Automotive intelligent power device shrinks by 40%

Renesas Electronics Corp. has released a new automotive intelligent power device (IPD) that controls power distribution in vehicles, meeting the requirements of next-generation E/E (electrical/electronic) architectures. The new RAJ2810024H12HPD, housed in the small TO-252-7 package, reduces the mounting area by about 40% compared to the conventional TO-263 package product.

(Source: Renesas Electronics)

Claiming a more efficient, safer and smaller solution for power distribution control, the new IPD was developed to meet the evolving requirements of E/E architectures, particularly as they move toward centralized or zone-oriented architectures.

“In a conventional distributed E/E architecture, power supply from the battery is distributed to each electronic control unit (ECU) via long, thick wires from a power box consisting of mechanical relays and fuses,” said Renesas. “IPDs have a longer life and are maintenance free compared to mechanical relays, so they can be placed anywhere in the vehicle.

The IPD features an advanced current detection function that allows highly accurate detection of abnormal currents such as overcurrent. “Since the new IPD detects abnormal currents even at low loads, it allows engineers to design highly safe and precise power control systems that can detect even the smallest abnormalities,” said Renesas.

Key features of the new single-channel, high-side IPD include a low on-resistance of 2.3 mΩ at 25°C (typ.), low standby current, support for 3.3 V/5 V logic interface, a built-in charge pump and self-diagnostic feedback by load current sense. The IPD also integrates protection features such as load short-circuit, overheat detection, sense current output and GND open protection.

As part of the company’s Winning Combinations reference designs, Renesas offers the Power Distribution Box with E-fuse solution using an existing IPD. “By replacing the conventional fuses in the power supply box with small IPDs and programming the fuse characteristics into the microcontroller, developers can optimize the wiring harness and improve reliability through current monitoring,” said the company.

The RAJ2810024H12HPD intelligent power device is available in sample quantities with mass production scheduled in the first quarter of 2024.