Infineon has expanded its automotive power distribution portfolio with the SPOC Wire Guard BTS80009 SWPx 1ES. It is a highly integrated 12V automotive eFuse with SPI control, aimed at software-defined vehicle architectures that support over-the-air updates.
The device is the first member of a new smart power switch family. It combines a protected high-side switch, I²t wire protection, software configurability, and advanced diagnostics in one component.
Protection with flexibility
The main value is not only protection, but also system flexibility. Infineon says the eFuse supports platform reuse across vehicle variants, because protection settings can be changed in software instead of redesigning hardware.
That matters for automakers building multiple trims or software-defined platforms. One hardware base can serve different load profiles, while the software defines the safe-state behavior and protection thresholds.
Core technical benefits
The eFuse isolates faults in microseconds, which is much faster than a melting fuse. That speed helps prevent wire overheating and can reduce the need to oversize cable diameter for worst-case fault behavior.
It also provides precise current sensing, real-time status, and pre-warning indicators. These functions support better diagnosis during development, production, and vehicle operation.
Power and space gains
Infineon says the device can replace gate-driver ICs, MOSFETs, and shunt-based solutions in some designs. That can shrink board area and simplify the power stage, which is valuable in tightly packed ECUs and zone controllers.
The company also highlights a low-power idle mode that draws only a few microamps while keeping protection active. For permanently powered loads, that can reduce standby drain without sacrificing safety.
SDV and safety relevance
The product is positioned for SDV architectures that rely on software control and frequent updates. In that setting, power distribution becomes programmable, which helps support changing feature sets, vehicle states, and post-production updates.
Infineon also frames the device as a Safety Element out of Context for systems up to ASIL-D under ISO 26262. It includes non-volatile memory for application-specific safe-state configuration and can react autonomously to supply-voltage drops caused by load faults.
Key features and gains
- 12V automotive eFuse with SPI interface.
- 24-bit daisy-chain-capable communication to save MCU pins.
- Four variants: A, I, P, and F.
- Current support up to 34.5 A.
- Single-channel structure to limit fault propagation.
- Software-adjustable protection and safe-state parameters.
- Fast protection, diagnosis, and pre-warning support.
These features can improve modularity, simplify harness design, and support higher availability. They also fit fail-operational goals in advanced driver assistance systems and higher-level automated driving platforms.
Potential system gains
From a vehicle architecture view, the biggest gains are flexibility, wiring efficiency, and serviceability. Software-configurable protection can reduce the number of physical variants, which lowers complexity in manufacturing and platform planning.
There is also a cost and packaging angle. If one eFuse can replace several discrete components, OEMs may gain PCB savings, fewer external parts, and a cleaner path to zonal or centralized power distribution.
The BTS80009 SWPx 1ES is already in production. Infineon says three additional RDS(on) variants will follow by the end of 2026.
Sources: Infineon
