Category: News

Novel power electronics for OnBoard Chargers, DC-DC Converters and Solar Inverters

Novel power electronics for OnBoard Chargers, DC-DC Converters and Solar Inverters

Technology with a particularly high power density of more than 3kW/litre, enables among other things, a significant reduction in charging times for electric vehicles.

KYOCERA AVX Components (Salzburg) has been a global player in the power electronics market for many years, and is known for innovative technologies that can be installed in very confined spaces. The latest development, which won third place in the WIKARUS innovation competition held by the state of Salzburg, is the first to use a completely new semiconductor technology that uses gallium nitride instead of silicon.

From left to right: Georg Schafrath (Managing Director) and Gerhard Köck (R&D Manager); both KYOCERA AVX Components (Salzburg) GmbH; © KS/Hauch

DC voltage is converted into pulses with low loss

In all DC-DC applications it is necessary to split the DC voltage into pulses. This high-frequency on and off switching results in high power losses. Using new semiconductor technology and optimized current management, a significant increase in switching frequencies can be achieved, while simultaneously reducing losses.

Novel technology enables power density of more than 3kW/litre

This technology was developed with a focus on on-board chargers (chargers installed in the vehicle). The core element is a very low inductance design that makes it possible to greatly increase the switching frequencies. By using a new semiconductor technology (gallium nitride), this high switching frequency can be implemented with very low power losses.

Small footprint means higher performance and shorter charging times

The consistent approach to reducing power losses leads to a very compact design, high efficiency and, most importantly, leads to economic advantages. In addition, the higher power density makes it possible to markedly increase, and in some cases even double, the power output for a given installation space. This becomes tangible when, for example, considering halving the charging time for a passenger car.

Georg Schafrath (Managing Director) and Gerd Köck (R&D Manager) at KYOCERA AVX Components (Salzburg) are delighted with their recognition in the WIKARUS Innovation Competition, and are confident in their highly effective invention. Faster charging times are a particularly important focus for the Salzburg experts, as their innovative solutions make an important contribution to the future adoption of electric drives.

The overall strong economic case makes the innovation attractive for versatile application in the automotive industry, but it is also suited for use in solar inverters. For a technical discussion, please contact us here.

Position sensors support
ASIL D capable assistance systems

Position sensors by KYOCERA AVX support ASIL D capable assistance systems for braking force control and recuperation
KYOCERA AVX stands for the development and worldwide production of position sensors based on versatile technologies, and with different electronic interfaces. Our position sensors have already proven themselves millions of times in automotive applications, and take on important functions in new types of assistance systems.

Position sensors for the assistance of braking processes
By sensing the pedal position, the driver’s braking demand is detected and interpreted by the downstream systems. Common applications are brake boosting and emergency braking assistance, i.e. safety-related systems. In the future, they will be used across all vehicle classes to increase safety on the road. Position sensors from KYOCERA AVX require little installation space and can be integrated economically using modular concepts.

Position sensors initiate recuperation
In electric vehicles it is also about the recuperation of the braking force, which replenishes the battery charge and thus increases the available range. Depending on the vehicle model, the rate of recuperation is specified by the electronics, and the process is initiated by detecting the accelerator pedal or brake pedal positions. With the appropriate system settings, it is even possible to drive a vehicle in normal road traffic using only the accelerator pedal, the brake being needed only for emergency braking.

Safety-relevant functions for position sensors
The requirements for these systems are very high, and again the detection of position is the trigger for safety-relevant processes in the vehicle. KYOCERA AVX supports the application with position sensors that meet corresponding FUSI requirements on the ASIL C level.

Broad technology base and many years of field experience
Different sensor technologies allow individual tailoring of the product characteristics to the respective application. Interfaces including analog, PWM, PSI5, SENT, CAN, LIN and other protocols are possible.

The individual design of position sensors is based on the selection of the optimal technology for the application, in combination with a suitable mechanical interface. Based on an advanced overmolding technology developed by KYOCERA AVX, we use the excellent properties of thermoplastic and thermoset to create solutions with integrated sensor technology. However, we are also happy to offer molded or laser-welded cover solutions if this is the optimal solution for your application.

We are at your disposal for inquiries and technical discussions: feel free to contact us, or find out more by watching a short video on position sensors, available as part of our virtual exhibition stand.

LED-Matrix

Highly efficient matrix beam solutions for electromobility

Eco-Matrixbeam modules for matrix headlamps from KYOCERA AVX Components (Salzburg) support various light functions with very low energy consumption and maximum freedom of design

Independent from the type of engine the overall energy consumption of all main and auxiliary electronic units has an impact on the actual range between refueling or charging.

Eco-Matrixbeam reduces the energy consumption and power loss for an increased range

While for cars with conventional engines, for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) the above-mentioned facts cause a higher fuel consumption, but affects directly the range for battery electric vehicles (BEV). Therefor the overall power loss of state-of-the-art headlamps and rear lights plays an even bigger role. Especially LED matrix head lamps with different light functions and an increasing pixel count provide several advantages for safe driving at dark and wet conditions. But on the other hand, these accomplishments are attended by an increasing energy consumption of different electronic modules. So, with the Eco-Matrixbeam KYOCERA AVX Components (Salzburg) has developed an alternative solution for matrix applications featuring low energy consumption compared to conventional concepts, but with unrestricted functionality. Primarily this will be accomplished by means of highly efficient optics in combination with customized LED matrix light sources. Beside the efficiency new standards are set concerning optics size and the weight of the entire electronic module.

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Eco-Matrixbeam sets standards concerning scalability despite very small module size

The Eco-Matrixbeam technology enables very slim headlamp designs of modern vehicles and represents a future-proof scalable solution with its small optics. Although the compact module size facilitates an implementation into headlamp housings with limited space. Depending on the requirements for light distribution and functionality of the matrix beam individual types of the LED light source as well as the optics can be realized by considering specific technology guide lines. Furthermore, small module sizes provide low system costs also for individual applications.

Eco-Matrixbeam from AB Mikroelektronik: outstanding optical efficiency without restrictions for functioning and driving safety

The LED module features an outstanding optical efficiency along with slim optics and small module size. Additionally the optimized thermal performance of the Eco-Matrixbeam technology enables an application in vehicles with slim, modern headlamp designs, providing lower fuel, respectively energy consumption without  tradeoffs concerning functioning and driving safety.

» For more information, please visit the LED modules product category

» Learn more about our portfolio for E-Mobility applications

Pressure Sensors For Hybrid Electric Vehicles

 

New sealing concept offers high levels of safety and long term stability

A special pressure sensor designed for use at the fuel tank of hybrid-electric vehicles is the latest development from the specialists for ceramic pressure measuring cells – KYOCERA AVX. The new pressure sensor features very high measuring accuracy over its life time, and satisfies the specific and demanding requirements of modern hybrid-electric vehicles particularly closely.

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At the core of the new pressure sensor is a fully ceramic pressure measuring cell with integrated pressure connection. The sensor is mounted in a compact two-part housing. Next to the pressure measuring cell are the circuit board for signal conditioning and the electrical connection.

Sealing against the installation point can be made with either one or two O-rings, depending on the medium and tightness requirements. Different O-ring materials can also be combined to allow compatibility with different media or aggregate states at the same time. Thanks to its optimal use of space, this new pressure sensor is only slightly taller than a EMS pressure sensor for a comparable pressure range.

KYOCERA AVX’s in-house ceramic processing capability has enabled a rapid and flexible design of the pressure connection in terms of diameter and sealing concept, for individual adaptation to customer requirements. The preferably digital interface can also be quickly varied in its design.

» On a nutshell – Fast Fact Sheet

» More about Pressure Sensors

» Learn obout our wide portfolio for electric vehicles