Hardware Podcasts

Zonal Power: 48V Architectures for the Software Defined Vehicle

EE Times Current · 8 May 2026 · 34m

What this episode covers

Elmech Dihiras, a senior technical marketing engineer at Monolithic Power Systems (MPS), explains the automotive industry's transition from legacy 12V domain architectures to 48V zonal architectures for Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). He details how zonal controllers aggregate local I/O and use high-speed Ethernet to feed central compute platforms, enabling scalable vehicle platforms and robust OTA updates. The discussion highlights the technical advantages of 48V systems, including reduced current, lighter wiring, and lower copper costs, while addressing challenges like fault energy, EMI, and functional safety. Dihiras showcases MPS's integrated 48V e-fuses, such as the MPQ5884, as critical building blocks for enabling dynamic power distribution and rich telemetry in modern EVs and robotaxis.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
MPS
Products
MPQ5884, Nissan Leaf
Also
ISO 21780, ISO 25769, ISO 26262, CISPR 25

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