42V standard: auto industry's battery requirements open new opportunities for power electronics manufactures

摘要

European and U.S. automakers and suppliers recently agreed to a 36/42V standard. This means a tripling of the current voltage for both battery output (12 to 36V) and generator output (14 to 42V). The move has become necessary to generatesufficient power to accommodate a number of new innovations that will make cars safer and more efficient. These innovations include heated catalysts and windshields, valve actuation, crankshaft starter/generator, and electric power steering and electricbrakes. High power automotive systems will almost immediately benefit from a higher voltage battery, while certain systems such as lighting will need considerable time to adjust to the new standard.