Against the backdrop of the surging global new energy vehicle market, Chinese automakers are promoting technological innovation with unprecedented enthusiasm and determination, among which FAW Hongqi is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching forces. Recently, Hongqi announced that its self-developed silicon carbide power chip has successfully completed the first tape-out, which is a milestone breakthrough that not only demonstrates Hongqi's leading position in the field of core technologies for electric vehicles, but also indicates that China has taken a solid step forward in the research and development of key technologies for new energy vehicles.
1. Technological breakthrough: crossing the threshold of 1200V
The silicon carbide power chip independently developed by Hongqi this time has achieved independent control of the whole chain from design to manufacturing. This chip adopts cutting-edge semiconductor technology, including low on-resistance cell structure, high cell density layout design, high-reliability terminal structure and on-chip gate resistance integration technology, etc., so that the breakdown voltage of the chip exceeds 1200V, and the on-resistance is less than 15mΩ, which undoubtedly reaches the industry-leading level.
Behind this technological breakthrough is the in-depth research and unremitting exploration of semiconductor technology by the Hongqi team. They not only overcome the processing problems such as high hardness and high melting point of silicon carbide material itself, but also improve the efficiency and reliability of the chip through innovative design, so that the chip can work stably in harsh environments such as high pressure and high temperature, providing a strong guarantee for the efficient operation of new energy vehicles.
2. Performance improvement: a 30% leap
The successful research and development of this silicon carbide power chip will greatly improve the performance of new energy vehicles. Due to its excellent electrical performance and thermal stability, it can significantly improve the efficiency and power density of the electric motor, thereby reducing the power consumption of the whole vehicle and increasing the driving range. According to Hongqi officials, the chip has achieved a balanced design in terms of efficiency, reliability, integration and standardization, and is suitable for multiple system applications such as vehicle electric drive, intelligent energy supplement, on-board power supply, high-voltage power distribution, and electrified chassis, providing strong support for the intelligence and networking of new energy vehicles.
Figure: Hongqi silicon carbide power chip completed the first tape-out (picture from Hongqi R&D New Vision)
Specifically, the new energy vehicles using this silicon carbide power chip will have a significant improvement in power performance, acceleration will be more rapid, and the power consumption of the vehicle will also be greatly reduced, and the driving range will be significantly improved. This performance improvement is undoubtedly a huge boon for new energy vehicle users, and will further promote the rapid development of the new energy vehicle market.
3. Market demand: the vast world of silicon carbide power chips
With the growing global demand for new energy vehicles and the continuous pursuit of efficient and environmentally friendly power systems, the market demand for silicon carbide power chips has shown an explosive growth trend. According to the authoritative market research institute Yole, the global market size of silicon carbide power devices has reached about $1 billion in 2021, and by 2025, this market size is expected to exceed $3.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of more than 34%.
This market trend fully shows that Hongqi's launch of silicon carbide power chips at this time is in line with the trend of market demand and technological development. With the continuous expansion of the new energy vehicle market and the continuous progress of technology, the application prospect of silicon carbide power chips will be broader, which will inject new vitality into the development of the new energy vehicle industry.
4. Hongqi's long-term strategy: leading the future
Hongqi's breakthrough in the field of silicon carbide power chips is an important part of its long-term strategic planning. Hongqi is well aware that in order to occupy a leading position in the global new energy vehicle market, it must have its own core technology and innovation capabilities. Therefore, Hongqi continues to increase R&D investment, promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and strive to achieve breakthroughs and leadership in the key technology fields of new energy vehicles.
Through independent research and development and technological innovation, Hongqi has not only improved the performance and quality of its own products, but also promoted the development of the entire new energy vehicle industry chain. In the future, Hongqi will continue to adhere to the development concept of "innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing", continuously improve its core competitiveness and innovation capabilities, and contribute more Chinese wisdom and strength to the development of the global new energy vehicle market.
5. Conclusion
The first successful tape-out of Hongqi silicon carbide power chip is an important embodiment of the independent innovation ability of China's new energy vehicle industry. This technological breakthrough not only provides strong support for the development of new energy vehicles, but also injects new impetus into the rise of China's new energy vehicle industry. With the continuous improvement of technology and the expansion of application scenarios, Hongqi silicon carbide power chips will become a bright business card of China's new energy vehicle industry, leading the global new energy vehicle market towards a better future.
