eFuse

Infineon automotive eFuse: embedded I²t wire and system protection for safe, resettable smart power switching across vehicle domains

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An automotive eFuse is a solid‑state, resettable electronic fuse for vehicle power distribution. Unlike a traditional automotive fuse, eFuses actively supervise the power path and can reset after a fault, minimizing service downtime and improving system availability. An integrated eFuse contains a high-side controller and MOSFET to switch and to monitor current, voltage, and temperature, protecting the wiring harness and downstream loads.

Compared with a basic smart power switch, an eFuse adds embedded I²t wire and system protection. By limiting the energy in case of a fault (I²t) it disconnects quickly and predictably during short circuits, wiring faults, or supply anomalies - helping to prevent harness overheating and component damage.

Electronic fuse solutions vary by integration and current capability: fully integrated high‑side solutions, controller‑based eFuses that drive external MOSFETs for higher currents, and variants tailored to different voltage rails and diagnostic needs. They support zonal architectures in software-defined vehicles (SDV) and control safety relevant components in ECUs, LED lighting, ADAS, and infotainment.

eFuses for automotive solutions deliver resettable, solid-state protection for modern E/E architectures, enabling dependable zonal power distribution and wire harness safety. Unlike a smart power switch, the electronic fuse integrates embedded I²t wire and system protection with optional adjustable overcurrent limit for deterministic, fast fault isolation. Controlled soft-start mitigates inrush, while over/undervoltage supervision, reverse current blocking, thermal shutdown, and SOA management protect devices and loads. Diagnostic features - load current sense, open‑load detection, and FAULT/PG status - provide precise visibility to the ECU. An optional low‑power idle mode minimizes quiescent consumption. Reset behaviors (latch‑off or auto‑retry) improve serviceability, and specified, tested functions help shorten time to market. Feature availability may vary by device.

Infineon's PROFET™ Wire Guard eFuse solution with embedded wire and system protection via integrated I²t calculation, selectable to match the wire profile and system requirements. This precise, fast, and reliable hardware approach enables straightforward replacement of melting fuses in modern power distribution, optimizing harness cost and weight while saving PCB space. With automatic idle mode, devices maintain full load control and self-protection in parking mode and minimizing power consumption. Combined with an adjustable overcurrent threshold, PROFET™ Wire Guard offers deterministic, rapid failure isolation toward the system power supply for safety-relevant applications. Sequential diagnosis provides detailed status feedback through a single pin, simplifying ECU integration. A dedicated capacitive load-switching mode allows charging a wide range of capacitive loads within the safe operating area. As automotive eFuse solution, the PROFET™ Wire Guard family is developed according to ISO 26262. Positioned within the eFuse context, PROFET™ Wire Guard is Infineon’s answer to electronic fuse requirements in modern E/E power distribution.

The SPOC™ Wire Guard portfolio is designed for eFuse applications, offering standalone hardware-based wire protection with integrated I²t functionality, configurable via an SPI interface. It delivers fast, reliable protection and simplifies fuse replacement to optimize wire harnesses in modern power distribution. With its SPI interface, the devices allow easy control and software configuration of protection features.  

The devices include an idle mode to minimize power consumption during parking. Paired with configurable overcurrent protection, the SPOC™ Wire Guard provides fast and precise failure isolation from the system power supply, ensuring safety-critical performance. Supporting predictive maintenance and digital diagnostics, it is ideal for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).  

Customer-programmable non-volatile memory stores configurations, including safe states, enabling late-stage adjustments for SDVs. The configurable undervoltage lockout sheds loads based on priorities, stabilizing power networks. Developed under ISO 26262 standards, the portfolio includes a safety manual for seamless integration into automotive safety systems.

Infineon offers a range of design-in materials, which include application notes, evaluation boards, PCB design data, simulation models and also online simulations. Those materials could be found on the each product page in chapter "Design Support".  In addition, we offer a dedicated tool suite for Smart Power Switches and Gate Driver IC's for automotive power distribution.

Infineon Smart Power Switches & Gate Driver Tool Suite supports system architects and hardware designers from the idea to the realization. This suite allows the user to select the right smart power switch or gate driver IC for a specific load using one of the “Finder & Selection” tools. Together with the different “Simulation & Modeling” tools, various application scenarios can be simulated for the respective product. The results can be document in the report tool and verified with the “Configuration” tools plus the corresponding evaluation boards.

Facing a design challenge? The Infineon Developer Community is available 24-7 for you to connect and network with engineers across the globe. Get help from Infineon support engineers, and expert members to solve your design challenges anytime and from anywhere.

Find information relating to the planned long-term availability of semiconductor products “Longevity” for Automotive Smart Power products.

An automotive eFuse is a solid‑state, resettable electronic fuse for vehicle power distribution. Unlike a traditional automotive fuse, eFuses actively supervise the power path and can reset after a fault, minimizing service downtime and improving system availability. An integrated eFuse contains a high-side controller and MOSFET to switch and to monitor current, voltage, and temperature, protecting the wiring harness and downstream loads.

Compared with a basic smart power switch, an eFuse adds embedded I²t wire and system protection. By limiting the energy in case of a fault (I²t) it disconnects quickly and predictably during short circuits, wiring faults, or supply anomalies - helping to prevent harness overheating and component damage.

Electronic fuse solutions vary by integration and current capability: fully integrated high‑side solutions, controller‑based eFuses that drive external MOSFETs for higher currents, and variants tailored to different voltage rails and diagnostic needs. They support zonal architectures in software-defined vehicles (SDV) and control safety relevant components in ECUs, LED lighting, ADAS, and infotainment.

eFuses for automotive solutions deliver resettable, solid-state protection for modern E/E architectures, enabling dependable zonal power distribution and wire harness safety. Unlike a smart power switch, the electronic fuse integrates embedded I²t wire and system protection with optional adjustable overcurrent limit for deterministic, fast fault isolation. Controlled soft-start mitigates inrush, while over/undervoltage supervision, reverse current blocking, thermal shutdown, and SOA management protect devices and loads. Diagnostic features - load current sense, open‑load detection, and FAULT/PG status - provide precise visibility to the ECU. An optional low‑power idle mode minimizes quiescent consumption. Reset behaviors (latch‑off or auto‑retry) improve serviceability, and specified, tested functions help shorten time to market. Feature availability may vary by device.

Infineon's PROFET™ Wire Guard eFuse solution with embedded wire and system protection via integrated I²t calculation, selectable to match the wire profile and system requirements. This precise, fast, and reliable hardware approach enables straightforward replacement of melting fuses in modern power distribution, optimizing harness cost and weight while saving PCB space. With automatic idle mode, devices maintain full load control and self-protection in parking mode and minimizing power consumption. Combined with an adjustable overcurrent threshold, PROFET™ Wire Guard offers deterministic, rapid failure isolation toward the system power supply for safety-relevant applications. Sequential diagnosis provides detailed status feedback through a single pin, simplifying ECU integration. A dedicated capacitive load-switching mode allows charging a wide range of capacitive loads within the safe operating area. As automotive eFuse solution, the PROFET™ Wire Guard family is developed according to ISO 26262. Positioned within the eFuse context, PROFET™ Wire Guard is Infineon’s answer to electronic fuse requirements in modern E/E power distribution.

The SPOC™ Wire Guard portfolio is designed for eFuse applications, offering standalone hardware-based wire protection with integrated I²t functionality, configurable via an SPI interface. It delivers fast, reliable protection and simplifies fuse replacement to optimize wire harnesses in modern power distribution. With its SPI interface, the devices allow easy control and software configuration of protection features.  

The devices include an idle mode to minimize power consumption during parking. Paired with configurable overcurrent protection, the SPOC™ Wire Guard provides fast and precise failure isolation from the system power supply, ensuring safety-critical performance. Supporting predictive maintenance and digital diagnostics, it is ideal for software-defined vehicles (SDVs).  

Customer-programmable non-volatile memory stores configurations, including safe states, enabling late-stage adjustments for SDVs. The configurable undervoltage lockout sheds loads based on priorities, stabilizing power networks. Developed under ISO 26262 standards, the portfolio includes a safety manual for seamless integration into automotive safety systems.

Infineon offers a range of design-in materials, which include application notes, evaluation boards, PCB design data, simulation models and also online simulations. Those materials could be found on the each product page in chapter "Design Support".  In addition, we offer a dedicated tool suite for Smart Power Switches and Gate Driver IC's for automotive power distribution.

Infineon Smart Power Switches & Gate Driver Tool Suite supports system architects and hardware designers from the idea to the realization. This suite allows the user to select the right smart power switch or gate driver IC for a specific load using one of the “Finder & Selection” tools. Together with the different “Simulation & Modeling” tools, various application scenarios can be simulated for the respective product. The results can be document in the report tool and verified with the “Configuration” tools plus the corresponding evaluation boards.

Facing a design challenge? The Infineon Developer Community is available 24-7 for you to connect and network with engineers across the globe. Get help from Infineon support engineers, and expert members to solve your design challenges anytime and from anywhere.

Find information relating to the planned long-term availability of semiconductor products “Longevity” for Automotive Smart Power products.

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