Renesas launches intelligent power device for vehicles

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, has announced a new automotive Intelligent Power Device (IPD) that will safely and flexibly control power distribution within vehicles — addressing the requirements of next-generation E/E (electrical/electronic) architectures.

The new RAJ2810024H12HPD is available in the small TO-252-7 package and reduces the mounting area by about 40% compared to the conventional TO-263 package product.

In addition, the advanced current detection function of the new device allows highly accurate detection of abnormal currents such as overcurrent. Since the new IPD detects abnormal currents even at low loads, it allows engineers to design highly safe and precise power-control systems that can detect even the smallest abnormalities.

“We are very pleased to launch a new generation of automotive IPDs featuring our new power MOSFET process,” said Akira Omichi, VP of Renesas’ Automotive Analog Application Specific Business Division. “Renesas will continue to develop IPDs that improve the safety and reliability of power supply systems and facilitate system development for our customers by offering system-level solutions with our microcontrollers.”

The new IPD was developed to address the growing requirements as E/E architectures continue to evolve. In a conventional distributed E/E architecture, power supply from the battery is distributed to each electronic control unit (ECU) via long, thick wires from a power box consisting of mechanical relays and fuses. IPDs have a longer life and are maintenance-free compared to mechanical relays, so they can be placed anywhere in the vehicle.

As the automotive industry moves toward centralized or zone-oriented E/E architectures, IPDs are becoming an ideal choice for building efficient and flexible power supply networks since they use shorter, thinner wires. Renesas’ IPD in particular provides a more efficient, safer, and smaller solution for power-distribution control.

Features of the IPD:

Single-channel high-side IPD
Small TO-252-7 package (6.10 x 6.50 mm: excluding pins)
Low on-resistance (Ron) of 2.3mΩ at 25°C (typ.)
Highly accurate current detection at low loads
Built-in charge pump
Self-diagnostic feedback by load current sense
Protection functions such as load short-circuit, overheat detection, sense current output, and GND open protection
Supports 3.3V/5V logic interface
Low standby current
Battery reverse connection protection with self-turn-on
Compliant with AEC-Q100 and RoHS automotive standards

Renesas also offers the Power Distribution Box with E-fuse solution using an existing IPD. By replacing the conventional fuses in the power supply box with small IPDs and programming the fuse characteristics into the microcontroller, developers can optimize the wiring harness and improve reliability through current monitoring.

This solution is part of Renesas’ Winning Combinations, which optimally combine mutually compatible Renesas devices that work together seamlessly to reduce user design risk and shorten time to market.