KAWASAKI, JAPAN -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has launched “TLX9152M,” an automotive photorelay[1] with an output withstand voltage of 900V(min) that is highly suitable for application in high voltage automotive batteries. The new photorelay is housed in an SO16L-T package. Volume shipments start today.

Improved charge times and a longer cruising range are essential for wider adoption of electric vehicles, and both require more efficient operation of battery systems. Battery management systems (BMS) realize efficient system operation by monitoring the battery charge status, plus the insulation between the battery and the vehicle body that is essential for the safe use of high-voltage batteries. In BMS that must handle high voltages, electrically insulated photorelays are used.

Photorelays commonly used in battery systems must have a withstand voltage of approximately twice the system voltage. Given this, an output withstand voltage of over 800V is necessary for a 400V system. Toshiba’s new product is suitable for 400V systems as it has an output withstand voltage / supply voltage of 900V.

TLX9152M is housed in an SO16L-T package, widely used for high-voltage photorelays including Toshiba’s TLX9160T, which has an output withstand voltage of 1500V. Use of this package facilitates common circuit board pattern design.

Note:
[1] In photorelays, the primary (control) side and the secondary (switch) side are electrically isolated. Switches connected directly to the AC line and switches between equipment that differ in ground potential can be controlled through insulating barriers.