STDA015 February   2026 DRV8163-Q1 , DRV8263-Q1 , LM61495-Q1 , LM70880-Q1 , LM74500-Q1 , LMR36503-Q1 , MCF8329A-Q1 , TLIN4029A-Q1

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
  5. 2Examples of Using 48V in Body Motor Applications
    1. 2.1 Door Module
    2. 2.2 Window Lift
    3. 2.3 Wiper
    4. 2.4 Power Seat
  6. 3Benefits of 48V Supply
    1. 3.1 Increased Integration of Half-Bridges with 48V
    2. 3.2 Size Comparison Between 48V Integrated Driver vs 12V Gate Driver
    3. 3.3 Example Placement Study
  7. 4Thermal and EMC Performance Trade-off Considerations
    1. 4.1 Conduction Losses in the MOSFETs
    2. 4.2 Switching Losses During PWM
    3. 4.3 Experimental Results Show Effect of Slew Rate on Transistor Temperature During PWM
    4. 4.4 Fast Slew Rates Impact Electromagnetic Emissions
  8. 5Summary
  9. 6About the Authors
  10. 7References

1 Introduction

While automotive electrical systems have been based on a 12V nominal lead acid battery system for decades, there is recently a shift towards 48V electrical systems. For body applications, this higher voltage means lower currents for the various actuators that consume high levels of power, such as window lifts, seat adjustments, windshield wipers, pumps, and blowers. Lower currents allow smaller wire cross-sections, reducing cost and weight in the wire harnesses and actuators.

The change from 12V systems to 48V systems requires designers to make new tradeoff decisions for the electronics throughout the vehicle. In the following sections, this document discusses how motor drivers, power management, interface transceivers and other components are affected by this trend.