Unlocking the potential of 48 V systems with Allegro Solutions
reducing wiring material and labor costs, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing overall system performance. This allows for thinner wires to carry reduced current compared to 12 V systems, leading to lower resistive losses and heat generation. 6. It enables space savings in various applications due to their higher voltage and lower current requirements. This allows for smaller conductors, more compact components, and increased power density, especially when compared to 12 V systems.
Although 24 V systems were initially trialed – for example, in the 1912 Cadillac with its electric starter – the 6 V system quickly gained dominance for most automotive electrical functions. As automotive technology progressed, the demand for electrical accessories such as radios, heaters, and later, power windows, began to grow. This placed greater strain on the electrical system, highlighting the limitations of the 6 V setup. A 12 V system offered a key advantage: for the same power output, it required only half the current, which reduced the risk of overheating and allowed for the use of lighter, more manageable wiring. The development of reliable 12 V lead-acid batteries and alternators further supported the transition. With these components becoming easier to produce and more cost- effective, the 12 V system became the new standard. This led to the design and widespread adoption
of compatible electrical parts, including lighting and motors that operated more efficiently at the higher voltage.
48 V systems highlights
1. It is safer to handle than the higher voltage of 110 – 240 VAC typically used in homes and businesses because it is a low voltage, meaning it is less likely to cause electrical shock or injury and use lower current for the same power output.
Struggles of traditional systems
Modern power demands cannot be met with traditional 12 V systems, currently the mainstay of power delivery. The limitations of 12 V systems become clear when considering factors like power loss and cable thickness. As power demands increase, so do the currents within a 12 V system in a linear fashion (P = V * I). This results in higher power losses along any wiring from the supply source to the load (P loss = I² * R) (Figure 1). These power losses manifest as unwanted heat and reduced system efficiency. Also, managing higher currents requires thicker and heavier cables which adds weight and cost to system designs.
ACS37220 Low-Resistance Current Sensor (Figure 3, left) ACS724 and ACS725 Isolated Current Sensor (Figure 3, right)
2. It provides more power
output and torque for a given motor size, enabling higher performance and acceleration. Also, it can effectively recover kinetic energy during braking and deceleration, storing it for later use in additional torque or to power other vehicle systems. 3. It is more ‘mobile’ compared to 12 or 24 V systems, especially in applications where space and weight are important, and it requires fewer wires and less current to transmit the same amount of power, which can be advantageous in mobile environments such as RVs or campers. 4. The portable 48 V battery pack has emerged as an excellent solution to meet the power needs during camping trips. It is usually encased in a lightweight material, enabling campers to bring along electrical equipment such as lights, small refrigerators, and charging stations for their mobile devices.
Extra Low Voltage), meaning they are designed to be safe for direct contact with unshielded equipment. 48 V systems offer enhanced efficiency and precision by reducing energy loss, enabling faster control, and allowing for smaller, lighter equipment, increased dexterity, and improved thermal management. 48 V solutions with high efficiency and maximum performance Allegro offers a broad array of sensor and power IC products ready for use in the design of 48 V systems across a myriad of robotic applications. The reduced power loss with Allegro’s 48 V solutions translates to a tangible increase in fuel economy for mild hybrids, significantly extending the range
Motor and gate-drive units Allegro’s motor and gate drivers provide precise and efficient control for 48 V motors and actuators used in automotive and industrial automation, improving productivity and reliability. Their integrated current sensor IC supports high-voltage applications, while the digital position sensors deliver robustness and reliability to complement the motor drivers. ■ AMT49100: 3-Phase BLDC Gate Driver, 3x Integrated Low-side CSAs, True 48V capability, SIL-3 Compliance ■ A89503: Half-Bridge Gate Driver, Integrated Low-Side Current Sensor, True 48V capability, SIL-2 Compliance ■ A89500: Joint Brake Half-Bridge Gate Driver, True 48V capability, Functional Safety Quality Managed (FS-QM) Current sensors with functional isolators ■ ACS37220 : low resistance, high power density 200A current
Industrial automation equipment
48 V systems are increasingly used in industrial automation and robotics, offering higher power and improved safety over lower voltage systems. This includes components like motors, sensors, and gate drivers that are designed to handle the higher voltage and power demands of industrial applications. The lower currents present in these systems reduce heat generation
and potential fire hazards. Compared to higher voltage
systems, 48 V systems requires less insulation, which can be a factor in compact designs. As they fall below the 60 V safety limit, they are often considered SELV (Safety
for all electrified vehicles and improving energy conversion efficiency in solar inverters.
AMT49100 3-Phase BLDC Gate Driver (Figure 2, left) A89503 Half-Bridge Gate Driver (Figure 2, right)
5. It offers energy savings by
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