As a core component of an inverter, a brick has to meet strict requirements. The characteristics of the sub-module are indicative of the factors behind the current sales success and start of volume production: ROHM’s silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors enable the frame-mounted sub-module with high power density to be compact, efficient, and readily integrated into various inverters through its modular and scalable design. The sub-module incorporates the power module for pulse width modulation (PWM) of the current pulses, the DC link capacitor, a DC link and a cooler. Moreover, the brick has a DC boost function, thanks to which a vehicle with 800 V architecture can also be charged at a 400 V charging station at a charging speed of 800 V.

“We are glad about the launch of volume production for Schaeffler’s inverter brick with our 4th generation SiC MOSFET,” says Dr. Kazuhide Ino, Member of the Board and Managing Executive Officer at ROHM. “With our SiC technology we are making a substantial contribution to increasing the efficiency and performance of electric cars. Working with Schaeffler as our partner, we are thus fostering innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry,” Dr. Ino adds.

The strategic partnership of Schaeffler (originally initiated under Vitesco Technologies) with ROHM has existed since 2020 and serves to secure capacity for energy-efficient SiC power semiconductors.