Date: 07/12/2011

Automotive qualified 100% lead-free power MOSFETs in TO packages

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced automotive qualified 100 percent lead-free power MOSFETs in TO package types. Infineon uses a diffusion soldering die attach approach to produce the lead-free packages that include TO-220, TO-262 and TO-263. Because of specific requirements in terms of package geometry, die pad thickness and chip size, the diffusion soldering die attach approach is suitable for these three package types, and Infineon is able to supply them, says Infineon.

With the new MOSFET series, Infineon says it exceeds current RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) directives related to lead-based solder used to attach silicon chips to packages. Stricter ELV RoHS directives pending implementation after 2014 may require 100 percent lead-free packaging.

"Infineon is a technology leader both in power semiconductors and related package technologies," said Frank Schwertlein, Vice President and General Manager Standard Power at the Automotive Division of Infineon Technologies AG. "With introduction of lead-free packages we are the world's first chip supplier to present our automotive customers future-proof, RoHS compliant and environmentally friendly MOSFETs to develop energy-efficient 'green' products."

The Infineon-patented lead-free die attach (the interconnection between chip and leadframe of the package) uses a diffusion soldering approach, which allows improved electrical and thermal performance, manufacturability and quality, as per Infineon. Infineon says matching this die attach technology with Infineon's thin wafer processes (60µm compared to standard 175µm) enables several improvements for power semiconductors.

The advantages and benefits are per Infineon includes:

The technology is environmentally friendly as no use of lead or other toxic material is involved.
Through the combination of diffusion soldering die attach process and thin wafer technology the R DS (on) of the devices is significantly reduced.
Thermal resistance (R thJC) is improved by up to 40 to 50 percent, as the conventional lead-based soft solder material has poorer thermal conductivity and acts as a thermal barrier for the heat generated on the junction of the MOSFET.
Further benefits are a better manufacturability because there is no solder bleed-out and no chip tiltness as well as tighter R DS (on) and R thJC distribution, and finally an improved reliability and quality due to reduced electro-mechanical stress within the product.

The on-resistance is about 20 percent less compared to related devices using standard lead-based die attach soldering. In addition, the patented diffusion soldering technique results in a reduced "chip-to-leadframe" thermal resistance and positions the new OptiMOS T2 products with best-in-class performance, claims Infineon.

Availability: With the first OptiMOS T2 derivatives, the industry first 100 percent lead-free power MOSFETs in TO packages for automotive are available now: the IPB160N04S4-02D (with 160A in a TO-263 package), the IPB100N04S4-02D (100A, TO-263), the IPP100N04S4-03D (100A, TO-220) and the IPI100N04S4-03D (100A, TO-262).

Further information visit: www.infineon.com