Toshiba releases automotive photorelay with 1800V output withstand voltage

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corp. has launched an automotive photorelay[1], “TLX9165T,” in a 10pin SO16L-T package, that supports high voltage automotive batteries with an output withstand voltage of 1800V (min). Volume shipments start today.

Improved charge times and longer cruising ranges 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, and the insulation between the battery and the vehicle body that is essential for the safe use of high-voltage batteries. BMS that must handle high voltages use electrically isolated photorelays.

Energy storage systems (ESS), used to secure efficient operation of renewable energy, have also adopted a configuration similar to BMS; they handle the same high voltage as electric vehicles, and use electrically isolated photorelays.

While 400V battery systems are the mainstream in electric vehicles, growing demand for longer cruising ranges and faster charging will hasten the shift to 800V systems. Photorelays used in those battery systems must have a withstand voltage approximately twice the system voltage, which is 1600V or more for an 800V system. Toshiba’s new photorelay incorporates a newly developed high-voltage MOSFET with an output withstand voltage of 1800V(min), suitable for 800V systems.

The 10-pin SO16L-T package adopts a resin with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 or more, putting it in material group I[3] of the IEC 60664-1[4] international standard, and the pin configuration ensures a creepage distance of 7.5mm or more[5] on the light receiver side. These features are compliant with IEC 60664-1, and deliver an operating voltage of 1500V.

The pin pitch and pin configuration are the same as SO16L-T[6], allowing the common use of PCB pattern design.

Toshiba will continue to develop photorelay products suitable for battery systems in automotive applications and energy storage systems in industrial equipment, contributing to the safe operation of equipment.