Mitsubishi Tests SiC Power Modules on Bullet Trains

Mitsubishi Electric has successfully installed and begun testing railcar traction converter/inverter systems powered by all-silicon carbide (SiC) power modules on N700 Shinkansen bullet trains, marking the first use of this technology on a high-speed train line.

July 25, 2015 9:16 pm | Last Update: May 17, 2026 1:20 pm

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced today that it has completed the installation of, and begun testing, railcar traction converter/inverter systems with all-silicon carbide (SiC) power modules on N700 Shinkansen bullet trains for Central Japan Railway Company (JR-Central). These are the first 3.3kV, 1500A traction systems to be installed on a high-speed train line, according to the company’s own research.

Mitsubishi Electric has been working to downsize its traction system for Shinkansen bullet trains. The use of SiC power modules reduces the size and weight of its new converter/inverter system by approximately 55% and 35%, respectively, compared to existing systems. The weight of the traction motor, including this system, is reduced by approximately 15%.

The power modules were developed with support from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization of Japan.

Source : Mitsubishi

TAGS: mitsubishi railway inverter systems, n700 shinkansen bullet trains properties, shinkansen traction convertor inverstor systems

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