48V Automotive Push: Nisshinbo Expands High-Voltage IC Lineup

Nisshinbo Micro Devices has expanded its high-voltage IC portfolio to meet the demands of next-generation 48V automotive power systems. The new lineup, announced recently, addresses the industry shift from 12V to 48V architectures in electric vehicles and mild hybrids, enabling more efficient power management and reduced wiring harness weight.

The new ICs target the growing adoption of 48V systems in vehicles, which allows for higher power delivery with lower current, reducing copper usage and weight. Nisshinbo’s expanded range includes voltage regulators, drivers, and monitoring circuits designed to withstand the unique electrical stresses of dual 12V/48V setups. This move supports automakers transitioning to mild hybrids and full EVs, where 48V architectures are becoming standard for start-stop systems, electric turbos, and chassis controls, pushing the need for robust, efficient power semiconductors.

For PCB/PCBA designers, the proliferation of 48V systems means new demands for high-voltage tolerance, thermal management, and board-level reliability. Components like Nisshinbo’s ICs require circuit boards with thicker copper traces, improved insulation, and enhanced heat dissipation. This trend drives demand for heavy copper and insulated metal substrate (IMS) PCBs that can handle the elevated power levels and temperature swings in automotive environments, ensuring long-term durability and signal integrity.

As automotive power systems evolve, PCBs must handle higher voltages and thermal loads. LT CIRCUIT’s heavy copper PCBs and IMS PCBs are engineered to support such high-voltage ICs, offering robust solutions for EV power electronics.