STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced that its new silicon carbide (SiC) power modules have been recognized for their performance by electric vehicle manufacturers since their launch, including being adopted by many in Hyundai Motor Company’s E-GMP vehicle platform.

ST announced on the 8th that it recently launched a high-power module that improves the performance and driving range of electric vehicles.

ST's new silicon carbide (SiC) power modules have been adopted by Hyundai Motor Company's E-GMP electric vehicle platform, which is used in several vehicle models, including the Kia EV6.

Five new SiC-MOSFET-based power modules provide vehicle manufacturers with the flexibility to support operating voltages typically used in electric vehicle traction applications and a range of power ratings.

Housed in a package optimized for traction applications, ST’s ACEPACK DRIVE power modules deliver high reliability and robustness thanks to sintering technology, allowing manufacturers to easily integrate them into electric-vehicle drives.

Key power semiconductors embedded in this power module include ST’s third-generation STPOWER SiC MOSFETs, which offer industry-leading figures of merit (RDS(ON)) along with excellent performance in synchronous commutation and very low switching energy.) x die area).

“ST’s silicon carbide solutions enable leading automotive OEMs to accelerate electrification in the development of next-generation electric vehicles,” said Marco Monti, President of ST’s Automotive and Discrete Group. “ST’s third-generation SiC technology ensures the highest power density and energy efficiency to enable outstanding vehicle performance, range, and charging times.”

Hyundai Motor Company, a leader in the electric vehicle market, has adopted ST’s third-generation AcePack Drive SiC-MOSFET-based power modules for its current-generation EV platform, the E-GMP.

In particular, this module is slated to power the Kia EV6 model.

“ST’s SiC-MOSFET-based power modules are the optimal solution for traction inverters that support longer driving ranges,” said Sang-Cheol Shin, team leader of Hyundai Motor Group’s inverter design team. “Through our collaboration with ST, a leading semiconductor company that is innovating electrification through continuous technological investment, we have been able to make significant progress in realizing more sustainable electric vehicles.”

ST, a leader in SiC technology, has already supplied STPOWER SiC devices to more than 3 million passenger cars in production worldwide.

Compared to conventional silicon power semiconductors, SiC devices can handle higher operating voltages in a smaller size, enabling faster charging and superior vehicle dynamics.

It improves driving range and reliability with higher energy efficiency. SiC is being widely adopted in a variety of electric vehicle systems, from DC-DC converters and traction inverters to onboard chargers (OBCs) that enable bidirectional operation to transfer power from the vehicle to the grid.

As an integrated device manufacturer (IDM), ST supports vehicle manufacturers’ electrification strategies with a SiC strategy that ensures quality and security of power supplies.

ST recently built a fully integrated SiC substrate manufacturing facility in Catania, Italy, which is scheduled to start production in 2023, responding quickly to support the rapidly expanding electric mobility market.