Yazaki Recognized as Inaugural Automotive News PACEpilot Honoree for Arc Suppression Device

Yazaki’s Circuit Protects Components from Electrical Arcing

CANTON, Mich. – July 2020 – Yazaki North America, Inc. has been recognized as a 2020 Automotive News PACEpilot (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) honoree because of its work on the innovative Yazaki arc suppression device.

The honor was announced during the inaugural PACEpilot event on June 25, 2020. The award recognizes pre-commercialized innovations from automotive suppliers that are tied to safety, fuel efficiency, vehicle electrification and driving assist/driving automation and are projected to impact the automotive market.

The Yazaki arc suppression device improves the overall reliability of hybrid and battery electric vehicles and protects higher voltage power distribution systems and components from damage due to arcing. The device quickly detects an electrical arc and suppresses it in less than 10 microseconds, protecting the circuit from damage. The arc suppression device is designed to protect 48V DC and higher voltage systems, which are most susceptible to damage as a result of arcing.

“The potential for a damaging arcing event during power switching or disconnects is a serious concern in the medium and high voltage DC circuits of modern vehicle electrical systems,” said Michael Boyd, Sr. Manager for Yazaki. “This arcing can create dangerous vehicle issues ranging from damage to wires and connectors to potential electrical system fires. The Yazaki arc suppression device is a fast-acting, cost-effective solution that helps create a safe and reliable system.”

The arc suppression device can also improve the reliability and performance of high voltage switches and mechanical relays by eliminating arcing that can damage electrical contacts over time. Yazaki’s internal tests indicate that the cycle life expectancy of high voltage electrical relays and contactors can be extended as much as 10 times longer when protected by this arc suppression device.

For 26 years, Automotive News’ PACE Awards have awarded superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. New this year, the PACEpilot program recognizes traditional and non-traditional automotive suppliers with products in a working demonstration phase that have not yet hit the market.