EV Dictionary: Power Electronics
Browse Power Electronics related electric vehicle terms and definitions.
6 terms
Boost Converter
A boost converter raises DC voltage and can bridge charger-to-battery voltage differences.
DC-to-DC Converter
A DC-to-DC converter changes DC voltage levels for an EV's auxiliary, traction, or charging systems.
Inverter
An EV traction inverter converts battery DC into controlled motor current and manages regenerative power flow.
Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM)
PWM controls an inverter's average output voltage by changing semiconductor switch-on times.
Shaft Voltage, Common-Mode Voltage, and Bearing Currents
Common-mode switching can create shaft voltage and bearing currents that threaten motor-bearing life.
Silicon-Carbide Inverter (SiC)
A SiC inverter uses silicon-carbide switches to reduce selected traction-drive losses and packaging demands.