Toshiba’s 900V photorelay suitable for high-voltage automotive batteries

The Japanese electronics giant has launched the TLX9152M automotive photorelay, which can handle up to 900V. This photorelay is designed for high-voltage automotive batteries and comes in an SO16L-T package. Volume shipments start at the end of August.

In photorelays, the control side and the switch side are kept separate by insulation.

This setup allows the relay to safely control switches connected to the AC line or equipment with different ground levels.

Electrically insulated photorelays maintain high efficiency and safety

Faster charging and longer driving ranges are key to getting more people to use electric vehicles, and both need better battery system efficiency, the company points out.

Thus, battery management systems (BMS) help achieve better battery efficiency by tracking the battery’s charge status and ensuring safe insulation between the battery and the vehicle.

For BMS that handle high voltages, electrically insulated photorelays are used to maintain this efficiency and safety.

Designed for high-voltage battery use

As the company explains, photorelays used in battery systems typically need to handle about twice the system voltage. For a 400V system, this means the photorelay must withstand over 800V.

“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,” the company said in a press release.

The TLX9152M, housed in the SO16L-T package like Toshiba’s 1500V TLX9160T, simplifies circuit board design, the Japanese company added.

Photorelay among Toshiba’s recent launches

The photorelay is among the latest products that Toshiba recently released . A few months ago, together with two other companies, the Japanese giant released a prototype electric bus powered by next-generation SCiB batteries, alongside two other companies.

These new batteries, known for their extreme longevity, can be charged to 80% in just 10 minutes. Suitable for fully electric, hybrid, light, and heavy vehicles, this energy storage device can help reduce both capital expenditures and operational costs.

Toshiba cells have been tested in various EV car models

Toshiba’s cells have been tested in various EV cars before, but these new cells are also suitable for electric buses and heavy vehicles. They can operate easily at temperatures ranging from -22 to 140°F (-30 to +60°C).

The ultra-fast charging capability is another key advantage of these cells. Toshiba expects the new SCiB Nb battery to be available on the market by 2025.