Scalable Traction Inverter Reference Design for Light Electric Vehicles
As the demand for sustainable, energy-efficient mobility grows, LEVs—such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and compact electric utility vehicles, are being adopted rapidly. Powertrain efficiency and limited range remain key challenges. Traction inverters play a critical role in optimizing motor control, improving powertrain efficiency, and maximizing energy usage to ultimately extend vehicle range.
eInfochips, in collaboration with Vishay, introduces a low-voltage traction inverter reference design. Optimized for 48V, 72V, and 96V applications, this modular, compact-size architecture supports scalable power ratings from 3kW to 15kW, enabling seamless adaptation to various LEV vehicle classes with minimal redesign.
Built on NXP’s S32K3xx MCU platform and Vishay’s advanced half-bridge MOSFET Power Module, this design offers a complete hardware and embedded software solution, with support for functional safety and pre-compliance with IEC61508 standards. Modular and scalable reference design enables LEV manufacturers to overcome technical challenges, accelerate prototyping, reduce design risk, and shorten time-to-market.
Key Features of LEV Traction Inverter Reference Design
Modular and Scalable design, optimized for applications supporting 36V to 96V and power ratings from 3kW to 15kW
Built on NXP’s S32K3xx platform and Vishay’s advanced half-bridge MOSFET power module
Support for Functional Safety (ASIL B) and pre-compliance with IEC61508 standards
Production-grade certified software modules
Integrated Safety & Thermal Management
Compact footprint with one unique form factor
High-Efficiency Power Conversion with optimized PWM control for minimum switching losses
Key Application Areas of LEV Traction Inverter
Traditional LEV
- e-Motorcycles
- e-Cargo-Bikes
- e- Fleets
- E2w
- E3w
e - Cav
- Compact Tractors
- Mini Excavators
- Compact Skid Steers
- Electric Sprayers/Spreaders
Off-road & Recreational
- Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
- Electric Dirt Bikes
- Electric Mountain Bikes
- Electric Snowmobiles
- Performance e-Scooters
Building Blocks of LEV Traction Inverter Design
Control Board
- Built on NXP’s S32K3xx MCU platform for control and communications via SPI and CAN protocols
- Uses ADC to measure the voltage and current received from the power board to get the induction motor positioning and generate a PWM value to control the induction motor
Power Board
- Features Vishay’s advanced transfer molded MOSFET half-bridge technology offering higher reliability
- Converts DC power into three-phase AC power to drive an induction motor with enhanced thermal management
- Compact and scalable design – 48V to 96V systems and supports 3 to 15kW power ratings
Application Software
- GUI on a host PC facilitates realtime monitoring, configuration, and diagnostics via the CAN interface of the control board
- Software manages signal acquisition, motor control, CAN communication, fault handling, and gate driving
Architecture Diagram
Benefits of Modular & Scalable Reference Design
- Easily adaptable to different power needs and battery voltages (3-15kW, 36 to 96V)
- Cost-effectiveness through design reuse and optimum BoM
- Suitable for diverse technical requirements and application scenarios
- Simplified assembly and higher reliability
- Compact design integrates multiple components into one package, saving space
- Improved thermal management for heat dissipation and lower EMI
