AVL and VisIC Unite to Revolutionize Electric Mobility with GaN Inverter Technology

AVL and VisIC Technologies: Pioneering High-Power GaN Technology for Electric Mobility

In an ambitious step forward for electric vehicle (EV) technology, VisIC Technologies has partnered with AVL to incorporate high-power gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor solutions into electric drivetrains. This integration represents a leap from theoretical applications into real-world performance, particularly highlighting the capabilities of VisIC’s D³GaN power modules.

The demonstrator vehicle showcases how these advanced GaN technologies can be utilized effectively in an operational setting, moving beyond the confines of laboratory benches into the complex environment of a fully operational vehicle. This collaboration is crucial for evaluating electric propulsion technologies, particularly for demanding applications such as traction inverters, which have significant implications for vehicle range and efficiency.

What Makes GaN Technology So Essential?

The efficient evaluated D³GaN semiconductor platform has significant potential in modern applications, especially in the automotive sector. High-power GaN technology is designed to outperform traditional silicon-based systems, particularly in applications that require high power density and reliability. With the AVL vehicle demonstrator, EVs can now leverage GaN technology for enhanced performance—promoting greater efficiency, reduced energy losses, and a compact design.

Earlier testing in AVL facilities achieved remarkable efficiency levels—over 99.67% at 10 kHz and more than 99.8% at 5 kHz—comparing favorably against silicon carbide (SiC) inverters and showcasing the advantages of VisIC’s D³GaN semiconductors. This transition to practical applications demonstrates how the efficiency of GaN technology can translate directly into vehicle-level benefits, particularly under realistic driving conditions that consist of a wide range of torque and load scenarios.

From Laboratory to the Road: The Evolution of GaN

The collaboration between AVL and VisIC Technologies commenced in 2024, initially focusing on lab tests before progressing to a complete vehicle environment. This pioneering step is reflective of the continuous drive to enhance electric mobility, showcasing how innovations in semiconductor technology are pivotal as the demand for more efficient and reliable electric vehicles surges. As customers increasingly gravitate toward hybrids and fully electric cars, the pressure on automakers to embrace cutting-edge technologies like GaN becomes ever greater.

The AVL demonstrator is more than just a showcase; it’s a critical point of validation for GaN technologies in one of the most rigorous environments for power electronics—automotive applications. The reliability and high efficiency of the D³GaN platform offer significant improvements, especially during partial-load operations, where thermal management becomes a vital concern for electric drivetrains.

Addressing Future Needs: Scalability and Integrations

As the automotive industry pivots toward higher voltage systems, AVL and VisIC are also laying plans to extend their GaN-on-silicon platform towards 800V modules. This scalability is crucial as the demand for more powerful battery technologies grows alongside electric vehicle adoption. The GaN approach benefits from existing silicon semiconductor infrastructures, which can facilitate high-volume manufacturing—essential for meeting the vast needs of the electric mobility market.

VisIC’s technological developments are not only limited to automotive applications but are also well-suited for advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and robotics. The robust, efficient, and compact nature of GaN power modules makes them ideal candidates for emerging technologies that require high-performance power electronics.

The operational performance seen in AVL's vehicle demonstrator provides a solid foundation for advocating GaN's application across various industries, further indicating the technology's potential to transform energy-efficient applications beyond automotive.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Future in Electric Mobility

The partnership between AVL and VisIC Technologies emphasizes the importance of collaboration in pushing forward the boundaries of electric mobility. By combining semiconductor innovation with extensive system-level development expertise, both companies are setting significant precedents in the electric powertrain landscape. The advancements showcased by their latest projects signify that GaN technology is not just a concept for the future but a reality that can be harnessed today, showcasing the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have in accelerating the evolution of electric mobility. This is just the beginning of the journey for GaN, as it positions itself as a key player in the future of green transportation and beyond.