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FUJI ELECTRIC JOURNAL November/2003 (Vol.76-No.10)
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1. Automotive Semiconductors 2. Vending Machines and Distribution Systems |
Present Status and Future Prospects of Fuji Electric's Automotive Semiconductors
Tatsuhiko Fujihira, Masaru Okumura
Fuji Electric's automotive semiconductors, typified by diodes, power MOSFETs, smart MOSFETs, igniters and pressure sensors, are widely used in automotive electronic control systems and contribute to higher energy efficiency, lower emissions, better safety, comfort and convenience, as well as smaller size, higher reliability and lower cost. Fuji Electric will continue to develop new products such as IPMs (intelligent power modules) for hybrid vehicles, low on-resistance power MOSFETs, smart MOSFETs, integrated power ICs, advanced igniters and high-pressure sensors, and will promote lead-free technology in order to make further contributions to this field.
Diodes for Automotive Applications
Taketo Watashima, Shoji Kitamura, Hiroaki Furihata
Based on the growing trend for using electronic control units in automobiles, Fuji Electric has developed a series of high-voltage Schottky barrier diodes for such applications as the DC-DC converter of a hybrid car. Use of a new type of barrier metal and optimization of the resistance and thickness of the substrate epitaxial layer have enabled the important characteristics of high voltage, low loss and low noise to be realized. This paper also introduces Fuji Electric's series of high-voltage diodes, which feature low loss and high surge resistance and are being used in the distributor-less ignition systems that are rapidly becoming popular in electronic ignition systems.
Power MOSFETs for Automobiles
Kouji Horiuchi, Yasuhiko Arita, Takeyoshi Nishimura
With the increasing use of electronics in the automotive field, Fuji Electric has developed 60V and 75V power MOSFETs for use in the electronic control unit of an electric power steering system. Main features of these power MOSFETs include: (1) a trench structure that realizes low on-resistance, (2) a high gate threshold voltage that enables simple anti-noise measures to be implemented by the gate peripheral circuitry, (3) highly reliable packaging (including surface mount packages) that is suitable for large currents. Fuji Electric's Super FAP-G series of MOSFETS, which feature high breakdown voltage and high-speed switching, is also being promoted for use in the electronic lighting ballast for discharge headlamps.
Smart MOSFET for Automobiles
Shin Kiuchi, Minoru Nishio, Takanori Kohama
In response to needs for smaller and more reliable automotive electronic systems, Fuji Electric is developing smart MOSFETs. Smart power MOSFETs integrate into a single chip power semiconducter and the peripheral protection circuitry and control circuitry that had previously been added externally to the system. This paper introduces Fuji Electric's intelligent power MOSFET IPS and series that integrates protection circuitry such as over-current, over-voltage, over temperature and ESD (electrostatic discharge) surge protection, self-diagnostic and status output circuitry, and a power MOSFET into a single chip, and it fits in surface mount package.
A Self-isolated Single-chip Igniter (F6008L) for Automobiles
Mitsutoshi, Yamamoto Kenichi Ishii, Yoshiaki Toyoda
The highly reliable F6008L has been developed as a single-chip igniter for automobile ignition systems. The F6008L is an extension of Fuji Electric's previously commercialized F5025 series, and in addition to the current limiting function of that series, also features a new over temperature detection function (temperature detection range : 175 to 205 (
). This paper focuses on the over temperature detection function
of the F6008L and provides a detailed description of the electronic
characteristics, L load clamping capacity, electromagnetic noise immunity
and resistance to the environment.
Pressure Sensors for Automobiles
Katsumichi Ueyanagi, Kazunori Saitou, Kimihiro Ashino
Fuji Electric's product development for automotive pressure sensors is described in this paper. These automotive pressure sensors utilize a single-chip EPROM pressure sensor that integrates a CMOS semiconductor process with MEMS (micro-electronics and mechanical system) technology. Fuji Electric's product concept is to provide an "all in one chip solution," and products are packaged according to design of the pressure sensor chip and the particular application. This product series achieves low cost through the use of a standard pressure sensor cell package and common components. Different pin shapes and housings may be combined to support various applications.
Advanced Technology for Automotive Pressure Sensors
Katsumichi Ueyanagi, Katsuyuki Uematsu, Mutsuo Nishikawa
The development of Fuji Electric's proprietary MEMS technologies of wafer back-lapping, the world's only diaphragm processing and vacuum chamber molding (electrostatic bonding) technology are introduced. These technologies are used in single-chip automotive ERPOM pressure sensors that integrate a CMOS semiconductor process with MEMS (micro-electronics and mechanical system) technology. Efforts to increase the reliability of EPROM retention and to incorporate fault diagnosis technology into products designed for automotive use are also described.
Self-isolated Power IC Technology
Naoki Kumagai, Yuichi Harada, Shinichi Jimbo
In response to requests for space-efficient, cost effective components, Fuji Electric has developed a self-isolated power IC using a lateral MOSFET in the output stage to realize multi-output. The self-isolation technology used in the power IC provides high cost efficiency and high ruggedness from ESD (electrostatic discharge) surges. To protect the output stage MOSFET from ESD surges, the power IC contains a built-in vertical power diode to realize high ESD surge protection without any external components.
Chip-on-Chip Technology for Smart MOSFETs for use in Automobiles
Shigeyuki Takeuchi, Masaaki Koyam,a Katsumi Ooguri
Fuji Electric has been supplying smart MOSFETs as semiconductor devices for use in automotive electronic systems since 1991. Until now, market requirements had chiefly focused on oil pressure solenoid valve control applications, which only required relatively small currents, and Fuji Electric's product lineup was suitable for rated currents of approximately 1 to 6A. Nowadays, however, in order to realize smaller size and lower loss for electronic control units (ECUs), there is demand for the development of smart MOSFETs having low on-resistance and large current ratings. Fuji Electric is working to develop devices having chip-on-chip structures, and this paper presents an overview of those efforts.
Highly Reliable Power Module Technology for Electric Hybrid Vehicles
Akira Morozumi, Yoshitaka Nishimura, Akira Nishiura
This paper introduces core technologies for realizing high reliability and long life in the power modules used to drive electric hybrid vehicles. Thermal cycling lifetime, vibrational endurance and power cycling lifetime are critical factors affecting the reliability of power modules. To improve reliability, the properties of solder, control of the thermal expansion coefficient of insulated substrate, characteristics of molding materials, etc. are being enhanced to realize the required reliability. Moreover, efforts are underway to reduce environmentally harmful substances in the materials from which power modules are constructed.
Pb-free Power Semiconductor Device Technology for Automotive Applications
Masaaki Koyama, Kazuyuki Makita, Takashi Igarashi
Due to environmental problems arising from the use of lead (Pb) solder to mount semiconductor parts on printed circuit boards, Pb usage will be restricted in Europe as of July 2006. Fuji Electric will complete its development of Pb-free technology by March 2004 and plans to apply that Pb-free technology to all discrete semiconductor products beginning in April 2004. Semiconductors for automotive and general applications are mounted in terminal insertion or surface mount packages, the exterior terminals of which are finished with either SnCu dip or SnAg plating. This paper describes the selection issure, solder wettability, mounting performance and whisker behavior of Pb-free solder materials, and based on evaluation thereof, we conclude that Pb-free semiconductor devices are suitable for practical use.
System for Environmental Impact Evaluation of Vending Machines
Yukio Kimura, Naoki Maruyama
Over the past ten years we have been studying the impact of vending machines on the environment, and as a result of our research, have identified several factors that must be investigated. Through a recent joint research project with Mie University, a system for environmental impact evaluation has been developed. We are now able to quantitatively evaluate the environmental impact of vending machines in various ways, including measurement of the quantity of carbon-dioxide emissions and assessment of the environmental impact, and then to make improvements. This paper describes Fuji Electric's efforts in environmentally conscious designs.
Energy Saving Technology for Can Vending Machines
Satoru Kondo, Kouji Takiguchi, Kimimasa Kuboyama
Can and bottle/can vending machines, the most common types of beverage vending machines, have been specified under a Japanese government best practices (top runner) approach and are required to achieve a targeted value of energy efficiency by FY2005. In order to achieve the targeted efficiency, better air flow control to reduce heat loss and commodity temperature fluctuation, higher freezer efficiency, airtight heat insulating technology based on a new heat insulating structure that reduces heat loss inside and outside the storage compartment, and new control technology have been developed, enabling a 40 % reduction in energy consumption compared to year 2001 vending machine models. This has cleared the way for achieving the targeted efficiency set forth by the Japanese law concerning energy conservation.
Development of Vending Machine with Ice Shaving and Flavor Topping Functions
Kenichi Hamamoto, Masayuki Wada, Shigeki Hori
A cup-type vending machine, equipped with a mechanism for supplying frozen beverages into which ice shavings have been mixed and a mechanism for sprinkling toppings such as powdered cinnamon, has been developed for the first time. New beverages will invigorate the vending machine market and the ability to create new beverages from existing ingredients will lead to greater sales and higher profits.
Shell-D Type Cigarette Vending Machine
Yasuhiro Ishida, Hiroshi Naganuma, Kazuhiro Minami
The cigarette market faces such challenges as restrictions concerning vending machine operation and site location, strong anti-smoking regulations and high cigarette taxes, and these present severe conditions for the tobacco industry. Moreover, vending machines situated out of doors are subject to never-ending problems of apery and damage, and operating costs for vending machines are on an upward trend. In response to these types of problems, Fuji Electric has developed the Shell-D cigarette vending machine for lower life cycle cost. Main features include an enhanced ability to attract customers, stronger antitheft protection, and easier operation when replenishing commodities.
Coin Mechanisms and Bill Validators: Efforts to Date and Future Outlook
Toshiharu Kodera, Mitsuaki Otoyoshi, Takeshi Ooiwa
Coin mechanisms and bill validators are used to handle the cash transactions in a vending machine and they contribute greatly to the convenience of our modern lifestyles. This paper briefly surveys Fuji Electric's prior efforts with coin mechanisms and bill validators, and also introduces our newly developed bill identifier as an example of the latest coin mechanism and bill validator technology. This new bill identifier is capable of responding flexibly to customer needs, is simple to maintain and is provided with strong anti-counterfeit protection. Consisting of the four units of a main body, an identifying unit, a stacker unit and a pusher unit, this bill identifier can be easily disassembled without the need for any tools.
E-cash Based Settlement Apparatus: Present Status and Future Outlook
Hidejirou Asano, Eiji Itajik,i Yoshihiro Nakamura
The use of e-cash, instead of the coins and bills as have been used in the past, is a completely new method for settling transactions and its development grew out of demands for a more convenient settlement method. Full-fledged usage has begun with contactless IC card used as transit cards and e-cash usage over a wide-area network. Such usage has progressed from the testing and commercialization stage to widespread adoption. From early on, Fuji Electric recognized the convenience of contactless IC card and their various possibilities, and has worked to further their technical development. This paper discusses the future outlook for Fuji Electric's new e-cash based settlement apparatus (used as an in-store settlement apparatus, installed in a vending machine, or used as an apparatus for receiving deposits).
FYCSS-II Support System for After-sales Service
Nakaba Noguchi, Hidetaka Taniguchi
Fuji Electric has previously implemented a vending machine maintenance service system in which processes ranging from repair order receipt to logistical planning are fully computerized. This computerized processing enabled Fuji Electric to realize labor savings by eliminating the need to process handwritten data and it also enabled the full use of various types of information management data stored in a database of accumulated repair data. In recent years, however, demands to speed up repairs and reporting have become severe. With the goal of achieving after-sales service of dramatically higher quality, Fuji Electric has completely reformed its after-sales service system. This paper introduces the functions of the newly developed FYCSS-II.
Maintenance Management System for Retail Store Equipment
Nobuyuki Nakazawa, Yasuyuki Nakajima
The maintenance of equipment at supermarkets, convenience stores and other retail stores is currently implemented by responding to sudden trouble and also providing preventative maintenance, which involves performing regular inspections and managing equipment data. However, with the goals of preventing vending opportunity loss and providing sales support to retail outlets, Fuji Electric has configured a new maintenance management system for retail store equipment. The system features computer-based centralized control of customer information and provides the capability to rapidly ascertain the maintenance status and to quickly respond to problems. This paper presents an overview of Fuji Electric's new maintenance management system for retail store equipment.
