Introduction
Toshiba Launches Compact Photorelay for EV Batteries: Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the TLX9161T automotive photorelay, designed to enhance safety and efficiency in electric vehicle (EV) battery management systems (BMS). The device, which enters volume production immediately, is housed in a compact SO12L-T package and delivers a minimum output withstand voltage of 1500V, setting a new benchmark for high-voltage automotive applications.
Meeting the Needs of Electric Vehicles
As EV adoption accelerates, two critical challenges stand out: reducing charging times and extending driving ranges. Both are directly influenced by how efficiently batteries are managed. Toshiba’s TLX9161T addresses these needs by ensuring electrical isolation in high-voltage systems, safeguarding stable performance, and enabling safer battery pack operations.
Battery management systems rely on such components to:
- Monitor battery charge and discharge status.
- Detect ground faults.
- Ensure isolation between the battery and the vehicle chassis.
- Identify mechanical relay sticking issues.
The TLX9161T photorelay is designed to replace traditional mechanical relays, offering greater durability, compactness, and energy efficiency in demanding EV environments.
Key Features of the TLX9161T
Toshiba has integrated multiple performance-enhancing features into this new photorelay:
- Compact SO12L-T package (7.76 × 10.0 × 2.45 mm, typ.)
- Output withstand voltage: 1500V (minimum)
- High isolation voltage: 5000Vrms (minimum)
- Normally open (1-Form-A) configuration
- Avalanche current rating: 0.6mA
- Off-state current: 100nA (typical)
- AEC-Q101 qualified for automotive reliability
- Fast switching response: approx. 1ms for turn-on/turn-off
Compared to the earlier TLX9160T, Toshiba achieved a 25% reduction in footprint by miniaturizing the built-in MOSFET chip while retaining the same pin layout. This ensures design compatibility and reduces overall system size and cost.
Safety and Reliability Standards
The TLX9161T employs a resin with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) greater than 600, qualifying as Material Group I under IEC 60664-1. Combined with a creepage distance exceeding 5 mm, the device supports continuous operation at up to 1000V, ensuring compliance with stringent automotive insulation and safety requirements.
This makes the device suitable for:
- High-voltage battery monitoring.
- Ground fault detection in EV packs.
- Relay sticking detection for safer operations.
By replacing mechanical relays with photorelays, automakers gain enhanced system longevity, reliability, and reduced maintenance costs.
Contribution to EV Industry and Carbon Neutrality
The launch of the TLX9161T highlights Toshiba’s commitment to supporting the transition to electric mobility. As governments and manufacturers worldwide push for carbon-neutral targets, advanced components like this photorelay play a pivotal role in achieving safer, more compact, and energy-efficient vehicle designs.
Toshiba confirmed that it will continue to expand its automotive photorelay lineup, addressing growing demands in the EV sector and ensuring long-term contributions to a sustainable, low-emission society.
Toshiba’s Broader Commitment
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation is a global leader in advanced semiconductors and storage solutions. With a workforce of more than 19,000 employees worldwide, the company develops discrete devices, system LSIs, and HDDs, collaborating closely with partners to create innovative, high-value solutions for the automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors.
Conclusion
Toshiba Launches Compact Photorelay for EV Batteries with the TLX9161T, setting a new standard for safety and efficiency in high-voltage automotive systems. Designed with a 1500V withstand voltage, advanced insulation materials, and a compact SO12L-T package, this innovation ensures reliable battery monitoring, fault detection, and enhanced durability compared to traditional relays. As electric vehicles continue to dominate the global market, Toshiba’s latest photorelay not only supports safer and more efficient battery management systems but also contributes to the vision of sustainable, carbon-neutral mobility, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of EV technology.
Related Articles:-
