Eaton Launches DC-DC Converter for 48V Commercial Vehicle Architecture

     Power management company Eaton has launched a series of 48 volt DC-DC converters for diesel powered commercial vehicles, which can be used to provide power for vehicle anti lock braking, lighting and other accessory systems. Eaton's DC-DC converters can operate in ambient temperatures up to 85 degrees Celsius and have a design efficiency of 97 percent.

     Ben Karrer, Technical Development Director of Eaton's eMobility Business Unit, said: "DC-DC converters are an important part of our eMobility portfolio and can be used in a variety of vehicle applications. Many commercial vehicle manufacturers are transitioning to a 48 volt architecture, so it is critical to be able to efficiently convert the power supply system from high voltage to low voltage. We are pleased to be able to provide power conversion technologies specifically designed for the needs of commercial vehicle electrical systems."

     Eaton's DC-DC converter reduces the 48 volt system voltage to 24 volts. The bi-directional unit then further reduces the voltage to 12 volts for the low voltage system, while also charging the 12 volt battery in case of a failure of the main power supply system.

     Eaton offers a range of DC-DC converters that meet the functional requirements of Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) Class B and can be optimized to seamlessly match the manufacturer's alternator specifications. These converters can also be adjusted for specific duty cycle through advanced digital control architecture, and support flexible control mode through software adaptation.