Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1516386
C h a p t e r 4 HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTACTORS What purpose do high- voltage contactors play in vehicles? The purpose of an EV powertrain is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. This conversion requires numerous stages, from inversion and regulation to stabilization. But getting power into or out of a battery requires a switch, as the flow of electricity will need to be controlled. Modern EVs deploy both mechanical and electrical switches, but the technology used depends on the specific circuit conditions, including the voltage that needs to be switched and the expected current flow through that switch. By and large, mechanical switches are the most common solution, as they can outright sever a connection, have no leakage current, and are easy to operate. For example, vehicle-grade contactors can be used to connect and disconnect a power source in the hundreds-of-volts range with a just a few hundred milliamps on the control coil at voltages as low as 12V to 24V. However, contactors used in EVs also must be robust to the harsh environment created by vehicles, including constant vibration and shock. Engineers should select a contactor specifically designed to handle shock and vibration, wide operating temperatures, and environmental conditions like dirt, salt spray, and water. One of the biggest changes with contactors is that at the start of EV development, the contactors were carried over from non- automotive applications. New products are being tested for use in automotive applications and are now produced to the required quality standards like TS16949." Geoffrey Schwartz Business Development Manager, Technical Marketing Manager, Littelfuse 20 7 Experts on Automotive Powertrains