Electronics and Semiconductors

Soft-switching leader Pre-Switch demonstrates ‘astonishing efficiency’ across full load range

27 March 2023

Pre-Switch, Inc., developer of the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-based forced-resonant, soft-switching technology enabling ultra-efficient DC/AC, AC/DC inverters running at 100 kHz, reveals new data proving the efficiency of the company’s architecture at low load as well as full load. Tests performed on Pre-Switch’s CleanWave2 reference inverter at 100 kHz switching speed show the system delivers 98.5% efficiency at 5% load. Peak efficiency is 99.57%.

Bruce Renouard, Pre-Switch CEO comments: “Over a year ago we announced peak efficiency figures of over 99%. Since that time, we have been improving our AI algorithm to improve low-load performance. The results are astonishing. 98.5% efficiency at 5% load is far in excess of what can be achieved by any other approach today, proving that soft-switching and the Pre-Switch architecture will lead the e-mobilitySource: Pre-SwitchSource: Pre-Switch electrification revolution.”

Pre-Switch eliminates switching losses, enabling 10times higher switching frequencies, resulting in huge efficiency gains. In electric vehicles (EVs) this leads to improved motor efficiency, range and reliability. The Pre-Switch architecture addresses the challenges that, until now, have prevented industry from making the transition to soft-switching for EV inverters. The exceptional efficiency at low loads and high frequency low distortion sign wave to the motor significantly improves WLTP (EPA’s European milage test system) range performance. The topology is a variation of the Auxiliary Resonant Commutated Pole (ARCP) soft-switching converter design. However, Pre-Switch employs sophisticated, embedded AI to solve complex switching system timing calculations dynamically to ensure accurate soft-switching under changing input voltage, output load, device tolerances and temperature changes. Adaptations are made on a cycle-by-cycle basis to minimize losses and maximize efficiency.

Adds Renouard: “We believe that our technology is the paradigm shift that EV OEMs have been searching for, enabling essential efficiency differentiation and EV leadership. These results prove how effective our technology is and definitively validate our previous claims.”

Pre-Switch is already working with leading EV makers and other e-mobility companies; evaluation systems are available for other interested parties.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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