News: Microelectronics
18 November 2021
Automotive electronics maker UAES recognizes ROHM as preferred supplier of SiC power solutions
Japan-based power semiconductor maker ROHM Co Ltd has been certified as a preferred supplier of silicon carbide (SiC) power solutions by China’s largest tier-1 automotive manufacturer United Automotive Electronic Systems Co Ltd (UAES, a joint venture established in 1995 by China’s Zhonglian Automotive Electronics Co Ltd and Germany’s Robert Bosch GmbH).
ROHM and UAES have been collaborating and engaging in detailed technical exchanges on the development of automotive applications utilizing SiC power devices since 2015.
In 2020 ROHM established a joint SiC technology laboratory at UAES’ headquarters in Shanghai. Goals include strengthening cooperation on the development of power solutions centered on SiC, and mass production of automotive products equipped with ROHM SiC power devices such as onboard chargers for electric vehicles (EVs).
More recently, ROHM’s SiC power device performance – along with power solutions that include peripheral components – were highly evaluated, resulting in ROHM being selected as the first preferred supplier in this field, it is reckoned. ROHM SiC power devices are also being used in inverter modules currently being developed by UAES to extend the cruising range of electric vehicles and reduce battery size. In the future, the two companies aim to continue to accelerate the development of SiC power solutions to achieve technical innovation for electric vehicles.
Picture: UAES’ deputy general manager Guo Xiaolu (right) and ROHM Semiconductor (Shanghai) Co Ltd chairman Raita Fujimura (left).
“The high rating that ROHM devices and peripheral solution proposals have received has led to ROHM being selected as a preferred supplier,” says UAES’ deputy general manager Guo Xiaolu. “For us at UAES, vehicle applications utilizing SiC are an important business that is about to go into full swing, and we have now entered a concrete stage of mass production of SiC-equipped inverters and other products. We would like to thank ROHM for the previous efforts and look forward to building a long-term collaborative relationship using this certification as a new start,” he adds.
“As the automotive market moves quickly towards electrification, we see an important opportunity to help UAES develop advanced applications that meet customer needs,” says Dr Kazuhide Ino, managing executive officer, chief scientific officer and director of Accounting & Finance Headquarters, ROHM Co Ltd. “ROHM offers a broad range of products in addition to SiC, including IPMs [intelligent power modules], IPDs [integrated passive devices], gate drivers and LED drivers that are ideal for onboard inverters and chargers,” he adds. “We look forward to deepening our relationship with UAES and promoting the development of a wide range of products utilizing ROHM’s cutting-edge technologies that will contribute to the further evolution of electric vehicles.”
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