Auto Industry Updates: CCC, Aeva, Mazda, and ROHM in Focus
Mazda and ROHM have announced an expansion of their partnership, aiming to accelerate the development and social implementation of gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors for automotive components. This collaboration focuses on the social implementation of GaN technology in vehicles, contributing to EV power system innovation.
The benefits of GaN semiconductors, known for their high efficiency and power density, are particularly valuable for electric vehicle applications. These devices help improve energy efficiency and reduce size and weight compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors, crucial for EV power electronics.
While specific technical details of the joint development or new product announcements by Mazda and ROHM were not disclosed, their expansion of collaboration indicates a commitment to advancing GaN power semiconductor integration in EV components, aligning with broader industry trends towards wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies like GaN and SiC for automotive uses.
Elsewhere in the industry, Navitas has partnered with Powerchip to scale 200 mm GaN-on-silicon production, supporting the automotive and EV markets. This separate development underscores the growing importance of GaN technology in the automotive sector.
In a separate development, Aeva, a LiDAR technology company, has been selected as Sensys Gatso Australia's exclusive LiDAR supplier for secondary speed detection in its new mobile speed enforcement products. This partnership offers customers a multi-modal speed enforcement solution, enhancing road safety across high-risk locations in Australia.
The CCC Digital KeyTM Certification Program, launched in 2023, continues to drive the standardization of secure digital key solutions. The program has expanded to include Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies, enhancing its existing coverage of Near-Field Communication (NFC). Bluetooth® LE supports proximity-based communication, while UWB provides precise location detection for hands-free access.
References: [1] Mazda and ROHM Press Release, [date], [link] [2] Navitas and Powerchip Press Release, [date], [link] [3] GaN Systems Press Release, [date], [link]
The partnership between Mazda and ROHM, focusing on GaN technology, aligns with the automotive industry's trend towards integrating wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC, promoted for their efficiency and power density in electric vehicle applications. Meanwhile, Navitas' collaboration with Powerchip in GaN-on-silicon production highlights the increasing significance of GaN technology within the automotive and EV sectors.
