eFuse Market

In EVs, electrical architecture refers to the network of components that manage the flow of electricity, including the battery, motor, and control systems. Traditionally, these systems operated around 400 volts DC (Direct Current). High voltage architecture, however, refers to systems operating in the range of 600-800 volts DC and even pushing toward 1200 volts in some cases. One benefit of High Voltage Architecture is faster charging times. By increasing voltage, you can reduce current for the same amount of power. This results in quicker charging at DC fast-charging stations. Higher voltage systems can significantly cut charging times, making EVs more attractive for long-distance travel. In this scenario, traditional low-voltage fuses might not be adequate for the higher voltage environments of 800-volt or even 1200-volt EV systems. eFuses in this context offer several advantages over traditional fuses in these high-voltage applications, such as: 1. Precise control: eFuses can be electronically programmed for more accurate trip currents, ensuring better protection for sensitive EV components. 2. Faster response times: eFuses react much quicker than traditional fuses, providing superior protection against transient voltage spikes or short circuits. 3. Integration and communication: eFuses can be integrated into the vehicle's electronic control systems, enabling real-time monitoring and data collection for improved diagnostics and safety features.

While eFuses offer significant advantages over traditional fuses, two key factors may serve as constraints to broader market adoption: biased current requirements and design complexities. Increased Terminal Count: Unlike traditional fuses with merely two terminals (input and output), eFuses, as integrated circuits, generally necessitate at least three terminals for proper operation. Input: The point at which power enters the eFuse. Output: The point at which power exits the eFuse to the protected circuit. Ground: Essential for the proper functioning of the internal circuitry within the eFuse. In certain applications with limited space, the presence of an additional terminal can complicate PCB layout routing.

Previously, electronic equipment had to meet various safety standards depending on the type of device. This meant that devices needed certification for multiple standards. Two key standards were IEC 60950-1, which covered information and communication equipment, and IEC 60065, which applied to audio-visual gear. In December 2020, a new standard, IEC 62368-1, was introduced. This standard combines the requirements of the older standards into a single guideline for both information and communication equipment and audio-visual gear. As a result, manufacturers only need to certify their equipment to one standard, reducing their certification workload.

A major obstacle to widespread eFuse adoption is the lack of awareness. Many engineers, designers, and decision-makers may not know about the capabilities and benefits eFuses offer compared to traditional fuses. This limited understanding can cause hesitation in integrating this potentially valuable technology into existing systems or new designs. To address this issue, targeted education and awareness campaigns are essential. Creating informative materials, partnering with industry leaders, and highlighting successful applications can effectively communicate the value of eFuses. This will enable decision-makers to see eFuse as a practical and advantageous choice. Another persistent barrier is the unfamiliarity among engineers and decision-makers with eFuse’s advanced features, such as self-resetting mechanisms, programmable thresholds, and diagnostic tools. Many still rely on traditional fuses due to ingrained design habits or uncertainty about eFuse’s capabilities. This knowledge gap is worsened by the lack of visibility into long-term cost savings, like reduced downtime from auto-retry functions and compliance with standards such as IEC 62368-1. For example, while eFuses provide 150ns fault response (compared to minutes for conventional fuses) and include features like reverse current blocking, their advantages are often overlooked in sectors like medical devices and EV charging, where precision and reliability are critical.