eFuse reference design developed specifically for 48V electric vehicle applications

In circuit protection design, electronic fuses (eFuse) are an exciting technology and represent a new innovative trend. This semiconductor-based, self-recovering solution is rapidly replacing traditional mechanical relays and contactors as well as non-recoverable fuses to protect hardware circuits and users from overcurrent damage in high-power applications.

With the development of electrification and electronics, automotive electronics has become a major application area for eFuse. In this regard, Vishay has also been promoting the application of this new innovative technology by creating eFuse reference designs suitable for different scenarios.

Special Recommendation

Today we would like to introduce to you an eFuse reference design developed by Vishay specifically for 48 V electric vehicle applications. It uses TrenchFET MOSFET, which can handle continuous currents up to 100 A and can shut off the current within 2 μs to achieve overcurrent protection. This reference design has pre-charge, continuous current monitoring and overcurrent protection functions, and can work continuously at the maximum current while consuming less than 14 W, so no active cooling is required.

Key features of this eFuse reference design include:

01

Disconnect circuit within 2 μs

02

Can precharge DC link capacitors

03

Resettable fuse

04

Adjustable current limit

Figure 2: 48 V, 100 A eFuse reference design schematic