As the automotive industry shifts toward hybrid and electric vehicles, traditional 12V and 24V power systems are increasingly being supplemented or replaced by 48V power sources. This transition is expected to become the standard for future electric vehicles, as 48V systems offer enhanced performance, improved passenger comfort, and better energy efficiency. Infineon Technologies AG is addressing this need with the introduction of its Power PROFET™ + 24/48V switch family, designed to meet the demands of modern automotive power systems.
The Power PROFET™ + 24/48V switch family is housed in a compact, TO-leadless package, with two high-side switch variants: the BTH50030-1LUA with an RDS(ON) of 3.0 mΩ, and the BTH50015-1LUA with an RDS(ON) of 1.5 mΩ. These low-resistance switches minimize power losses in high-current applications, making them ideal for the stringent requirements of automotive electrical systems, particularly for commercial, hybrid, and next-generation electric vehicles. They enhance vehicle safety, reduce energy consumption, and improve comfort, addressing the growing demand for efficient power distribution in modern vehicles.
A standout feature of the Power PROFET™ + 24/48V switches is their high efficiency and compact design. The integrated switches come with resettable and diagnostic capabilities, offering low on-resistance (as low as 1.5 mΩ) and robust performance in high-current applications. Built to withstand harsh conditions, they can operate effectively in both hot cabin and engine compartments, with the ability to endure over 1,000,000 switching cycles—far surpassing the 200,000-cycle standard of conventional relays. These attributes ensure the long-term reliability of the device in demanding automotive environments.
The Power PROFET™ + 24/48V switches are also equipped with built-in protection and diagnostic functions. These include short-circuit, over-current, and over-temperature protections, enhancing safety by preventing failure in the vehicle’s power supply network. The switches also feature diagnostic signals that enable advanced fault detection, improving overall system reliability. Designed with an 8-pin TO-leadless package, they reduce the footprint by 23% compared to traditional D2PAK packages while maintaining similar thermal performance. The load current sense accuracy is calibrated to ±5%, providing precise readings via the IS pin, making it easier to monitor and manage current flow.
For seamless integration and evaluation, Infineon provides the Infineon Automotive Power Explorer, an online simulation tool available in the Infineon Developer Center. This tool aids engineers in calculating fuse characteristics and visualizing the sense current range for various load currents, streamlining the implementation process. The Power PROFET™ + 24/48V switch family is PRO-SIL™ ISO switch 26262-ready, with a safety application note available to support hardware evaluation for ISO 26262 compliance. The product family is already in production, with the BTH50030-1LUA and BTH50015-1LUA models available, and plans to expand with the BTH50060-1LUA featuring 6 mΩ resistance. Samples are available on request, and an Arduino shield (BOARD BTH50015-1LUA) is also offered for easy integration and evaluation.
Infineon Technologies, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, continues to push the boundaries of innovation in power systems and IoT. With a focus on decarbonization and digitalization, Infineon’s products are designed to support the transformation of automotive and other industries. As of September 2024, the company employed approximately 58,060 people worldwide and generated €15 billion in revenue in the 2024 fiscal year. Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX) and the OTCQX International Market in the USA (ticker symbol: IFNNY), Infineon remains at the forefront of sustainable technology development.
