Infineon Introduces High-Voltage BMS Reference Design With AURIX TC4x
The new design uses the AURIX TC4x microcontroller to support advanced battery models and thermal runaway detection.
Infineon Technologies has released a new high-voltage battery management system (BMS) reference design that integrates the AURIX TC4x microcontroller to enable complex computational tasks directly on the battery management unit (BMU).
What Happened
The reference design centers on a BMU powered by the AURIX TC4x microcontroller and its parallel processing unit (PPU), which Infineon states delivers up to 30 times the processing performance of a standard CPU. This increased capacity allows the system to run machine-learning, hybrid, electrochemical, and equivalent-circuit models, as well as digital twins, directly on the unit. The BMU also features connectivity options including Ethernet, CAN, USB-C, and isoUART, along with hardware for thermal-runaway detection via XENSIV pressure and gas sensors.
Why It Matters
Infineon claims that optimized load profiles generated by this advanced computing power could extend battery lifetime by up to 30% in various application scenarios. The design's modeling capabilities may also allow for battery packs with up to 20% fewer cells or longer driving ranges without changing the battery configuration, potentially reducing charging times by up to 20%. By supporting methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and AI-based models, the system aims to provide earlier detection of conditions associated with thermal runaway, giving the BMS more time to initiate protective measures.
The Bottom Line
The reference design includes pack and cell monitoring units based on PSOC 4 HVPA and TLE9018DQK components, respectively, with safety integrity levels targeting ASIL D. The complete system is available for order from Infineon.
