Vitesco Technologies Revolutionizes DC-DC Converter Efficiency with Infineon’s CoolGaN™ Technology

Vitesco Technologies Revolutionizes DC-DC Converter Efficiency with Infineon’s CoolGaN™ Technology

(IN BRIEF) Vitesco Technologies has utilized Infineon Technologies’ CoolGaN™ Transistors to significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of its next-generation DC-DC converters, which are crucial in electric and hybrid vehicles. These converters connect high-voltage batteries to low-voltage circuits and are essential for improving vehicle affordability and energy efficiency. The new GaN-based converters achieve over 96 percent efficiency, higher power density, and reduced system costs by eliminating the need for liquid cooling. This innovation marks a major advancement in automotive electrification, with the market for such converters expected to grow significantly by 2030.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 9-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant development within the automotive electrification sector, Vitesco Technologies has leveraged cutting-edge gallium nitride (GaN) technology from Infineon Technologies AG to enhance the efficiency and performance of its next-generation DC-DC converters. These converters, crucial for connecting high-voltage batteries to low-voltage auxiliary circuits in electric and hybrid vehicles, are set to play a pivotal role in the industry’s shift toward more affordable and energy-efficient vehicles.

DC-DC converters are integral to the operation of various vehicle components, including headlights, interior lights, motors, and systems operating at both 12V and 48V levels. With the rising demand for low-voltage functions, the efficiency and power density of these converters have become paramount. According to TechInsights, the global market for automotive DC-DC converters was valued at USD 4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 11 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 percent.

GaN technology, specifically Infineon’s CoolGaN™ Transistors 650 V, has emerged as a game-changer in this domain. By incorporating these transistors into its Gen5+ GaN Air DC-DC converter, Vitesco Technologies has achieved remarkable improvements in system performance, power density, and sustainability. The new converters boast an efficiency of over 96 percent, setting new industry standards and offering a glimpse into the future of power grids, power supplies, and on-board chargers (OBCs).

A key advantage of GaN-based transistors lies in their high switching speed, which has been significantly increased from 100 kHz to over 250 kHz. This enhancement allows for minimal switching losses and reduced thermal and overall system losses, even in demanding high-frequency applications. Infineon’s CoolGaN™ Transistors, housed in a top-cooled TOLT package, are air-cooled, eliminating the need for liquid cooling and thereby reducing system costs. These 650 V devices further improve power efficiency and density, supporting an output of 800 V while maintaining impressive electrical characteristics.

Johannes Schoiswohl, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the GaN Systems Business Line at Infineon, expressed his satisfaction with Vitesco Technologies’ adoption of GaN devices. “We are delighted to see industry leaders like Vitesco Technologies using our GaN devices and innovating with their applications. The ultimate value of GaN is demonstrated when it changes paradigms, as in this example of moving from a liquid-cooled system to an air-cooled system,” he said.

The collaboration has allowed Vitesco Technologies to design its Gen5+ GaN Air DC-DC converters with passive cooling, resulting in a significant reduction in system costs and a simplified converter design. These advancements also enhance mechanical integration, providing manufacturers with greater flexibility in positioning the converters within the vehicle. The GaN devices facilitate scalable power outputs up to 3.6 kW and increase power density to over 4.2 kW/l, offering improved thermal behavior and efficiency compared to previous liquid-cooled models.

The new converters also feature a two-phase output of 248 A at 14.5 V continuous, with the ability to combine phases for maximum output power or switch off one phase under partial load conditions. Additionally, the converters support 800 V architectures without exceeding the maximum blocking voltage of the device, thanks to the isolated half-bridge topology that incorporates a GaN-based half-bridge, a fully isolated transformer, and an active rectifier unit for each phase.

Infineon’s CoolGaN™ Transistors 650 V are currently available, marking a significant step forward in automotive power conversion technology. Further details on Infineon’s GaN solutions can be accessed at www.infineon.com/gan.

About Infineon

Infineon Technologies AG is a global semiconductor leader in power systems and IoT. Infineon drives decarbonization and digitalization with its products and solutions. The company has around 58,600 employees worldwide and generated revenue of about €16.3 billion in the 2023 fiscal year (ending 30 September). Infineon is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and in the USA on the OTCQX International over-the-counter market (ticker symbol: IFNNY).

Further information is available at www.infineon.com

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Media Contact:

Veronika Seifried
Tel: +49 89 234 25869
Veronika.Seifried@infineon.com

SOURCE: Infineon Technologies AG