Partnership to create power solutions for vehicle electrification

Building on the company’s technology, already utilised in the energy recovery pack that controls ignition and injection drivers of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport race car, which has won four consecutive Formula One World Constructors’ championships and five consecutive Drivers’ titles, ON Semiconductor will collaborate with the Mercedes EQ Formula E Team in developing next-generation electric powertrain innovations for cutting-edge performance and efficiency.

“ON Semiconductor is a market leader in innovative power management solutions for vehicle electrification. The powertrain systems within both a Formula 1 and Formula E vehicle not only possess an increased number of power semiconductors, these semiconductors must meet extremely demanding performance and efficiency requirements, while withstanding the harshest of automotive environments”, said David Somo, Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy, Marketing and Solutions Engineering at ON Semiconductor. “This partnership showcases our full range of power semiconductors and modules in supporting the continuing success of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as part of a demanding and dynamic sport.”

Dave Priscak, Vice President, Global Solutions Engineering at ON Semiconductor, stated: “Formula E cars see massive power transfers during their running so it’s not a simple electrical problem. Our comprehensive expertise that spans both mechanical and electrical engineering offers full solutions to the innovation of next generation electric vehicles. We look forward to continuing our work with Mercedes to further capitalise on this expertise in the development of technological advancements in power devices and electric vehicle technology.”

Race cars need technology that can withstand high levels of shock, vibration and extreme temperatures. The more efficient the semiconductor device, the less power is lost to wasted heat, resulting in better mileage or miles per watt of energy. At the same time, engineers also aim to make their cars’ components smaller to save weight and space.

ON Semiconductor power products and solutions include IGBTs, high voltage gate drivers, super junction rectifiers, high voltage MOSFETs, high voltage DC-DC, as well as wide band gap (WBG) developments in Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) that can be used in next generation electric vehicles. These technologies provide longer driving range between charges, faster battery charging times and better thermal management.

Visitors to ON Semiconductor’s stand at this year’s Electronica show in Munich (Hall C4, stand 101) can see the Mercedes EQ Formula E concept car and learn more about the company’s plans relating to this announcement.