Infineon BTS840S2: High-Current PROFET™ Smart Switch for Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of automotive electrical systems demands robust, intelligent, and highly reliable switching solutions. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies introduces the BTS840S2, a standout member of the PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) family engineered specifically for high-current automotive applications. This smart power switch is designed to drive a wide range of resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads, such as heaters, motors, and LEDs, with unparalleled precision and protection.

At the core of the BTS840S2 is a vertical N-channel power MOSFET, capable of handling continuous currents up to 40A. This high-current capability makes it an ideal solution for demanding loads within the vehicle's body control modules, power distribution units, and thermal management systems. A key advantage of this device is its extremely low standby current, which is critical for meeting the stringent quiescent current requirements of modern vehicles to prevent battery drain during extended parking periods.

What truly defines the BTS840S2 as a "smart" switch is its comprehensive suite of integrated protection and diagnostic features. These include:

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device autonomously protects itself and the load by limiting the output current in case of a fault.

Overtemperature Shutdown: A built-in temperature sensor shuts down the output if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, restarting automatically once it has cooled.

Overvoltage Protection: This includes clamp protection for inductive load demagnetization and handling of load-dump events.

Advanced Diagnostics: The switch provides a proportional current sense (IS) signal for real-time load current monitoring. It also features open-load detection both in on-state and off-state, and comprehensive diagnostic feedback via a status output pin (ST), which is crucial for microcontroller-based systems to implement predictive maintenance and ensure functional safety.

The device is housed in a TO-263-7 (D2PAK) package, offering an excellent power-to-volume ratio and efficient thermal performance, which is vital for dissipating heat in the harsh under-hood environment. Its design is qualified for the automotive environment, adhering to the AEC-Q100 standard, and is developed according to the ISO 26262 standard to support safety-related applications.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BTS840S2 PROFET™ is a high-integration, high-performance smart switch that sets a benchmark for power management in automotive designs. Its robust 40A capability, combined with its extensive diagnostic and protection features, provides designers with a reliable and compact solution that enhances system safety, reduces board space, and simplifies design complexity, ultimately leading to more efficient and dependable automotive electronic systems.

Keywords: Smart High-Side Switch, Automotive Grade, Integrated Protection, Load Diagnostics, AEC-Q100.