Automotive Power Solutions
Advanced power conversion solutions for automotive applications including 48V mild hybrid systems, electric vehicle power conversion, and high-performance electrification systems. Our AEC-Q100 qualified power modules meet the rigorous requirements of automotive environments.
Powering the Future of Mobility
The automotive industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation with electrification, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the move toward autonomous vehicles. Modern vehicles now require sophisticated power systems to support everything from 48V mild-hybrid systems to high-power electric drivetrains.
Our automotive power solutions deliver the efficiency, power density, and reliability required for these demanding applications. All solutions are designed to meet automotive industry standards including AEC-Q100 qualification where applicable, ensuring long-term reliability in harsh automotive environments.
Automotive Application Categories
48V Mild Hybrid Systems
High-efficiency 48V to 12V conversion for mild hybrid vehicles with power recovery and improved fuel economy.
Key Requirements:
- 96%+ efficiency for fuel savings
- High power density in tight spaces
- Fast transient response
- AEC-Q100 qualification
- High reliability
Specific Applications:
- 48V to 12V conversion
- Power recovery systems
- Engine start/stop
- Turbo charging
Electric Vehicle Power
High-power conversion solutions for battery management, on-board charging, and DC-DC conversion in BEVs and HEVs.
Essential Features:
- High efficiency for range extension
- High power density for space saving
- Galvanic isolation for safety
- Wide temperature operation
- High voltage capability
EV Applications:
- On-Board Charger (OBC)
- DC-DC Conversion (400V/800V to 12V/48V)
- Battery Management Systems
- Motor Drive Systems
ADAS & Computing
High-efficiency power for advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle computing platforms.
System Needs:
- Fast transient response
- Low noise for sensitive systems
- High reliability
- Small form factor
- Wide input range
ADAS Systems:
- Radar & LiDAR Systems
- Camera Systems
- In-Vehicle AI Compute
- Domain Controllers
Automotive Lighting
Specialized power solutions for LED headlights, interior lighting, and exterior lighting systems.
Lighting Requirements:
- Constant current control
- Dimming capability
- Thermal management
- EMI compliance
- Extended life operation
Lighting Applications:
- LED Headlights
- Matrix LED Systems
- Interior Lighting
- ADAS Lighting
Comfort & Convenience
Power solutions for infotainment, HVAC, seat controls, and other convenience systems.
Convenience Needs:
- Flexible voltage conversion
- Low standby power
- Load dump protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- EMC compliance
Comfort Systems:
- Infotainment Systems
- HVAC Controls
- Seat Adjustment
- Window Controls
Automotive-Specific Technologies
BCM Bus Converters for Automotive
Current multiplication with galvanic isolation optimized for automotive power systems.
- High efficiency >96%
- AEC-Q100 compliant options
- Current multiplication capability
- Galvanic isolation
- Designed for harsh environments
DCM Fixed-Ratio Converters
Galvanic isolation with fixed voltage transformation for safe, efficient conversion.
- 48V to 12V conversion
- Isolated operation
- High efficiency >95%
- Low EMI
- Robust construction
Factorized Power Architecture (FPA)
Separation of regulation and transformation for high-current automotive applications.
- Preserved dynamics
- Current multiplication
- Galvanic isolation
- Fast transient response
- High reliability
Automotive Power Architectures
48V to 12V Conversion Architecture
In mild-hybrid systems, a 48V electrical system enables power recovery during braking and provides power for higher-current loads. Efficient 48V to 12V conversion is critical for:
- Maximizing fuel efficiency gains
- Ensuring compatibility with 12V systems
- Providing power for high-demand accessories
Typical Implementation:
- BCM modules for galvanic isolation and current multiplication
- High-efficiency conversion with >96% efficiency
- EMI filtering for automotive noise requirements
Electric Vehicle Power Architecture
Electric vehicles require sophisticated power conversion for multiple voltage domains:
- High-voltage battery to 400V/800V for traction inverters
- High-voltage to 48V for high-power auxiliary systems
- High-voltage to 12V for traditional vehicle loads
Key Considerations:
- High efficiency to extend range
- Galvanic isolation for safety
- Compact size for space-constrained packaging
ADAS Power Distribution
For ADAS and autonomous vehicle systems, power distribution must maintain signal integrity while providing fast transient response:
- Low-noise power for sensitive sensors
- Fast response for AI processing units
- High reliability for safety-critical systems
- EMI control for RF-sensitive radar/LiDAR systems
- Power tree design to minimize noise coupling
Solution Approach:
- Point-of-load regulation near loads
- Low-noise power modules
- Appropriate filtering for each subsystem
- Isolation between sensitive systems
Automotive Compliance & Standards
| Standard | Description | Relevance to Power Systems | Vicor Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 | Stress Test Qualification for ICs | Qualification for integrated circuits in automotive applications | Applicable Vicor ICs are AEC-Q100 qualified |
| ISO 26262 | Functional Safety for Road Vehicles | Requirements for safety-critical electrical systems | Components selected support safety-critical designs |
| LV123 | Requirements for Alternators and DC-DC Converters | Input voltage characteristics and test conditions | Wide input range modules available, test reports available |
| LV148 | Physical Layer Communication | Requirements for power electronics affecting communication systems | Low EMI designs with validated performance |
| SAE J1939 | Serial Data Communications | Power for communication systems and controllers | Power modules support CAN bus system requirements |
| ISO 7637 | Electrical Disturbances in Automotive | Protection against electrical transients | Protection features and validated performance |
Automotive Design Considerations
Environmental Requirements
Automotive power systems must operate reliably in harsh environments:
- Temperature range: -40°C to +105°C (with derating for higher temperatures)
- Vibration and shock resistance per automotive standards
- Humidity and corrosion resistance
- EMI/EMC compliance for vehicle systems
- Chemical resistance to automotive fluids
Power Quality Requirements
Power system design must meet automotive-specific requirements:
- Load dump protection (up to 60V) for 12V systems
- Reverse voltage protection for installation errors
- Start-stop voltage variations
- Fast transient response for dynamic loads
- Low EMI to avoid interference with RF systems
Efficiency & Thermal Management
Efficiency directly impacts fuel economy and range:
- 96%+ efficiency needed for meaningful fuel savings
- Minimized thermal dissipation in engine bay
- Effective heat dissipation for continuous operation
- Thermal protection and derating capability
- Conduction cooling in space-constrained applications
Reliability & Service Life
Automotive systems must operate reliably for vehicle life:
- 15+ year service life expectation
- MTBF calculations and prediction reports
- 100% testing of production lots
- Lot traceability for field reliability
- Obsolescence management and support
Recommended Automotive Products
BCM for Automotive
Current multiplication with galvanic isolation for high-power conversion needs.
- High efficiency (>96%)
- Galvanic isolation
- Current multiplication
- Robust package design
- Wide input voltage range
DCM for Automotive
Fixed-ratio isolated conversion for 48V to 12V conversion.
- 4:1 and 2:1 ratios available
- Galvanic isolation
- 95%+ efficiency
- Low EMI design
- Compact form factor
NBM for Backup Power
Bi-directional modules for backup power and seamless power transitions.
- Bi-directional power flow
- For backup power systems
- Smooth power transitions
- Essential for safety systems
ChiP Packages
Maximum power density for space-constrained applications.
- Integrated magnetics
- Low EMI
- High power density
- Robust SMT connection
- Reduced component count
VTM Modules
Current multiplication for FPA systems with preserved dynamics.
- Current multiplication
- Galvanic isolation
- Preserved dynamics
- For high-current applications
PRM Modules
Regulation for FPA systems with tight voltage control.
- Precise voltage regulation
- Fast transient response
- High efficiency
- For safety-critical systems
Automotive Engineering Support
Automotive FAE Team
Specialized engineers with automotive industry experience and knowledge of standards.
Compliance Assistance
Support with automotive standards compliance and qualification testing.
Design Verification
Verification of designs in automotive operating conditions.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal simulation and validation for harsh automotive environments.
EMC Testing Support
Assistance with electromagnetic compatibility validation.
Long Term Supply
Supply assurance for the life of automotive programs.
Power Your Automotive Applications
Our automotive specialists provide application-specific power solutions that meet the rigorous requirements of automotive environments. Contact us for design assistance tailored to your specific automotive application.