Protecting high-voltage circuits

Yazaki readies a new solution for arc suppression in circuits of 48V or more.

As OEMs develop their next-generation electrical architectures aimed at new hybrid, EV and autonomous vehicles, engineers are focused on delivering systems that are even more robust and “fail-safe” than those used today. Handling more power safely is a given, experts say, as more power-gobbling heated seats, electric turbos, active suspensions, lidars, on-board data processors and other safety sensors are added.

“The industry is now undergoing a fundamental change in how much electrical power is being used,” observed Eric Varton, chief engineer of advance development for Yazaki North America Core Engineering. He noted that the typical 12V vehicle architecture launched in the early 1960s is only capable of deliveing around 2 kW power. In an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous Drive module alone could consume 2 kW.