Microchip Makes it Easier to Design an On-Board Charger Solution
Microchip Technology announces a comprehensive On-Board Charger (OBC) solution for electric vehicles, integrating advanced digital, analog, connectivity, and power devices. Key components include the dsPIC33C Digital Signal Controller (DSC), MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver, and mSiC MOSFETs, designed to enhance efficiency and reliability. The solution simplifies the supply chain and accelerates system development with ready-to-use software modules and flexibility for customization. Additionally, Microchip offers a suite of supportive technologies, including communication interfaces, sensors, memory, and timing solutions. The components are now available, supported by the MPLAB development ecosystem.
- Integration of key technologies from one supplier streamlines the development process for On-Board Chargers (OBCs).
- Advanced components like the dsPIC33C DSC and MCP14C1 SiC gate driver improve efficiency and reliability.
- Support for 400V and 800V battery voltages with robust noise immunity and high Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI).
- A comprehensive suite of software modules for Power Factor Correction (PFC), DC-DC conversion, communication, and diagnostics accelerates development.
- The solution provides flexibility for OEM-specific customizations, enhancing market adaptability.
- The dsPIC33C DSC features high-speed ADCs and high-resolution PWM modules, ideal for power conversion applications.
- Microchip offers global technical support and automotive-qualified products, reinforcing customer confidence.
- Potential dependency on a single supplier for key OBC components, which could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.
- Initial costs associated with integrating a comprehensive suite of advanced components and software solutions may be high.
Insights
Microchip Technology's announcement of an integrated on-board charger (OBC) solution for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) represents a significant step forward in EV technology. The combination of the dsPIC33C Digital Signal Controller, the MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver and mSiC™ MOSFETs in a robust package simplifies the design and enhances the efficiency of OBC systems.
The use of the dsPIC33 DSC, with its high-performance DSP core and advanced control functions, is particularly noteworthy for its ability to optimize power conversion, which is important in EV applications. Similarly, the MCP14C1 gate driver’s high-voltage reinforcement and noise immunity, along with the mSiC MOSFETs’ improved thermal management, directly address common challenges in EV power electronics.
This comprehensive solution from a single supplier can cut time-to-market for manufacturers, which is critical in the rapidly evolving EV market. The inclusion of ready-to-use software modules for power factor correction, DC-DC conversion and diagnostic algorithms further underscores the flexibility and robustness of this offering.
In the long term, Microchip's integrated solution could help EV manufacturers reduce costs and improve the reliability of their vehicles. The support for multiple battery voltages (400V and 800V) and adherence to automotive standards (AEC-Q100 and AEC-Q101) enhance its appeal.
However, investors should be aware that the success of this technology will depend on its adoption by OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, which can be influenced by various market dynamics and competition.
The announcement from Microchip Technology is a strategic move aimed at capturing a larger market share in the fast-growing EV segment. The global push towards decarbonization and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles create a robust backdrop for such innovations. By offering an all-in-one solution for on-board chargers, Microchip is positioning itself as a key player in the EV supply chain.
From a market perspective, the integration of multiple critical components into a single solution not only simplifies the supply chain for EV manufacturers but also potentially lowers the overall cost. This can be particularly appealing for OEMs looking to streamline their production processes and reduce build times.
Microchip's emphasis on providing a comprehensive suite of solutions, including connectivity, security, sensors and memory, enhances the value proposition to customers. This holistic approach can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business, which is vital for sustained revenue growth.
However, the competitive landscape in the EV market is intense, with numerous players vying for dominance. While Microchip's integrated solution offers clear advantages, competitors may also provide similar innovations, potentially diluting the impact. Investors should monitor Microchip’s ability to maintain its technological edge and secure key partnerships with leading OEMs.
In the shorter term, the positive reception of this product could lead to an uptick in stock value, reflecting investor confidence in Microchip's strategic direction and leadership in the EV market.
Designers can speed time to market for their on-board charger application with key technologies from one supplier, including the control, gate drive and power stage
CHANDLER, Ariz., June 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The market for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) continues to grow as the push towards decarbonization requires sustainable solutions to reduce emissions. A critical application for EVs is the on-board charger, which converts AC power into DC power to recharge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces an On-Board Charger (OBC) solution that uses a selection of its automotive-qualified digital, analog, connectivity and power devices, including the dsPIC33C Digital Signal Controller (DSC), the MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver and mSiC™ MOSFETs in an industry-standard D2PAK-7L XL package.
This solution is designed to increase an OBC system’s efficiency and reliability by leveraging the dsPIC33 DSC’s advanced control functions, the MCP14C1 gate driver’s high-voltage reinforced isolation with robust noise immunity and the mSiC MOSFETs’ reduced switching losses and improved thermal management capabilities. To further simplify the supply chain for customers, Microchip provides the key technologies that support the other functions of an OBC, including communication interfaces, security, sensors, memory and timing.
To accelerate system development and testing, Microchip offers a flexible programmable solution with ready-to-use software modules for Power Factor Correction (PFC), DC-DC conversion, communication and diagnostic algorithms. The software modules in the dsPIC33 DSC are designed to optimize performance, efficiency and reliability, while offering flexibility for customization and adaptation to specific OEM requirements.
“Microchip established an E-Mobility megatrend team with dedicated resources to support this growing market, so in addition to providing the control, gate drive and power stage for an OBC, we can also provide customers with connectivity, timing, sensors, memory and security solutions,” said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit. “As a leading supplier to OEMs and Tier-1s, Microchip offers comprehensive solutions to streamline the development process, including automotive-qualified products, reference designs, software and global technical support.”
Here is an overview of the key components in this OBC solution:
- The dsPIC33C DSC is AEC-Q100 qualified and features a high-performance DSP core, high-resolution Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) modules and high-speed Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), making it optimal for power conversion applications. It is functional safety ready and supports the AUTOSAR® ecosystem.
- The MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver is AEC-Q100 qualified and is offered in SOIC-8 wide-body package supporting reinforced isolation and SOIC-8 narrow-body supporting basic isolation. Compatible with the dsPIC33 DSC, the MCP14C1 is optimized to drive mSiC MOSFETs via Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO) for VGS = 18V gate drive split output terminals, which simplifies implementation and eliminates the need for an external diode. Galvanic isolation is achieved by leveraging capacitive isolation technology, which results in robust noise immunity and high Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI).
- The mSiC MOSFET in an AEC-Q101-qualified D2PAK-7L XL surface mount package includes five parallel source sense leads to reduce switching losses, increase current capability and decrease inductance. This device supports 400V and 800V battery voltages.
Microchip has published a white paper that provides more information about how this OBC solution can optimize a design’s performance and speed up its time to market.
For more information about Microchip's OBC solutions for EVs, visit Microchip's website.
Development Tools
The dsPIC33C DSC is an AUTOSAR-ready device and is supported by the MPLAB® development ecosystem including MPLAB PowerSmart™ Development Suite.
Availability
The main components for an OBC solution including the dsPIC33C DSC, the MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver and the mSiC MOSFET in a D2PAK-7L XL package are now available. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
Resources
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About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 123,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, and dsPIC are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. mSiC are trademarks of Microchip Technology Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
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