Infineon BTS824R: A High-Current PROFET™ Power Switch for Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of automotive electrical systems demands robust, intelligent, and highly reliable components. At the heart of many modern vehicle designs—powering everything from high-intensity lighting and heating elements to solenoids and motors—are high-current power switches. The Infineon BTS824R stands out as a premier solution in this category, embodying the advanced PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) technology tailored for the rigorous demands of the automotive environment.

As a high-side switch, the BTS824R is integrated into the positive supply line to the load. This design simplifies wiring and enhances safety by providing a single-point ground connection for the load. The device is engineered to handle continuous currents up to 24A, making it suitable for a wide array of high-power applications. Its low typical on-state resistance (RDS(on)) ensures minimal voltage drop and power dissipation, leading to higher efficiency and reduced thermal stress.

A key hallmark of the PROFET™ family is its comprehensive suite of integrated protection features. The BTS824R is no exception, offering robust protection against overloads, short circuits, over-temperature, and electrostatic discharge (ESD). These features are critical in the harsh automotive electrical environment, where voltage transients and extreme temperature fluctuations are common. The device actively monitors its own status and can shut down operation to protect both itself and the connected load, automatically restarting once the fault condition is removed. This autonomous operation significantly enhances system reliability and reduces the processing burden on the main microcontroller.

Furthermore, the BTS824R provides diagnostic feedback to the microcontroller via a dedicated status pin. This capability allows for real-time monitoring of the switch's condition, reporting crucial information such as open-load detection (both in on and off-state), short-circuit indications, and over-temperature warnings. This diagnostic intelligence is vital for implementing predictive maintenance and sophisticated fault-handling routines, aligning with the move towards more autonomous and self-diagnosing vehicles.

Housed in a compact and robust TO-263-7 (D2PAK) package, the BTS824R is designed for efficient power dissipation and is fully AEC-Q100 qualified, guaranteeing its performance and reliability for automotive applications. Its design prioritizes not just performance but also functional safety, supporting the development of systems that comply with standards like ISO 26262.

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In summary, the Infineon BTS824R is a highly integrated, intelligent, and resilient high-current power switch. It empowers automotive designers to create more efficient, reliable, and intelligent systems by delivering high power, superior protection, and valuable diagnostic capabilities in a single, robust package.

Keywords: High-Current Switch, PROFET™, Automotive Applications, Diagnostic Feedback, Integrated Protection