Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1516386
As EVs spend extended periods of time connected to the mains, EVs need to be protected against voltage transients caused by events such as sudden power demand changes and lightning strikes. Littelfuse offers metal-oxide varistors that can protect the AC side of an EV, as well as gas discharge tubes, which are often paired with metal-oxide varistors to provide insulation from the EV chassis ground. The use of large motors (which are inductive loads) can induce large voltage transients into cabling and other power circuitry along the powertrain. Therefore, the protection of such low- voltage network systems is of utmost importance. Littelfuse provides numerous transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes for surge protection. In addition, TVS diode arrays are designed specifically for electrostatic discharge (ESD) for communication lines like Ethernet, CAN (Controller Area Network), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network). Circuits and modules in cars often experience ESD during assembly, repairs, and maintenance, and from the cars' occupants. Additionally, Littelfuse offers polymer ESD suppressors designed to protect radio- frequency systems (such as 4G and 5G) and gigabit Ethernet networks, both of which are being integrated into modern vehicles. With regard to current sensing, Littelfuse presents engineers with both shunt and Hall effect options. Littelfuse solutions have been designed with battery pack and traction motors in mind to help engineers monitor not only charging currents but also torque levels and the current status in motors. Power converters operating at such high voltages require the use of silicon carbide (SiC) devices, and, unlike traditional Si power devices, SiC requires different gate- driving solutions. To enable engineers to integrate these new technologies into EVs, Littelfuse manufactures gate drivers that can be used with both Si and SiC metal-oxide- semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). C h a p t e r 1 | P a s s e n g e r C a r P o w e r t r a i n S o l u t i o n s Jim Colby Senior Manager, Business Development, Automotive Business Unit, Littelfuse In an electric powertrain, current sensors are key. They are positioned strategically around the system, and the information they gather ensures the proper loading of the powertrain and drive safety circuits." 8 7 Experts on Automotive Powertrains