Since 2020, following the outbreak of Covid-19 and the resulting global economic slowdown, along with a series of changes in consumer behavior, the electric vehicle industry has been undergoing significant reform.
The global chip crisis post Covid-19 pandemic
Faced with natural disasters, pandemics, and escalating US-China conflicts, the global semiconductor supply chain has encountered numerous obstacles, as China hold the position as the largest source of semiconductor components worldwide. Additionally, post-pandemic, consumers have witnessed a shift their consumption habits, placing greater emphasis on peace, the environment, and sustainability.
That was also the period that marked a significant boom in the electric vehicle industry, as EV is considered a new mode of transportation for humanity – the vehicles of a greener future. It represents a major revolution aimed at minimizing environmental impact from gas emissions into the atmosphere, while keeping it at a cost-effective level.
However, amidst a economic recession across industries, particularly in the semiconductor sector, the sudden surge in demand for electric vehicles has resulted in an insufficient supply of semiconductor chips. Given that an electric vehicle may require up to 3000 semiconductor chips, compared to around 1400 chips in conventional cars, a semiconductor chip supply shortage crisis has erupted.
The role of PMIC in electric vehicles
PMIC, or Power Management Integrated Circuit, can be considered as the “power hub” responsible for managing and optimizing the flow of electrical power within electric vehiclea, enhancing the overall performance and longevity of electric car batteries.
- Voltage regulation (Linear regulator LDO): PMIC ensures that the voltage supplied to vehicle components remains stable, preventing malfunctions due to sudden voltage increases, decreases, etc., thereby ensuring optimal vehicle operation.
- DC-DC Converters: convert one voltage level to another, usually used for various purposes, such as powering infotainment systems (cameras, HD dash cameras, rear-seat entertainment systems, and virtual dashboards, etc.) sensors, and adaptive lighting/ LED.
The DC-DC converter includes: Buck converter (V-in less than V-out), Boost converter (V-out greater than V-in), Buck-Boost converter (flexible V-out, lower, higher, or equal to V-in); with the aim of ensuring suitable energy supply level for devices.
>> Read more about PMIC HERE
- Energy Efficiency: converts energy from the battery to power the car’s various systems, minimizing energy loss and maximizing efficiency. PMIC also protects control units from voltage fluctuations and enhances safety concepts for electronic control units.
- Battery Health Management: or also called Battery Management Systems (BMS) monitors and manages the health of the battery, helping extend the battery’s lifespan by preventing overcharging or excessive discharging.
As electric cars gain prominence worldwide, the role of PMIC becomes even more critical in shaping the future of sustainable electric transportation. Do you know of any other functions of PMIC innovations in electric vehicles? Let’s discuss with FPT Semiconductor!
>> Watch video about PMIC HERE!