Vitesco Enhances DC-DC Converter Design with CoolGaN Technology

Vitesco Technologies has made a significant advancement in automotive technology by incorporating gallium nitride transistors in its fifth-generation DC-DC converter. The Gen5+ converter, developed by Vitesco, utilizes 650V CoolGan transistors from Infineon Technologies to achieve an impressive efficiency of over 96%. This efficiency boost is achieved by increasing the switching frequency from 100kHz to 250kHz, resulting in an energy density of 4.2kW/l.

The use of gallium nitride transistors in the Vitesco Gen5+ DC-DC converter has enabled very low switching losses, particularly in hard-switched half-bridges. Additionally, the thermal and overall system losses have been minimized, leading to enhanced performance and reliability. The GaN devices boast an ON-resistance (R DS(on)) of 50 mΩ, a transient drain-to-source voltage of 850 V, an I DS,max of 30 A, and an I DSmax,pulse of 60 A. These devices are packaged in a top-cooled TOLT package, facilitating air-cooled designs that eliminate the need for liquid cooling, thereby reducing system costs and energy density.

Moreover, the 650V gallium nitride devices contribute to improved power efficiency and density, allowing for an output of 800V with a simplified converter design and mechanical integration. This advancement is crucial for DC-DC converters used in various automotive applications, including 12V power systems for headlights, interior lights, wiper and window motors, fans, and 48V systems for pumps, steering drives, lighting systems, electrical heaters, and air conditioning compressors.

The design of the DC-DC converter plays a pivotal role in the development of more cost-effective and energy-efficient vehicles that incorporate an increasing number of low-voltage functions. The compact size of the converters enables flexible positioning within the vehicle, optimizing space utilization and overall performance.

According to TechInsights, the global automotive DC-DC converter market was valued at $4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $11 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15%. Johannes Schoiswohl, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the GaN Systems Business Line at Infineon, expressed excitement about Vitesco Technologies' adoption of GaN devices, emphasizing the transformative impact of GaN technology in transitioning from liquid-cooled to air-cooled systems.