VisIC Technologies and AVL have integrated D3GaN power modules into the traction inverter of a vehicle demonstrator. This platform serves to evaluate electric propulsion technologies and incorporates components from AVL, NXP Semiconductors, and VisIC.
During WLTC drive-cycle testing on an AVL e-motor test bench in Germany, the inverter reached 99.67% efficiency at 10 kHz and over 99.8% at 5 kHz. The system demonstrated a reduction in energy losses of more than 60% compared to similar SiC inverters.
The D3GaN technology aims to lower switching and conduction losses while increasing power density. The companies are also working on 800 V power modules for high-voltage systems, utilizing a GaN-on-silicon platform compatible with 200 mm and 300 mm foundries.
