Toshiba’s Compact Automotive Photorelay can withstand voltages up to 900V
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has once again raised the bar with the release of its latest automotive photorelay, the TLX9150M, designed specifically for modern electric vehicles (EVs).
As battery systems in electric cars continue to evolve, Toshiba’s TLX9150M photorelay, which boasts an impressive output withstand voltage of 900V, is an essential step forward. This innovative component is housed in a space-saving SO12L-T package, setting a new standard for the industry.
With volume shipments already underway, the TLX9150M is poised to play a key role in enhancing battery management systems (BMS) and ensuring the safety of high-voltage systems.
Revolutionising Electric Vehicle Batteries
The growing demand for electric vehicles has pushed automakers to develop more powerful and efficient batteries. Higher voltage batteries are crucial for extending driving range and reducing charging times—two critical factors for widespread EV adoption. These advancements, however, come with their own set of challenges, particularly in ensuring that battery systems are safe and reliable. Toshiba’s TLX9150M is tailored for use in 400V automotive battery systems, offering the reliability and safety needed to handle the high voltages involved.
Battery management systems (BMS) are at the heart of these new battery technologies, responsible for monitoring and optimising battery performance. They regulate charge levels, manage temperature, and even track isolation between the battery and vehicle body—vital functions in preventing accidents or malfunctions. With the shift toward higher voltages, photorelays are becoming a go-to solution for BMS, offering electrical isolation and minimising the risk of short circuits or ground faults.
Photorelays vs. Traditional Relays
Traditional mechanical relays, while reliable in the past, struggle to cope with the demands of modern electric vehicles. Photorelays, like the TLX9150M, are the new standard, providing the necessary electrical isolation to handle high voltage systems effectively. The TLX9150M’s output withstand voltage of 900V comfortably exceeds the 800V threshold required for 400V systems, ensuring it can safely operate within these parameters.
Unlike mechanical relays, which can wear out over time due to moving parts, photorelays offer increased longevity and reliability. This translates into reduced maintenance costs for automotive manufacturers and longer-lasting vehicle systems for consumers. Furthermore, Toshiba’s TLX9150M photorelay is also highly compact, thanks to its SO12L-T package—25% smaller than its predecessor, the SO16L-T package.
The SO12L-T Package
The small size of the SO12L-T package isn’t just a design feature; it’s a strategic advantage. In today’s automotive landscape, manufacturers are constantly striving to reduce the size of their components to make room for more advanced systems. The TLX9150M addresses this need by offering a 25% reduction in package size without sacrificing performance.
Interestingly, the SO12L-T package retains the same pin pitch and layout as the SO16L-T, allowing manufacturers to easily integrate the TLX9150M into existing circuit board designs without major modifications. This not only speeds up production but also reduces costs, giving automakers a competitive edge.
Key Features of the TLX9150M
- Output withstand voltage: 900V (minimum)
- Form factor: Normally open (1-Form-A) device
- Avalanche current rating: 0.6mA
- High isolation voltage: 5000Vrms (minimum)
- AEC-Q101 qualified: Meets rigorous automotive industry standards
- IEC 60664-1 compliant: Ensures international safety and reliability standards
Toshiba’s focus on innovation and customer needs is evident in the TLX9150M’s design. The company has a history of listening to its customers and delivering products that address real-world challenges. With this photorelay, they’ve done just that—helping automakers create safer, more efficient vehicles while also reducing production costs.
Applications in Automotive Systems
The TLX9150M’s versatility makes it a prime candidate for various automotive applications. In addition to battery management systems, it can be used for tasks such as:
- Battery voltage monitoring: Ensures batteries are operating within safe voltage limits.
- Mechanical relay sticking detection: Detects if a mechanical relay is stuck in the open or closed position, potentially preventing failures.
- Ground fault detection: Identifies unintentional connections between the electrical system and vehicle body, enhancing safety.
Toshiba’s new photorelay is also an excellent choice for replacing mechanical relays altogether, especially in high-voltage systems. By transitioning to photorelays, automakers can enjoy the benefits of reduced wear and tear, improved safety, and lower maintenance requirements.
Toshiba’s Commitment to Innovation
Toshiba has long been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, and their latest product launch underscores their commitment to driving technological advancements. With more than 50 years of experience in semiconductors and storage solutions, Toshiba continues to push the envelope, delivering cutting-edge products that meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
The company’s extensive range of offerings includes discrete semiconductors, system LSIs, and HDD products, all backed by a workforce of 19,400 employees worldwide. Toshiba’s dedication to collaboration is another key factor in their success. By working closely with customers and business partners, they co-create value and develop new markets, ensuring that their products remain relevant and impactful.
Their latest photorelay, the TLX9150M, is just one example of Toshiba’s innovative spirit in action. By addressing the needs of modern electric vehicles and their increasingly complex battery systems, Toshiba is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future.
A Bright Future for EV Technology
As the world continues its transition to electric vehicles, the need for reliable, high-performance components will only increase. Toshiba’s TLX9150M photorelay is positioned to play a crucial role in this shift, offering automakers the tools they need to create safer, more efficient vehicles.
With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, battery systems must become more sophisticated, and components like photorelays will be essential in ensuring they operate safely and effectively. Toshiba’s focus on innovation, coupled with their commitment to customer collaboration, ensures that they’ll remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.
