GaN semiconductor firms partner car sector for EV push

Market: Metals
10/03/20

Manufacturers of gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors are partnering with companies in the automotive industry as they look to target the electric vehicle (EV) sector with power electronics and 5G applications.

GaN is well suited to the high power efficiency required for EV drivetrains and the advanced electronic automotive applications that high-bandwidth 5G telecom networks will enable. It is increasingly being touted as an alternative to silicon carbide (SiC) for 5G and EVs, as it can operate at higher frequencies, with increased efficiency and higher power density.

A raft of recent partnerships and new products show semiconductor makers preparing to take advantage of new opportunities in the automotive market.

Transphorm, a US-based producer of GaN devices, has formed a two-year exclusive strategic partnership with Italian automotive components supplier Marelli to develop powertrain technologies for EVs. The companies will co-operate on voltage converters, on-board EV battery chargers and powertrain inverters that control the EV motor.

"Automotive and EVs represent one of the largest opportunities for GaN in power conversion," Transphorm co-founder and chief operating officer Primit Parikh said, adding that working with Marelli's electric powertrain team "will be extremely valuable in furthering GaN in the electric vehicle".

Switzerland-based STMicroelectronics, which produces SiC-based semiconductors for automotive applications, is moving into developing GaN devices for EVs. The company has agreed to acquire a majority stake in France-based Exagan, which produces GaN power devices, to accelerate the move.

The acquisition follows an agreement with semiconductor foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) to develop power GaN and GaN integrated circuit (IC) products, including converters and chargers for hybrid vehicles and EVs. STMicroelectronics expects to deliver the first samples of its power GaN devices this year, introducing IC products a few months later.

German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon Technologies said today that its previously announced acquisition of Cypress Semiconductor has received approval to proceed in the US. The acquisition, which still requires approval from the Chinese authorities, will make Infineon the world's largest producer of automotive semiconductors.

Infineon produces GaN power semiconductors that increase the energy efficiency of hybrid vehicles and EVs and prevent overheating. The company will combine its GaN devices and sensors with Cypress' automotive microcontrollers to target advanced driver assistance features and new electronic systems in vehicles.

The rollout of 5G networks is enabling new Internet of Things (IoT) applications for GaN devices, including assisted driving and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication for smart transport.

US-based Qualcomm said today that V2X products featuring its semiconductors have received certification under the European Radio Equipment Directive. And Netherlands-based NXP Semiconductors today announced a new digital key product for secure car access that it will combine with its ultra-wideband technology for precise vehicle localisation for driver assistance systems.

By Nicole Willing

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