Toshiba Launches Compact Automotive Photorelay for High-Voltage Battery Systems
In a significant step toward advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology, Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has introduced the TLX9161T, a new automotive photorelay housed in a compact SO12L-T package. This innovative product achieves an output withstand voltage of 1500V (min), meeting the stringent requirements for high-voltage automotive battery systems. Volume shipments of the TLX9161T began today, marking its availability for integration into next-generation EV designs.
Addressing Key Challenges in Electric Vehicles
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles hinges on overcoming two primary challenges: reducing charging times and extending cruising range. To achieve these goals, efficient operation of the vehicle’s battery system is essential. The Battery Management System (BMS) plays a critical role by monitoring the battery’s charge status to optimize system efficiency. Additionally, the BMS ensures safe operation by monitoring isolation between the battery and the vehicle body, particularly important when dealing with high-voltage batteries.
Photorelays, which provide electrical isolation between the control and switch sides, are integral to BMS designs that handle high voltages. Toshiba’s TLX9161T addresses this need by delivering robust performance in a significantly smaller package, making it ideal for modern EV applications.
Miniaturization Without Compromise
Toshiba’s TLX9161T is a miniaturized version of its predecessor, the TLX9160T photorelay. By shrinking the built-in MOSFET chip, Toshiba has successfully integrated the TLX9161T into the SO12L-T package, which boasts a mounting area approximately 25% smaller than the SO16L-T package used for the TLX9160T. This reduction not only contributes to space savings but also supports cost-effective BMS designs without compromising performance.
Despite its smaller size, the TLX9161T retains compatibility with existing circuit board patterns. The pin pitch and layout remain consistent with the SO16L-T package, ensuring seamless integration into current designs while enabling manufacturers to take advantage of the reduced footprint.
Enhanced Safety and Reliability
Safety is paramount in high-voltage applications, and the TLX9161T excels in this regard. It uses a resin material with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) exceeding 600, classifying it under Material Group I as per the IEC 60664-1 international standard. This classification ensures superior insulation properties, critical for preventing electrical tracking along the surface of the device.
Furthermore, the photorelay’s pin configuration guarantees a creepage distance of over 5mm on the detector side, complying with IEC 60664-1 standards for operating voltages up to 1000V. These features make the TLX9161T suitable for environments classified as Pollution Degree 2, where non-conductive pollutants may become conductive due to condensation.
Applications and Features
The TLX9161T is designed for use in automotive equipment, particularly within BMS applications. Its capabilities include:
- Battery voltage monitoring
- Mechanical relay sticking detection
- Ground fault detection
Key features of the TLX9161T include:
- Compact SO12L-T package (7.76×10.0×2.45 mm)
- Output withstand voltage: 1500V (min)
- High isolation voltage: 5000Vrms (min)
- Avalanche current rating: 0.6mA
- Operating temperature range: -40°C to 125°C
- AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive-grade reliability
Commitment to a Carbon-Neutral Future
Toshiba remains committed to expanding its lineup of automotive photorelay products, addressing the evolving needs of the EV industry. By providing reliable, high-performance solutions like the TLX9161T, Toshiba aims to contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a carbon-neutral society.
Technical Specifications
Below are the main specifications of the TLX9161T:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | TLX9161T |
| Contact Type | Normally Open (1-Form-A) |
| Input Forward Current (IF) | 30 mA |
| ON-State Current (ION) | 30 mA |
| Operating Temperature (Topr) | -40°C to 125°C |
| Avalanche Current (IAV) | 0.6 mA |
| OFF-State Current (IOFF) | Max 100 nA @ VOFF=1000V |
| Output Withstand Voltage (VOFF) | Min 1500V |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | Max 1000V |
| Isolation Voltage (BVS) | Min 5000Vrms |
| Package | SO12L-T (7.76×10.0×2.45 mm) |
About Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, draws on over half a century of experience and innovation to offer customers and business partners outstanding discrete semiconductors, system LSIs and HDD products.
Its 19,400 employees around the world share a determination to maximize product value, and to promote close collaboration with customers in the co-creation of value and new markets. The company looks forward to building and to contributing to a better future for people everywhere.
