STMicroelectronics has announced it is supplying its third-generation silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology for the e-compressor controllers from ZINSIGHT Technology, a Chinese high-tech company focusing on SiC power modules and advanced electric power conversion systems, for new energy vehicles (NEVs). These highly efficient controllers offer several benefits including an extended electric vehicle (EV) driving range of 5~10km (for a medium-size EV model with battery capacity from 60 kWh to 90 kWh) that is particularly beneficial during the summer and winter seasons.
ZINSIGHT is the only company in the world today that mass-produces SiC based e-compressor controllers for air-conditioning running on 400V, 800V and 1000V EV platforms, delivering a significant number of units by the end of 2023. ST’s advanced third-generation 1200V SiC MOSFET ensures industry-leading process stability and performance, efficiency, and reliability. The EV e-compressor controllers use ST’s third-generation SiC MOSFET technology in combination with ZINSIGHT’s unique cooling solution and advanced thermal protection design. Together the e-compressor controllers deliver better thermal management for NEVs, improved NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), and greater compactness and cost efficiency for e-compressors. For example, without compromising summer and winter mileage, this solution can help carmakers achieve significant cost saving per EV in overall system expenses.
“ZINSIGHT and ST share the goal of sustainability through technology innovations. Leveraging ST’s leadership in SiC technology and ZINSIGHT’s innovative design and state-of -the-art process, our cooperation with ST is accelerating innovation in e-compressor controller design, achieving breakthroughs in performance, efficiency, and mileage,” said Doctor Jingkui SHI, President of ZINSIGHT. “ST and ZINSIGHT continue to expand our cooperation, contributing to the innovation and development of China’s NEV industry.”
As a pioneer in SiC technology, ST is advancing SiC manufacturing process using a complete vertically integrated supply chain. ST continues to gain design wins from a wide range of leading automotive and industrial leaders for its well-recognized product reliability. At the same time, ST is continuing to invest in expanding production capacity and enhancing manufacturing technology.
“Developing and refining SiC technology for more than 25 years, ST has built a big portfolio of key patents,” said Henry CAO, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, China Region, STMicroelectronics. “ST’s SiC technology has been widely adopted in onboard chargers, traction inverters, and DC-DC converters for NEVs. Now, our SiC technology is enabling ZINSIGHT’s first-of-its-kind EV e-compressor controller. This success highlights the value we can deliver to the automotive transformation to car electrification and digitalization in China, sustaining mobility energy-saving efforts.”
