Rohm Semiconductor announced on Jan 10 that it is supplying its new fourth-gen SiC MOSFETs and gate driver ICs for EV inverters made by automotive parts supplier Hitachi Astemo.
Hitachi Astemo, formerly Hitachi Automotive Systems, has merged with Honda's suppliers: Keihin, Showa, and Nissin Kogyo at the beginning of 2021. Hitachi and Honda respectively hold 66.6% and 33.4% stakes in the integrated auto parts supplier.
According to Rohm, the new fourth-gen SiC MOSFETs deliver improved short-circuit withstand time along with low on-resistance, making it possible to reduce power consumption and extend vehicle range.
Rohm, one of the leading SiC power device suppliers, said this is the first time SiC devices to be adopted in the main inverter circuit to improve performance. The inverters are slated to be supplied to automakers from 2025 and onwards, starting with Japanese OEMs.
Hitachi Astemo has a diverse business portfolio consisting of powertrain and safety systems, chassis business, motorcycle business, software business, and aftermarket business. The company has plants in 27 countries including Japan, China, India, North America, South America, and Europe.
