Experimental Implementation of a Pre-Charge Circuit at eFuse to Control and Limit Inrush Currents of Automotive ECUs.

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Title: Experimental Implementation of a Pre-Charge Circuit at eFuse to Control and Limit Inrush Currents of Automotive ECUs.
Authors: Reddy, C. Naga Kota1 cnkreee@gmail.com, Rani, K. Sandhya2 sandhyaranik@aec.edu.in, Mohiddin, Khaja Gouse3 md.mohiddin146@gmail.com, Babu, Ch. Sai4 chs_eee@jntucek.ac.in
Source: Engineering Letters. Dec2025, Vol. 33 Issue 12, p4910-4916. 7p.
Subjects: Antilock brake systems in automobiles, Electronic control, Electric transients, Automotive electronics, Voltage regulators, Electric circuits, Electric noise, Simulation methods & models
Abstract: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a vital component in automotive safety, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining steering control during braking. The use of in wheel motors greatly enhances the effectiveness of ABS by allowing each wheel to be controlled independently, resulting in greater precision and responsiveness in braking performance. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) plays a critical role in automotive functions like ABS. The ECU, along with motors used for ABS, is typically powered by buck converters, which efficiently step down voltage. However, the output of buck converters often introduces voltage ripple, which is filtered using capacitors. When these capacitors are connected to the power supply, they can cause significant inrush currents at startup, leading to voltage drops, electromagnetic interference, and potential damage to sensitive ECU components. To address this issue, a pre-charge circuit has been designed to gradually ramp up the supply voltage, thereby limiting inrush currents and protecting the ECU. This solution enhances the reliability and safety of the ECU while prolonging the lifespan of key electronic components. The effectiveness of the proposed pre-charge circuit is validated through simulation and experimental studies conducted on both 12 V and 17 V load profiles, demonstrating improved system performance and smooth operation of motor-driven components in the braking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a vital component in automotive safety, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining steering control during braking. The use of in wheel motors greatly enhances the effectiveness of ABS by allowing each wheel to be controlled independently, resulting in greater precision and responsiveness in braking performance. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) plays a critical role in automotive functions like ABS. The ECU, along with motors used for ABS, is typically powered by buck converters, which efficiently step down voltage. However, the output of buck converters often introduces voltage ripple, which is filtered using capacitors. When these capacitors are connected to the power supply, they can cause significant inrush currents at startup, leading to voltage drops, electromagnetic interference, and potential damage to sensitive ECU components. To address this issue, a pre-charge circuit has been designed to gradually ramp up the supply voltage, thereby limiting inrush currents and protecting the ECU. This solution enhances the reliability and safety of the ECU while prolonging the lifespan of key electronic components. The effectiveness of the proposed pre-charge circuit is validated through simulation and experimental studies conducted on both 12 V and 17 V load profiles, demonstrating improved system performance and smooth operation of motor-driven components in the braking system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:1816093X