News: Microelectronics
22 July 2025
onsemi and Schaeffler expand collaboration with new EliteSiC-based PHEV platform
Intelligent power and sensing technology firm onsemi of Scottsdale, AZ, USA has expanded its existing multi-year collaboration with Germany-based motion technology company Schaeffler (formerly Vitesco Technologies) through a new design win that leverages onsemi’s next-generation EliteSiC product line of silicon carbide MOSFETs. The onsemi solution will power the Schaeffler traction inverter for a leading global automaker’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform.
EliteSiC technology is claimed to offer significantly lower conduction losses and superior short-circuit robustness, enabling a compact, thermally efficient inverter design that enhances overall system performance. The silicon carbide-based solution offers the lowest on-state resistance to provide the highest peak power compared with other SiC solutions in its class, onsemi adds. These benefits allow Schaeffler to deliver a traction inverter system that achieves measurable benefits to the end customer, including:
- longer driving range, enabled by higher energy conversion efficiency;
- enhanced reliability, for consistent operation with lower maintenance;
- optimized form factor, allowing greater flexibility in vehicle design.
“The traction inverter is at the heart of every electrified drivetrain, and onsemi’s EliteSiC solution plays a vital role in achieving the efficiency and performance targets that our customer demands,” says Christopher Breitsameter, head of Business Division Controls at Schaeffler.
As automakers increasingly prioritize energy efficiency and performance, the industry is turning to more advanced hybrid architectures even in cost-sensitive EV platforms, a market traditionally dominated by silicon-based insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The role of onsemi’s silicon carbide in this transition positions the firm to enable Schaeffler to deliver an EV system that meets stringent performance and packaging requirements.
“As the exclusive silicon carbide supplier for this program, onsemi continues to strengthen its position as a trusted innovation partner for leading global automotive players,” says Simon Keeton, group president, Power Solutions Group, onsemi. “Our industry-leading silicon carbide semiconductor technology delivers unmatched efficiency, thermal performance, and power density — key enablers for next-generation electric powertrain systems, not only for battery electric vehicles but also for plug-in hybrid platforms.”
