Solid-State Automotive Power Distribution Module

Renesas offers an efficient power distribution network system based on intelligent power device (IPD) technologies. IPDs enhance safety compared to mechanical relays, thanks to their intelligent protection and diagnostic functions. With their compact size and lightweight design, IPDs enable advanced automotive power distribution networks, optimizing cable harnesses and implementing functional safety. Battery power is distributed through parallel lines, providing a protected and reliable power supply. This design supports hierarchical architectures, allowing nesting to achieve higher safety levels through redundancy.

System Benefits:

• Replaces relays and fuses with high-current IPDs featuring protection mechanisms to shut down circuits during over-temperature or overcurrent conditions.
• Achieves functional safety through parallel power lines that support redundant networks.
• Optimizes the bill of materials (BOM) and reduces size with the RL78 MCUs, offering small packages and low power consumption.
• Enables soft start-up by cascading the switch-on of IPDs to control peak current timing.
• Monitors load current of IPDs using an MCU with programmable control, current sensing, and terminal checks.
• Shuts down circuits in a controlled sequence when overcurrent is detected.