Hardware Environmental Simulation Evaluation

While the adoption of new MOSFETs in next-generation automotive DC-DC converters promises higher efficiency and miniaturization, new challenges have emerged around the stability of electrical characteristics and thermal management.Customers are aiming to achieve design objectives by taking verification measures to solve diverse challenges.

By conducting a wide range of electrical characteristics evaluations (switching characteristics, noise, transient response, etc.) and thermal measurement evaluations under many different conditions, we can relay our technical findings as feedback to customers.We incorporate countermeasures based on this into the design, putting in place a cycle for further brush-ups through evaluation.

In pursuit of higher efficiency, the risk of switching-induced surge voltages exceeding design tolerances has come to the fore.We performed detailed waveform analysis and isolated surge-generating factors. We then collaborated with the customer to optimize gate drive conditions and layout.This enables a balanced design that suppresses surge voltage while maintaining efficiency, playing a key role in meeting design targets.

To cope with the operating environments closely related to automotive embedded products, we conducted thermal measurement evaluations under various operating conditions using an environmental simulation bench that includes a thermostatic chamber and chiller.This enabled confirmation of thermal performance under simulated harsh in-vehicle conditions through actual operation, allowing us to verify the validity of design.

We were able to realize circuit configurations that meet design objectives thanks to evaluation feedback on the design.We have also achieved multiple other outcomes, including shortening development periods through seamless collaboration between evaluation and design teams, accumulating design and evaluation knowledge for new technologies, and widening application to similar products.