“ON Semiconductor is a market leader in innovative power management solutions for vehicle electrification. The powertrain systems within both a Formula 1 and Formula E vehicle not only possess an increased number of power semiconductors, these semiconductors must meet extremely demanding performance and efficiency requirements, while withstanding the harshest of automotive environments”, said David Somo, senior vice president corporate strategy, marketing and solutions engineering at ON Semi. “This partnership showcases our full range of power semiconductors and modules in supporting the continuing success of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport as part of a demanding and dynamic sport.”
Race cars need technology that can withstand high levels of shock, vibration and extreme temperatures. The more efficient the semiconductor device, the less power is lost to wasted heat, resulting in better mileage or miles per watt of energy. At the same time, engineers also aim to make their cars’ components smaller to save weight and space. ON Semi power products and solutions include IGBTs, high voltage gate drivers, super junction rectifiers, high voltage MOSFETs, high voltage DC-DC, as well as wide band gap (WBG) developments in Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) that can be used in next generation electric vehicles. These technologies provide longer driving range between charges, faster battery charging times and better thermal management.