BUP60 - motorIC

Fully integrated 3-phase GaN motor converter with smart sensors

Motor inverters are key components for electric drives in vehicles and robotics. They convert direct current (DC) into controllable alternating current (AC), enabling precise control of electric motors, for example, in terms of speed or torque. Today, they typically consist of many discrete components that are expensive, space-consuming, and prone to failure. New semiconductor technologies such as gallium nitride (GaN) enable compact, integrated, and highly efficient solutions. However, such integrated approaches have so far only been implemented for low-voltage applications. For 400/800 V electric drives, there are currently no monolithically integrated GaN inverters. This is precisely where the motorIC project comes in.

Aim

The motorIC project is developing, for the first time, a fully integrated 3-phase GaN motor converter for 400/800 V. It combines six high-voltage transistors, continuous current measurement, and a temperature sensor in a single chip. This creates a highly compact power inverter that significantly reduces component count, circuit board space, and system costs.

Approach

Design and commissioning of a customized 3-phase GaN IC with integrated sensors (GaN Power IC). Development of a test board for voltages up to 400/800 V Development of innovative sensor concepts for current and temperature measurement Characterization of the converter (switching and conduction behavior, efficiency, power loss)

Benefit

For developers and manufacturers, motorIC represents a new generation of compact converters without external sensors. Integration into a single chip reduces costs, weight, and installation space, while increasing reliability and efficiency. For users such as vehicle manufacturers or robotics companies, this opens the way to more powerful, robust, and efficient drive systems.