The renowned Japanese semiconductor company **ROHM** (based in Kyoto, Japan) has introduced a groundbreaking ultra-low IR Schottky barrier diode called the **RBxx8 series**, designed for use in high-temperature environments such as automotive and power supply systems. This innovative diode offers a significant reduction in power consumption—approximately 40% less than traditional automotive rectifier diodes—making it an ideal choice for energy-efficient applications like electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The RBxx8 series has been available for sampling since January, with sample pricing ranging from 50 to 200 yen per unit. Mass production began in May, with a monthly output of 1 million units. The manufacturing process is handled across multiple global facilities, including **ROHM Wako Co., Ltd.** in Okayama, Japan; **ROHM-Wako Electronics** in Malaysia; **ROHM Integrated Systems** in Thailand; and **ROHM Korea Corporation** in South Korea.
In high-temperature applications such as vehicle circuits and power supply equipment, rectifier diodes and fast recovery diodes (FRDs) are typically used due to concerns about thermal runaway. However, these components often have higher forward voltage (VF), which makes it challenging to meet the low power consumption demands of modern EVs and HEVs. As a result, there's a growing need for Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) that can operate safely at high temperatures while maintaining a low VF.
ROHM has addressed this challenge by using the most suitable metal for high-temperature environments, achieving industry-leading ultra-low IR. Compared to conventional SBDs, the IR is reduced to approximately 1/100, enabling safe operation in extreme conditions.
This advancement allows for the replacement of traditional rectifier diodes and FRDs, significantly improving VF characteristics—reducing VF by around 40% compared to conventional FRDs. A lower VF not only minimizes heat generation but also enables smaller packaging, contributing to space savings in EVs and HEVs, which are becoming increasingly compact and electronic.
Looking ahead, ROHM aims to further promote the benefits of low VF and miniaturization, continuing to enhance the efficiency of vehicle and power supply systems. With its focus on innovation and performance, ROHM remains at the forefront of semiconductor technology, driving progress in the automotive and electronics industries.
Connectors,Switches,Electrical Supplies
Wenzhou Hesheng Electronic Co., Ltd. , https://www.heshengelec.com