The appeal of 48 V technology: importance, benefits and key factors in system-level applications

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The world of technology is ever-changing, and the need for efficient and reliable power solutions continues to rise. In recent years, 48 ​​V supply voltage has received a lot of attention. At first glance, 48 V may not be new, but it has many advantages, is very practical, and has become an important part of various system-level, industrial, automotive, and communication applications. This article will explore the advantages of 48 V supply voltage through practical examples and demonstrations.

Introduction

The 48 V supply voltage plays a key role in a wide range of applications due to its versatility and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Previously, power distribution systems relied heavily on standard 12 V or 24 V levels. However, the increasing power demands of modern devices and electronics, coupled with the increasing demands for system efficiency and energy economy, have led to a shift towards higher supply voltages such as 48 V.

Data centers are home to high-performance computing equipment such as supercomputers, and energy-saving solutions are in great demand. 48 V power supply voltage strikes a balance between transmission efficiency and conversion loss, and is an excellent compromise. Increasing the voltage can reduce power distribution losses and reduce overall energy consumption.

The 48 V supply voltage also benefits the automotive industry, especially electric vehicles (EVs). As EVs increase in advanced features and electric drive subsystems, there is a growing need for more energy-efficient solutions. The 48 V architecture improves energy recovery during regenerative braking and makes it easier to integrate high-power components such as electronic power steering and advanced driver assistance systems.

Advantages of 48 V supply voltage

Using a 48 V supply voltage not only improves system efficiency but also provides more flexible options for design. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Lower I2R losses

Resistive losses (I2R losses) in the power distribution system have a significant impact on efficiency. For a given power level, a 48 V supply voltage system will have lower current than a lower voltage system. As a result, I2R losses during transmission are lower and the overall system efficiency is higher.

• Higher power density

Compared to lower voltage systems, a 48 V supply voltage enables the use of smaller wires and components to transmit the same power. This equates to increased power density, which allows for more compact designs, particularly in space-constrained applications.

• Enhanced voltage regulation capability

By definition, the higher the voltage level, the better the voltage regulation capability, which is critical for fluctuation-sensitive applications. Industrial automation and communication systems often require stable and well-regulated voltage levels to maintain reliable operation.

• Design Flexibility

The 48 V supply voltage enables more design options. It supports the integration of many subsystems with different voltage requirements. Motors, sensors, and communication interfaces can all coexist in the same system.

• Compatible with renewable energy sources

The 48 V supply voltage perfectly matches the voltage output of solar panels in renewable energy systems such as solar installations. This interoperability makes it easy to incorporate renewable energy into existing power systems.

Figure 1. Efficient voltage conversion within the system1

Key points for implementing 48 V power supply voltage

Considerations must be taken into account during implementation to fully exploit the benefits of a 48 V supply voltage. Let’s look at the basics from a system-level, industrial, and communications application perspective.

Efficient voltage conversion

While 48 V is becoming increasingly popular, not all devices and components can handle this voltage level directly, and instead require efficient voltage conversion methods such as DC-DC converters to step down the voltage to meet subsystem demands for lower supply voltages. See Figure 1.

Thermal Management

Figure 2. ADI-BBU Module 2 and Quarter Brick Reference Design

Figure 2 Higher voltage levels and the quarter-brick reference design approach in a battery backup unit (BBU) module can generate significant heat. Thermal management methods such as heat sinks, fans, and thermal design considerations are critical to ensure the longevity and reliability of 48 V components.

Safety measures

Figure 3. Electrical isolation between 48 V and 12 V in a mild hybrid electric vehicle3

Safety is a top priority for all electrical systems. Although the 48 V supply voltage is not particularly high, adequate safety precautions must be in place, such as circuit protection, isolation barriers, and grounding, to avoid risks associated with electrical faults. An isolation barrier is used in 48 V and 12 V system applications to achieve electrical isolation, as shown in Figure 3. The BBU module Modbus® communication method uses the ADM2561E to establish isolated communication between the BBU module and the BBU rack.

Communication Protocol

Figure 4. Open Compute Project Open Rack V3 architecture4

Interoperability is critical in modern industrial and communication applications. Implementing standardized communication protocols ensures seamless data exchange between subsystems running at 48V, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire system. The Open Compute Project (OCP) is leading the continued adoption of new data center architectures. The organization provides complete architectural designs for power rectifiers, BBUs (battery backup units), networks, storage, and servers for 48V systems. See Figure 4.

Monitoring and Control

To keep systems performing at peak performance, voltage levels, currents, and temperatures need to be constantly monitored in real time. Intelligent control systems can be used to proactively manage these elements. By seamlessly coordinating real-time adjustments, these systems can not only predict failures, but also pave the way for preventive diagnostics, bringing system efficiency and reliability to new levels.

Practical Application

The 48 V supply voltage is used in many fields and technologies. Here are some practical examples to help you understand why this is important:

Telecom Power Systems

Figure 5. Telecommunications – 48 V power distribution system 5

Telecommunications networks are the cornerstone of modern society, and their stable operation depends on a continuous and reliable power supply. As a foundation for reliability and efficiency, 48 V architectures are gradually emerging and changing the landscape of telecom power systems. See Figure 5. These systems are responsible for providing global communications, and their power infrastructure must be able to withstand regional differences and unexpected power outages.

However, the real advantage of the 48 V architecture is that it can overcome geographical limitations. In remote inland areas and disaster-stricken areas, traditional power infrastructure may be missing or aging, but the 48 V architecture will not be affected. It can reliably provide power even in harsh environmental conditions, becoming a strong guarantee for communication services. The inherent durability of this architecture ensures that isolated people can stay connected when they need help, safeguard critical communications in emergencies, and promote rural development through super connectivity.

Electric drives in industrial automation

In the field of industrial automation, precision and efficiency are critical. The 48 V supply voltage shines in this dynamic environment, powering a variety of key components, from electric motors to conveyor belts to robotic arms. This voltage level is the basis for power density and control, which not only coordinates stable system operation, but also reduces energy losses and further improves the level of industrial automation.

Hybrid Power System

Hybrid power systems bring new ways of using energy to rural and off-grid areas that have difficulty accessing traditional power grids. These advanced systems seamlessly combine renewable energy (mainly solar panels) with modern energy storage facilities to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions. In this case, the compatibility of the 48 V supply voltage with solar energy output plays an important role in effectively bridging the gap between the energy of solar panels and the needs of various applications.

The 48 V supply voltage is exactly in line with the voltage range generated by solar panels, which helps achieve efficient energy conversion and distribution. This compatibility eliminates the need for high-voltage conversion, which is a major cause of energy loss, inefficiency and increased cost. The 48 V architecture maximizes energy collection efficiency by accurately matching the solar output, and the electricity generated by the sun can go directly into the system with minimal losses.

In addition, the consistency of 48 V power supply voltage and solar output makes the installation of hybrid power system cost-effective. The simplified voltage conversion process does not require complex and expensive devices, and the installation and maintenance costs are lower. This cost-reducing approach is a significant change for communities and businesses far from the power grid, not only making renewable energy accessible, but also bringing a more economical solution.

Electric Vehicles

Figure 6.48 V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle 6

The implementation of 48 V designs in electric vehicles (see Figure 6) is a strategic step that brings many benefits. This voltage paradigm is important for improving power distribution to subsystems throughout the vehicle. In addition to its role in power distribution, the 48 V architecture enables a range of new features, such as regenerative braking, which is the recovery of energy during braking. It also supports the integration of auxiliary systems that help improve passenger comfort, including advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and advanced multimedia devices. The 48 V architecture makes this comprehensive electric vehicle design possible, not only improving energy economy, but also improving the overall driving experience by optimizing power usage, resource management, and in-vehicle amenities.