Prodrive to unveil the first 48V DC-DC converter at LCV Show 2019

Prodrive has created the first 48V to 12V DC-DC converter targeted at the latest ISO21780 standard for 48V automotive systems.

The unit will be launched at this year’s LCV (Low Carbon Vehicle) Show, which will take place at Millbrook.

With the dramatic projected growth in 48V systems, (predicted to be in as many as a third of all light vehicles by 2030) enabling mild hybrid systems solutions on cars, the converter provides businesses with a solution in a neat package to provide power to existing 12V systems.

Prodrive’s 48V to 12V DC-DC converter is configurable to suit automotive networks including CAN and FlexRay, and is available in multiple power options from 400W to 2.2kW to suit the application. It can also provide the opportunity to downsize or remove the standard 12V battery altogether.

The architecture of the unit can be modified to include additional digital inputs/outputs or to change the housing to suit a particular application in a vehicle, boat or aircraft. ISO21780 is still under development and Prodrive is at the forefront of understanding and applying such standards.

Matt Prosser, Prodrive Chief Engineer Electrical Systems, said: “Our converter has been specifically designed from the outset to comply to the latest ISO21780 standard, offering businesses who are developing 48V systems a ready-to-go platform that can be used to accelerate their development without the worry of non-compliant components, allowing them to bring their system to market more rapidly.”

Prodrive has extensive experience in power electronics, which includes the development of a multiport DC-DC converter using silicon carbide technology for electric and hybrid vehicles. Whilst work continues to develop the unit, Prodrive will have a pre-production converter on display at its stand at the LCV show.