Toshiba Launches Compact Automotive Photo Relay TLX9161T with High Withstand Voltage for EV Battery Systems
The miniaturized SO12L-T package offers a 1500V withstand voltage, enabling more efficient, safer, and cost-effective automotive battery units.
New Photo Relay for Automotive Applications
Düsseldorf, Germany – August 21, 2025 – Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH ("Toshiba") is introducing its new photo relay, the TLX9161T, for the automotive industry. The component is housed in a compact SO12L-T package and achieves a 1500V (min.) withstand voltage (VOFF) with a 1ms (max.) response time (TON/TOFF). This feature is critical for supporting the demanding high-voltage requirements of modern battery and fuel cell control systems, as well as Battery Management Systems (BMS). These systems monitor voltage and detect mechanical relay failures or ground faults. The photo relays are also ideal replacements for conventional mechanical relays.
Technical Specifications and Design
The TLX9161T consists of an infrared (IR) emitting diode (LED) optically coupled to a photo-MOSFET, ensuring that the primary side (control) and secondary side (switch) are electrically isolated. Its high isolation voltage of 5000 Veff allows for safe switching control across different potentials. The trigger current (IFT) is a maximum of 3mA, minimizing system power consumption. Furthermore, the device's off-state current (IOFF) is only 100nA (max.) at ambient temperature, meaning it consumes minimal power when inactive. The IR LED forward current (IF) and the detector ON-state current (ION) are both rated for 30mA at ambient temperature.
By integrating the MOSFET chip, Toshiba has housed the new TLX9161T in an SO12L-T package, which is approximately 25% smaller than the SO16L-T package of its predecessor, the TLX9160T. This miniaturization reduces the overall size of the battery unit, leading to cost savings. Despite the smaller package, the TLX9161T maintains the same pin pitch and pin arrangement as the SO16L-T, enabling a common PCB pattern design. The typical dimensions of the SO12L-T package are 7.76 x 10.0 x 2.45 mm.
Safety and Compliance
Safety and conformity play a crucial role in automotive applications. The TLX9161T uses a plastic material with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of over 600, classifying it under Material Group I according to the international standard IEC 60664-1. This standard outlines the principles, requirements, and testing procedures for the coordination of insulation in systems with voltages up to 1000 VAC or 1500 VDC. The device, configured as a normally open switch (1-Form-A), features creepage and clearance distances of at least 8mm, ensuring effective isolation even at operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C. It fully complies with the AEC-Q101, Grade 1 standard.
Visual Description of Accompanying Image
The accompanying visual depicts a modern electric vehicle interior, highlighting a battery system. A close-up view focuses on the Toshiba TLX9161T semiconductor component. The graphic also illustrates charging status indicators (60% charged, time remaining) and temperature readings (+125°C, -40°C), contextualizing the component's use in EV battery management.
Further Information
More information on the TLX9161T photo relay can be found at:
About Toshiba Electronics Europe
Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (TEE) offers consumers and businesses in Europe a wide selection of hard disk drives (HDDs) and semiconductor solutions for applications in the automotive, industrial, IoT, motion control, telecommunications, networking, consumer, and home appliance sectors. In addition to HDDs, TEE's portfolio includes power semiconductors and other discrete components, ranging from diodes to logic ICs, optoelectronics, and microcontrollers/MCUs, as well as application-specific standard products (ASSPs).
Furthermore, TEE also offers SCiB™ battery cells and modules with Lithium-Titanate Oxide (LTO) for high-performance applications, as well as silicon nitride (SiN) ceramic substrates. These substrates are utilized in power semiconductor modules, inverters, and converters due to their heat dissipation properties and strength.
TEE is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, and has subsidiaries in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, providing marketing, sales, and logistics services.
Contact Information
For Publications:
Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH
Hansaallee 181, D-40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 211 5296 0
Web: www.toshiba.semicon-storage.com/eu/company/news.html
Press Contact:
Michelle Shrimpton, Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH
Tel: +44 (0)7464 493526
E-Mail: MShrimpton@teu.toshiba.de
Issued by:
Birgit Schöniger, Publitek
Tel: +49 (0)172 617 8431
Web: www.publitek.com
E-Mail: birgit.schoeniger@publitek.com
August 2025
Ref. 7634(A)G
