By Kate Yuan

(JW Insights) Nov 2 --China’s automaker Dongfeng Motor has produced the first batch of self-developed SiC power modules at the production line of Zhixin Semiconductor (智新半导体), a company jointly founded by Dongfeng and Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC, Wuhan Economic Development Zone announced on November 2.

The SiC modules have undergone independent packaging, testing, and application aging tests. It has significantly reduced losses by more than 40% compared to IGBT modules and improved the vehicle's range by 5%-8%.

Tianjin-based Zhixin Semiconductor was founded in June 2019 to start independent research and production of vehicle-grade IGBT modules. In July 2021, the production line based on 6th-generation IGBT technology was put into mass production.

In the four years since its establishment, Zhixin Semiconductor has applied for 51 patents, including 40 invention patents, and has been granted 20 patents, including 11 invention patents. It now has set up branches in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hefei.

The project is based on Dongfeng Group's "Mach Power" new generation 800V high-voltage platform. It started preliminary development in 2021 and was officially approved as a mass production project in December 2022.

The second phase of the Zhixin Semiconductor SiC module project started in the third quarter of 2022 and commenced in May 2023. The project was planned to build a new production line for vehicle-grade IGBT modules, with an additional annual production capacity of 300,000 automotive modules.