36
Navigating the Future of Vehicle Electrical Architectures THE ROAD TO 48V:
Kirk Ulery Distribution Business Developer Manager for Transportation & Innovative Solutions
Molex
Innovation and investment in 48-Volt electrical system technology are gaining momentum as automakers and product design engineers navi- gate the possibilities and pitfalls of transitioning from traditional 12-Volt technology to unlock new vehicle capabilities. For decades, the auto- motive industry has relied on 12V to fuel vehicle electrical backbones, but the introduction of new electronic features requires more power than those systems can provide efficiently. Today’s vehicles — regardless of whether they sport an internal combustion engine, hybrid powertrain, or are fully electric — include dozens of electric motors for various functions beyond propulsion. These motors are used to propel comfort, convenience, safety, and perfor- mance features. The long list of power-hungry capabilities includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, regener- ative braking, electric power steering, climate control systems, enhanced start-stop systems, and many more. Demands for higher-voltage automotive sys- tems, along with the rise in electrification, are propelling adoption of 48V technology. The trajectory of 48V can be traced to 2011, when an agreement was made between key German au- tomakers, including Audi, BMW, Daimler-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen, to develop a common framework for an embedded 48V power supply in future vehicles. The goal was to support the ever-increasing array of new electronic fea-
Powered by FlippingBook