Date: 08/09/2011

50A to 180 A, 40V P-Channel MOSFETs for automotive power management

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced its latest family of single P-channel 40V OptiMOS P2 automotive power MOSFETs produced using advanced trench technology.

The low RDS (on) featured P-channel 40V MOSFETs provides currents from 50A to 180A in various standard packages, for more than 30 derivatives. Suggested for use as High-Side switches in automotive bridge applications, the P-channel 40V OptiMOS P2 products do not require additional charge pump devices. In combination with PWM (pulse width modulation) control, the new devices offer a better thermal behavior and a better avalanche performance than N-channel MOSFETs, as per Infineon. These MOSFETs are suggested for reverse battery protection and motor control applications in cars such as EPS (Electric Power Steering) motor controls, 3-phase and H-bridge motors i.e. windshield wipers, electric parking brake, HVAC fan controls, and electric pumps i.e. for water, oil and fuel.

According to Infineon, the OptiMOS P2 devices provide low gate charge, low capacitance, low switching losses, high currents and excellent FoM specifications (Figure of Merit, R DS(on) x Q g) to deliver high efficiency in electrical motors while minimizing EMC emissions. For example, an industry-wide lowest R DS (on) of only 2.4mO (at 10V in D²PAK packages) is one third less compared to alternative MOSFETs on the market.

Infineon quotes the example of conventional hydraulic power steering, which is powered by the engine where the motor must be run continuously. With EPS, the motor is used only when necessary for assistance, which reduces fuel consumption. The replacement of hydraulic water and oil pumps by electrically controlled water and oil pumps also can make a vehicle up to four kilograms lighter which ultimately increases fuel efficiency. Electric pumps also are advantageous from an environmental viewpoint, since no oil needs to be disposed when vehicles are recycled. Additionally, electric water pumps are an absolute must-have for hybrid vehicles.

The OptiMOS P2 devices are designed to sustain temperatures of up to 260 °C during reflow soldering at MSL1 (Moisture Sensitivity Level 1) and have lead-free plating for RoHS compliance. The power MOSFETs are fully qualified according to the specifications of Automotive Electronics Council (AEC-Q101).

Availability: The OptiMOS P2 40V family with 34 derivatives and current capabilities from 50A to 180A is in production now. Samples of all products are available in all standard power packages including TO-220, DPAK, D²PAK and TO-262, as well as in a 7-lead D²PAK. In very small volume sample quantities, the 5mO OptiMOS P2 40V in a DPAK package, the IPD90P04P4-05, is priced at Euro 1.02 (US-$ 1.43)