Bosch Motorsport Powerbox

Bosch Motorsport PowerBox — Solid-State Power Distribution for Race Cars

The Bosch Motorsport PowerBox (PBX) replaces all conventional fuses, relays, and circuit breakers in the vehicle electrical system with programmable solid-state high-side output channels. Every output provides individual current monitoring, overcurrent protection, and real-time diagnostic feedback visible in RaceCon and WinDarab V7 — eliminating the mechanical failure points responsible for a significant share of race-day electrical failures.

Two models cover the full range of professional motorsport applications:

PBX90 — 36 Output Solid-State PDM

The PBX90 provides 36 solid-state outputs: 4 × 40 A (parallelable to 80 A for starter motors and high-current fans), 4 × 25 A, 22 × 15 A standard channels, and 6 multi-purpose outputs configurable as low-side, high-side, push-pull, PWM, or H-bridge for bidirectional motor control. Twelve 16-bit analog inputs allow direct sensor connection without a separate acquisition module. Three CAN channels, 2 Ethernet ports, and a LIN interface connect the PBX90 into the Bosch Motorsport system network. Bosch Motorsport LIN-bus devices — wiper motors and actuators — are supported natively. Configured via the free Bosch PBX Suite software.

PBX 190 — 52 Output PDM with 48 V Capability

The PBX 190 is the highest-specification Bosch Motorsport power distribution unit, rated to 250 A continuous (310 A peak) across 52 solid-state outputs. Four dedicated 48 V high-side outputs at 25 A each enable control of mild hybrid ancillary systems increasingly required under current GT3 homologation regulations. With 18 × 16-bit analog inputs and 10 digital inputs, the PBX 190 handles all vehicle electrical and sensing functions within a single unit. The PBX 190 is a confirmed fitment on the Ferrari 296 GT3 alongside the MS 7.4 ECU and DDU10 display.

Why Switch to Solid-State Power Distribution?

Conventional System	Bosch Motorsport PowerBox
Physical fuse blows — driver stops on track	Software-programmable current limit with configurable reset behaviour
Relay fails to close — circuit not activated	Solid-state output — no mechanical contacts to oxidise or stick
No circuit current visibility between sessions	Real-time current per channel in RaceCon and WinDarab V7
Separate relay boxes, fuse holders, circuit breaker panels	Single compact unit replaces all relay and fuse hardware
Heavy wiring infrastructure on GT3 and prototype builds	Significant weight reduction and harness simplification

PBX Model Comparison

Model	Outputs	48 V	Continuous Current	Analog Inputs	Confirmed Application
PBX90	36	No	—	12 × 16-bit	GT4, clubsport, prototype
PBX 190	52	Yes (4 × 25 A)	250 A / 310 A peak	18 × 16-bit	Ferrari 296 GT3

Configuration: Bosch PBX Suite

Both PBX models are configured using Bosch PBX Suite within the RaceCon environment, available at no charge. Circuit definitions, current limits, switching logic, PWM duty cycles, and fault responses are all programmed from a single interface. Live diagnostic data streams to WinDarab V7 during sessions, allowing engineers to review per-channel current history and fault events post-session alongside vehicle dynamics data.

FAQ

What is the difference between the PBX90 and PBX 190?

The PBX 190 offers more outputs (52 vs 36), higher total current handling (250 A continuous), 48 V high-side switching on four dedicated channels, and more analog inputs (18 vs 12). The PBX 190 is the unit confirmed in the Ferrari 296 GT3. The PBX90 covers 12 V-only applications including GT4, clubsport, and prototype builds where 48 V systems are not required.

Does the Bosch Motorsport PowerBox replace all fuses and relays?

Yes. The PowerBox is designed to replace all conventional fuses, relays, and circuit breakers in the vehicle electrical system. Each output is a solid-state high-side switch with software-programmable current limits, short-circuit protection, and real-time current monitoring — combining the protection of a fuse with the switching function of a relay, all accessible as a logged diagnostic channel.

What software is used to configure the PowerBox?

Both PBX models are configured using Bosch PBX Suite within RaceCon. PBX Suite is available at no charge from Bosch Motorsport. Communication with the device uses the MSA-Box II USB interface or direct Ethernet connection. All circuit state and current data is available for review and logging in WinDarab V7.

Are the PBX90 and PBX 190 compatible with non-Bosch ECUs?

Yes. Both PowerBox models communicate via CAN and are compatible with any CAN-capable ECU or vehicle control system. The LIN interface supports Bosch Motorsport LIN-bus devices regardless of the ECU brand. Configuration and diagnostics remain in PBX Suite/RaceCon regardless of which ECU is used in the vehicle.