NXP Semiconductors launch of the NXP S32K39 MCU series will be extremely advantageous to the EV market. The contemporary electric vehicle (EV) market is witnessing robust expansion, accompanied by an escalating demand for enhanced EV performance. This presents a shared imperative for both designers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to expedite their time-to-market efforts while upholding efficiency and prioritizing the end-user encounter. One of the significant obstacles in this context revolves around discovering suitable solutions for a wide array of applications encompassing EV traction inverters. To address this challenge, the upcoming launch of the NXP S32K39 MCU series, an addition to our existing S32K family, is poised to deliver invaluable advantages.
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The S32K39 Microcontroller Units (MCUs) Cater to Electric Vehicle Traction Inverters A multitude of factors are meticulously considered to ensure optimal EV performance, encompassing aspects such as effective battery management, efficient motor drive, rapid charging, and harmonious load distribution within extensive grids. NXP Semiconductor’s comprehensive electrification solutions have consistently provided efficient control across the entire ecosystem, and the forthcoming S32K39 is poised to follow the same trajectory.
Engineered with precision, the NXP Semiconductors S32K39 MCU series is a specialised component tailored to meet the exacting demands of governing traction inverters within EVs. It boasts an impressive spectrum of attributes, including robust performance, extensive integration capabilities, dependable networking capabilities, advanced security provisions, and functional safety features. This is of paramount importance since traction inverters fundamentally influence EV functionality, the efficacy of EV batteries, and ultimately, the driving experience.
The versatility inherent in these MCUs renders them adaptable to address a wide spectrum of EV applications that extend beyond the scope of traction inverter control, encompassing battery management (BMS), onboard charging (OBC), and DC/DC conversion. Their security and functional safety capabilities transcend those of conventional automotive MCUs, and their endorsement of hardware isolation, time-sensitive networking (TSN), and advanced cryptography positions them as compatible with zonal vehicle electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures and software-defined vehicles.
Paving the Path for NXP Semiconductors S32K39’s Excellence in Automotive Inverters
The S32K39 MCUs constitute an integral facet of the high-performance S32K family. Capitalising on pivotal features, the S32K39 MCUs are meticulously designed to oversee the functioning of two traction inverters. Engineered to precision, they feature four 320MHz Arm® Cortex®-M7 cores arranged in a lockstep configuration, two split-lock cores, dual motor control coprocessors, and a digital signal processor (DSP).
Empowering the NXP Semiconductors S32K39’s Potential
Integrated Hardware Security and Enhanced Control The integrated hardware security engine (HSE) embedded within the NXP Semiconductors S32K39 streamlines trusted boot processes, facilitates security services, and enables secure over-the-air (OTA) updates through public key infrastructure (PKI) and key management protocols. Dual motor control coprocessors and NanoEdge™ high-resolution pulse-width modulation (PWM) mechanisms further enhance performance and precision control. To address resolver excitation, these MCUs boast multi-channel analog support, encompassing SAR and sigma-delta A/D converters, along with comparators and sine wave generators. This facilitates resolver support while the integration of secure software-driven resolver functionality obviates the need for external components like discrete elements and resolver-to-digital converters.
Deployment of NXP Semiconductors S32K39 MCUs in EV Traction Inverters
The versatility of the S32K39 MCUs extends to accommodating conventional insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), as well as cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies. Capable of autonomous operation, they can effectively oversee up to two drive converters. Furthermore, they can serve as remote intelligent actuators through TSN, propelling three or four motors. When coupled with NXP Semiconductors S32E real-time processor, they assume the role of a control hub for the electric vehicle propulsion domain, additionally managing two supplementary propulsion inverters. This dynamic proves particularly advantageous for automobile manufacturers aiming to augment vehicle performance and handling via support for up to four electric motors.
Collaborative Synergy
S32K39, Gate Drivers, and SBCs Pioneering clients presently enjoy access to engineering prototypes, evaluation boards, and a comprehensive suite of software tools and support tailored to the S32K39 MCUs. These resources are seamlessly compatible with the S32K39 MCUs, which can be seamlessly paired with the NXP Semiconductors FS26 SBC (Safety System Base Chip) and the advanced high-voltage isolated gate driver GD3162. This pairing delivers the advantages of adaptable dynamic gate strength control for a secure inverter control system. Together, this trio ensures the highest echelon of functional safety (ASIL D) for traction inverter development. Anticipated for early 2024, the product’s official release is on the horizon. Read more blogs related to EVs here.
Source: NXP Semiconductors
