table of contents

• What is IPD?
• Difference between MOSFET and IPD
• Additional functions and benefits of IPD
• IPD uses and main applications
• Block diagram example using IPD
• Features of Infineon Automotive IPD
• Lineup of automotive IPDs manufactured by Infineon

What is IPD?

IPDis an abbreviation for Intelligent Power Device, which literally means "Power devices with intelligent functions" It iscalled differently depending on the manufacturer,such asSmart Switch,High-side/Low-side Switch, etc. So what is "intelligent"?

Difference between MOSFET and IPD

First of all, speaking of semiconductor switches in general,MOSFETI think you can imagineIPDalso has a basic function as a switch,Most of the internal structure (chip) isMOSFETAlthough it is itself, there is a logic part with various additional functions ("intelligent functions" here)what was addedIPDbecomes. For example, in the block diagram of the product below, the red part isPower Devicecorrespond toMOSFET,all the yellow partsIntelligentIt is an additional function corresponding to

So, what kind of functions do they actually have, and what are their advantages?

Additional functions and benefits of IPD

The additional functions provided by the product differ, but generally the following functions can be cited.

• Overheat protection
• Overvoltage protection
• overload protection
• Reverse polarity protection
• Load dump protection
• Protection against battery, load and ground interruption
• current detection
• Diagnostic function

We will briefly explain why these additional functions are provided and what their actual benefits are.For example, if only a MOSFET is used as a switch and the load on the circuit is shorted, the MOSFET itself will break down, but the IPD's built-in protection circuits against overcurrent and overheating allow it to continue to function as a switch even in abnormal conditions such as a short circuit without being destroyed.

Additionally, mechanical fuses are often used to control excessive current flow, butIPDs are often used in place of mechanical fuses. Mechanical fuses stop overcurrent by melting, so they must be physically replaced to restore operation, but when an IPD is used as a semiconductor fuse, it detects and cuts off abnormalities such as overcurrent, notifies the microcontroller of the abnormality, and can restore operation at a set time, eliminating the need to physically replace parts.

Anotherdevice that is often considered in parallel withIPDs are mechanical relays. Relays are components that switch on / off with external signals, and because the on/off action involves mechanical contacts, they also produce mechanical noise. The presence of mechanical contacts also raises concerns about durability and reliability.However, since IPDsare semiconductors, there are no concerns about mechanical durability, and they can be kept quiet and compact in size. They also have protection functions that mechanical relays do not have, so although they are slightly more expensive, they also ensure high reliability.

Comparing mechanical fuses, mechanical relays, and IPDsas shown below, IPDsare semiconductors so the cost and design labor required is greater than mechanical components, butin return they help save space in the limitedECUarea and their various additional functions ensure high reliability.

IPD uses and main applications

IPDscan be used for a variety of applications, but they are often used in automotive applications such as the following.

• smart power distribution
• Side mirror and rear window defogger
• PTC heater
• Front window de-icing device
• seat heater
• Electric vacuum pump for brake
• starter relay
• fan

As mentioned above, they can be used in place of high current relays and fuses in power distribution and heating related applications. Although there are many, depending on the amount of currentIPDandMOSFETcombination for small pumpsDCIt can also be used to drive brush motors.It is also strong in lighting applications,LEDand valve drive, so in body applications, including multi-channel productsgreat amount ofIPDis used.

Block diagram example using IPD

I explained that IPDis mainly used for body-related applications, but I will introduce some examples of how it can be used in this way.

As mentioned above, IPDs can also be considered for driving motors that require low current and do not require reverse control. In addition, if there are multiple motors, we have a lineup of 2-channel and 4-channel products that can be driven in one package.
*The above is an example of a 4-channel product.

Features of Infineon Automotive IPD

• About 30 years of IPD sales performance and technology development
• Wide lineup from low current drive products to very low on-resistance products
• Grade 0 lineup for Tj = 175°C
• Pin compatibility for 1-channel and 2-channel products
• Fast switching/slew rate without affecting EMC
• Feedback of the load driving status is possible with the diagnostic function
• High quality with very low defect rate

Wide lineup including Grade 0

Using the latest technology from Infineon, the PROFET™+2 series has 1-channel, 2-channel, and 4-channel products for 12V batteries, and supports Tj = 175°C.

Grade 0 products are also released.

Pin compatibility for 1-channel and 2-channel products

By housing 1-channel and 2-channel products in the same small package, it is possible to replace them with pin compatibility even if the number of channels increases during the design process.

About the diagnostic function

PROFET ™ Infineon of IPD The latest in the lineup High Side Switch In addition to the protection functions, the is equipped with a diagnostic function. This diagnostic function not only provides feedback on abnormal conditions at the output to the load, Current Sense This allows feedback of the amount of current flowing to the load.

The diagram below is a reference circuit excerpted from the data sheet of a high-side switch. IS From each terminal to the microcontroller ADC (Analog Digital Converter) The feedback is provided by sending a signal to the IS The terminals output a "current" that matches the load conditions. R _SENSE and IS Output current from terminal (=Is[A] and written as) By ADC The voltage applied to is determined.

➀During normal operation (no abnormality)
Is = I _L /k _ILIS ・・・ I _L = Current flowing through the load [A]
k _ILIS = constant for determining Is​ ​(varies by product)　
If no abnormality is detected by the protection function, etc., the Is output current is proportional to the load current ​_IL.

(2) When overheat protection and overload protection are activated
Is = I _IS(FAULT)
If an abnormality such as overheat protection or overload protection that leads to IC destruction is detected, the output is turned off and Is = I _IS(FAULT), which is higher than ➀, is output.

In addition, even in the case of an open load when the output is turned ON/OFF, the corresponding feedback current is output from the Is pin.

Lineup of automotive IPDs manufactured by Infineon

12VDeveloped for battery-powered automobilesHigh Side Switch, low-side switchIn addition, 24VBattery for commercial vehiclesDevelopedHigh Side Switch,AlsoSPIWe have a lineup of products that support multi-channel control.

For more information, please click on the images below to see the various lineups.

Infineon's automotive lineup

Among Infineon's wide-ranging portfolio of products, we have compiled a lineup of only automotive-grade products that have been certified to AEC-Q100/AEC-Q101.
We have many products that can be considered for a variety of applications, including microcontrollers, power semiconductors, memory, and sensors, so please take a look.

Inquiry / Quotation

If you have any questions about this product or would like a quote, please contact us using the form below.