# Wide bandgap Semiconductors for EVs

- Show: [EE Times Current](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current)
- Published: 2023-03-01
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs
- Listen: https://podcast.show/aspencore/episode/94341453/

## Summary

Filippo Di Giovanni of STMicroelectronics explains how Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) wide bandgap semiconductors improve efficiency in electric vehicle powertrains, specifically traction inverters, DC-DC converters, and onboard chargers. He details ST's 'STpack' discrete package and 'STback' module technologies, which use silver sintering for superior thermal reliability, and discusses the company's vertical integration through its acquisition of Norstel. The conversation covers the transition from Silicon IGBTs to SiC MOSFETs for 800V systems, the maturity gap between SiC and GaN in automotive applications, and ST's roadmap for 200mm wafers and next-generation device architectures.

## Chapters

- [1:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=68) Introduction: Filippo Di Giovanni and STMicroelectronics' Wide Bandgap Portfolio
- [3:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=226) SiC and GaN Applications in EV Powertrains: Inverters, Chargers, and DC-DC Converters
- [6:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=378) Transition from Silicon IGBT to Silicon Carbide MOSFETs for 400V and 800V Systems
- [7:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=455) GaN vs. SiC Maturity: Onboard Chargers, 48V Systems, and Traction Inverter Limitations
- [11:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=696) Packaging Innovation: STpack, STback Modules, and Silver Sintering for Thermal Reliability
- [15:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=935) Manufacturing Challenges: Norstel Acquisition, Vertical Integration, and 200mm Wafer Transition
- [18:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-03-01-wide-bandgap-semiconductors-for-evs#t=1118) Future Roadmap: Gen 3/4 SiC Devices, 200mm Wafers, and Superjunction/Trench Technologies

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- STMicroelectronics (company)
- Silicon Carbide (chip)
- Gallium Nitride (chip)
- Norstel (company)
- STpack (product)
- STback (product)
- IGBT (chip)
- SiC MOSFET (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Powering a Green Future: Insights from Infineon's Peter Wawer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2023-05-16-powering-a-green-future-insights-from-infineons-peter-wawer) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Moore's Law, GaN and SiC devices - Gallimaufry GaN Gabble](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-09-20-moores-law-gan-and-sic-devices-gallimaufry-gan-gabble) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep. 6 | Crucial Trade-Offs in Automotive Power Design with Tesla and Vicor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2020-07-23-ep-6-crucial-trade-offs-in-automotive-power-design-with-tesla-and-vicor) (Moore's Lobby)
- [Energizing the Future: Real-Time Precision in Renewable Energy Management](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-01-30-energizing-the-future-real-time-precision-in-renewable-energy-management) (Moore's Lobby)
- [GaN Powers Up in AI, Robotics, and Our Lives](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-02-18-gan-powers-up-in-ai-robotics-and-our-lives) (Moore's Lobby)

## Citing this page

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