Integration enables highly efficient voltage conversion

The DC/DC converter underlies the power control unit, the heart of a hybrid electric vehicle, along with the inverter and the variable-voltage system. ST provides 32-bit automotive MCUs for the Prius' DC/DC converter, which controls the voltage reduction of the current generated from the battery or generator that is used by the vehicle's 14V subsystems, such as the car radio, lighting and wipers. The DC/DC converter also uses two ST Power MOSFETs. The components' integration with TICO's software enables highly efficient voltage conversion and low heat dissipation and contributes to the miniaturisation of the power control unit.

ST's automotive-grade microcontrollers used in the DC/DC converter of the Prius are based on the PowerPC architecture. The chips are manufactured using ST's proprietary in-house embedded-Flash technology. Spanning breakdown voltages from 500 to 1500V, ST's Power MOSFETs combine low gate charge and low on-resistance with state-of-the-art packaging to deliver highly-efficient power-handling capability.

"The ST-powered DC-DC converter developed by TICO for the new, fourth-generation Prius, establishes a new benchmark in efficiency and technology features and is a prime example of the industry trend towards Smart Driving," said Marco Cassis, Executive Vice President, Japan & Korea Region, STMicroelectronics. "We are pleased to contribute to this technology innovation by providing the automotive microcontrollers and power-conversion devices with no-compromises and robust performance."