Infineon Introduces Software-Configurable Wire Protection with SPOC Wire Guard Automotive eFuse

Infineon Technologies has expanded its automotive power distribution portfolio with the SPOC™ Wire Guard BTS80009 SWPx 1ES, a 12 V automotive eFuse that combines a protected high-side switch, integrated I²t wire protection, software configurability, and advanced diagnostics in a single device.

As the first member of a new smart power switch family, the device has been developed for next-generation E/E architectures supporting software-defined vehicles (SDVs). By allowing protection and configuration parameters to be adjusted in software, the eFuse enables vehicle manufacturers to reuse hardware platforms across multiple vehicle variants while adapting power distribution characteristics without redesigning the electronics.

Software-Configurable Wire Protection

Traditional automotive power distribution relies on fixed protection hardware, with wire sizing and protection characteristics determined during the design stage. The SPOC Wire Guard introduces a more flexible approach by allowing protection parameters to be configured in software for individual vehicle variants. This enables manufacturers to support feature updates throughout a vehicle's lifetime, including over-the-air (OTA) software updates, while simplifying platform reuse across different models.

The device also provides real-time status information, pre-warning indicators, and diagnostic data, allowing system health to be monitored continuously and enabling predictive maintenance throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Fast Fault Isolation and Integrated Diagnostics

The BTS80009 SWPx 1ES provides fault isolation in microseconds, helping prevent wiring damage before faults can propagate through the electrical system.

Integrated I²t wire protection works alongside precise current sensing to protect wiring without requiring the larger cable diameters often associated with traditional melting fuses. For permanently powered loads, the device also includes a dedicated idle mode that reduces current consumption to only a few microamps while maintaining full protection.

To simplify integration into modern vehicle architectures, the 24-bit SPI interface supports daisy-chain operation, reducing the number of microcontroller I/O pins required when multiple devices are used.

Consolidating Power Protection Functions

The first SPOC Wire Guard device is available in four variants (A, I, P, and F) with a scalable feature set and supports load currents of up to 34.5 A.

In addition to replacing conventional fuse-based protection, the device can also replace discrete gate-driver IC, MOSFET, and shunt-based solutions, reducing PCB area while integrating diagnostics and functional safety features into a single package.

Designed as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC), the device supports applications up to ASIL-D in accordance with ISO 26262. Integrated non-volatile memory allows application-specific safe states to be configured, while the single-channel architecture helps prevent faults from propagating to other outputs.

Availability

The SPOC Wire Guard BTS80009 SWPx 1ES is now in production. Infineon also plans to introduce three additional RDS(on) variants before the end of 2026.

Learn more and read the original announcement at the Infineon website.

Technology Overview

Electronic fuses (eFuses) replace conventional melting fuses with semiconductor-based protection that can monitor current, detect faults, and disconnect loads electronically. Unlike traditional fuses, many eFuses provide diagnostic information and configurable protection behaviour, making them increasingly suitable for software-defined electrical architectures in automotive and industrial systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new about the SPOC Wire Guard BTS80009 SWPx 1ES?

The device combines a protected high-side switch, integrated I²t wire protection, software-configurable protection parameters, and advanced diagnostics in a single 12 V automotive eFuse.

How does software-configurable protection benefit vehicle manufacturers?

Protection settings can be adjusted in software for different vehicle variants and updated throughout the vehicle's lifetime, reducing hardware changes while supporting platform reuse and software-defined vehicle architectures.

What can the device replace?

The BTS80009 SWPx 1ES can replace conventional fuse-based protection as well as discrete gate-driver IC, MOSFET, and shunt solutions, helping reduce PCB space while adding diagnostics and functional safety features.