The onboard charger solution integrates advanced digital signal controllers, isolated gate drivers, and MOSFETs to boost system efficiency and reliability.
The demand for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is increasing with the push toward decarbonization, which requires sustainable methods to reduce emissions. A key component for EVs is the onboard charger (OBC), which converts AC power to DC to recharge the vehicle’s high-voltage battery. Microchip Technology has launched an OBC solution that incorporates its automotive-qualified devices, including the dsPIC33C Digital Signal Controller (DSC), the MCP14C1 isolated SiC gate driver, and mSiC MOSFETs packaged in the D2PAK-7L XL.
The company claims the solution enhances OBC system efficiency and reliability by using the DSC’s control functions, the gate driver’s noise immunity and isolation, and the MOSFETs’ thermal management and reduced switching losses. To streamline the supply chain, Microchip provides technologies supporting OBC functions such as communication interfaces, security, sensors, memory, and timing.
To help expedite system development and testing, the company offers a programmable solution with software modules for Power Factor Correction (PFC), DC-DC conversion, communication, and diagnostic algorithms. These modules in the DSC are designed to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability while allowing for customization to specific OEM requirements.
Overview of the key components in this OBC solution:
- dsPIC33C DSC: AEC-Q100, high-performance DSP, PWM, ADCs, safety-ready, supports AUTOSAR.
- MCP14C1 Gate Driver: AEC-Q100, SOIC-8 packages, drives mSiC MOSFETs, UVLO, capacitive isolation.
- mSiC MOSFET: AEC-Q101, D2PAK-7L XL, reduces switching losses, supports 400V/800V.
“Microchip established an E-Mobility megatrend team with dedicated resources to support this growing market, so in addition to providing the control, gate drive and power stage for an OBC, we can also provide customers with connectivity, timing, sensors, memory and security solutions,” said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s digital signal controller business unit. “As a leading supplier to OEMs and Tier-1s, Microchip offers comprehensive solutions to streamline the development process, including automotive-qualified products, reference designs, software and global technical support.”
