The Shift Toward 48V: Enhancing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Safer, More Responsive Vehicles

Reprinted from: https://www.molex.com/en-us/blog/the-48v-future-enhancing-adas-for-safer-vehicles

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are pushing the limits of vehicle power needs. 48V systems are answering this demand, providing the enhanced energy needed for safer and more responsive vehicles.

As electrification accelerates in response to the growing demand for advanced, power-intensive systems, the automotive industry is at a crossroads. Meeting these rising power requirements, especially for critical technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), is a key challenge for modern vehicles.

With the vehicles of today requiring more power than ever to support increasingly sophisticated features, 48V systems have emerged as a potential solution. But how do 48V electrical systems enable the advanced capabilities of ADAS?

Understanding 48V Technology: Transforming Vehicle Power Distribution

48V technology plays a critical role in modern vehicles, reshaping power distribution and delivery to meet the rising energy demands of advanced systems like ADAS. While basic ADAS functions may not require a 48V system, more complex ADAS components and other power-intensive vehicle systems benefit from the enhanced energy efficiency and capacity that 48V provides. Integrating 48V systems into modern vehicles is crucial to supporting propulsion and auxiliary systems, ensuring seamless operation of these high-demand components, including:

48V Battery: This high-capacity lithium-ion battery works alongside the traditional 12V system, storing energy from regenerative braking or coasting to power both propulsion and auxiliary systems. This results in improved energy efficiency and system reliability.

Boost Converter: The bi-directional DC-DC boost converter manages energy flow between the 12V and 48V systems, stepping up voltage from 12V to 48V when more power is needed, such as during acceleration or to support power-hungry systems.

Electric Motor/Generator: This unit captures kinetic energy during braking to recharge the 48V battery and delivers an electric boost during acceleration, supporting smoother driving and greater fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Power Electronics: The electronic control unit (ECU) optimizes energy use by managing power distribution across the vehicle’s systems, improving overall performance and efficiency.

Supercharging ADAS: The Benefits of 48V Technology

48V systems offer distinct advantages that enhance ADAS reliability and performance:

Increased Power Capacity

The 48V system supports higher power needs from ADAS-supporting internal devices like high-resolution cameras, LIDAR and radar sensors. While 12V systems may be sufficient for basic ADAS functions, 48V technology is essential for powering these high-demand components. This ensures reliable data collection and processing, enabling ADAS systems to deliver enhanced performance.

Enhanced Efficiency and Precision

Higher voltage reduces energy loss and encourages faster, more precise control of electrical systems. This allows ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking and lane-keeping to respond more quickly to sensor input, improving safety and comfort.

Support for Mild Hybridization

48V technology enables mild hybrid functions like start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. These features need to provide additional power for ADAS without overloading the 12V system.

Improved Thermal Management

48V systems help reduce heat generation by lowering current draw in high-power circuits, enhancing thermal management. This improves the lifespan and reliability of critical components in ADAS-equipped vehicles.

By integrating 48V technology, automakers can create a more robust electrical architecture, supporting the scalability and reliability of ADAS systems that depend on high precision, power and real-time data processing for safe and efficient operation.

How 48V Systems Elevate Key ADAS Features

48V systems are critical for delivering the power and performance required for these demanding electrical features, enabling a range of ADAS functionalities that enhance safety, comfort and convenience. Below are some of the primary ADAS systems that benefit from 48V technology:

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

The accuracy of LDW systems is enhanced by the power provided by 48V electrical systems, which allows the sensors and cameras to function with precision. This allows the system to provide earlier and more accurate warnings, giving drivers additional time to correct their course and avoid unintended lane changes, and improve overall road safety.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB systems utilize sensors like radar and cameras to detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically. While the 48V system doesn’t directly power the brakes, it supports sensor networks and processing, leading to faster and more accurate braking responses.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Radar and sensors help ACC systems maintain precise speed and distance control between vehicles. ACC facilitates smooth speed adjustments and safer driving, particularly in traffic or on long drives. Integrating various sensors enhances detection and response to surrounding vehicles, improving both vehicle safety and comfort. Reliable power from a 48V system helps ACC perform consistently and accurately.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind spot monitoring systems rely on radar-based sensors to detect vehicles in hard-to-see areas like side and rear blind spots. A 48V system secures the required power delivery to sensors and processors, improving detection accuracy in various driving conditions. This efficient power supply supports continuous monitoring and quick alerts.

Automated Parking

Automated parking systems use sensors, cameras and processors to help vehicles maneuver precisely in tight spaces, reducing driver effort. Powered by 48V systems, these components work in tandem to detect obstacles and calculate the best parking path. The 48V architecture provides reliable power delivery for smooth, accurate vehicle movements, making parking safer and more convenient.

To ensure the robust performance of these ADAS features, designing in high-performance connectors that can handle the requirements of 48V systems is critical.

Technical Considerations for High-Performance Connectors in 48V Systems

Intentional connector design for 48V systems requires that several fundamental factors are addressed to meet performance and safety standards.

High Current and Voltage Ratings

48V systems operate at higher voltage and current levels than 12V systems, increasing the risks of electrical arcing, overheating and connector failure. To manage the additional electrical load, connectors must be built with robust materials and proper insulation. Correct selection and installation are crucial for safe, reliable performance.

Environmental Durability

Automotive connectors face harsh conditions including temperature extremes, vibration, moisture and contaminants. These components must be built with durable materials and protective features like seals and coatings to ensure long-term performance.

Safety and Reliability

Connector failures can cause system malfunctions or safety hazards. To prevent disconnections, connectors should include locking mechanisms and strain relief. Regular inspections and maintenance help maintain connection integrity.

Miniaturization

The increasing electrification of vehicles limits space for components, including connectors. Compact, lightweight connectors are essential, and advances in design and materials have enabled smaller, more efficient connectors to meet space constraints.

Signal Integrity

Maintaining signal quality is crucial for 48V applications. Because poor signal integrity can precipitate malfunctions, it’s important that connectors minimize signal loss and interference with shielded cables, proper grounding and strategic placement.

Addressing these considerations requires innovation and expertise, which is where advanced connector solutions from Molex come into play.

Molex: Leading the Way in 48V Automotive Connectivity

Molex is driving the automotive industry’s shift to 48V systems with advanced electrical interconnect solutions. Our range of connectors is engineered to handle the specifications of 48V applications, ensuring reliable performance in the most challenging environments.

The MX150 connector series showcases Molex’s innovation in 48V connector technology, offering high current and voltage capabilities. MX150 connectors are engineered for harsh environments and provide excellent durability against extreme temperatures, vibration and moisture. With a compact, space-saving design, MX150 connectors are ideal for applications with limited space, while their versatility, with multiple configuration options, ensures they meet diverse design needs.

To learn more about 48V connectivity in the automotive industry, read our recent report, Rewiring the Road: Harnessing the Power of 48V.