IPS Devices Enhance Current Sensing in Automotive Applications

International Rectifier's AUIR331x family of high-side intelligent power switch (IPS) devices features accurate current-sensing and built-in protection circuits for automotive applications, enhancing the reliability in intelligent glow-plug controls, auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters, engine cooling fan drivers and interior fan controllers.

The devices' current-sensing accuracy, particularly at low current, enables precise monitoring of load current to provide additional data to the microcontroller for diagnostic applications. The AUIR3316S also has a slow-switching version in the AUIR3313S device, which helps minimize noise in EMI-sensitive automotive applications.


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Apart from its excellent current-sense feedback, the AUIR331x family integrates over-temperature and over-current shutdown to offer capability to operate repetitively under short circuit conditions according to the latest AEC Q100-012 standard. This feature is programmable, allowing optimization according to the requirements of the load or the application.

In reverse battery conditions, an integrated protection circuit turns the main MOSFET switch on, helping to relieve the intrinsic body diode, reducing or eliminating thermal problems. Additional features such as ESD protection and an active clamp circuit guarantee safe operation and protection under harsh automotive operating conditions.

The devices are subject to dynamic and static part average testing, combined with 100 percent automated wafer level visual inspection as part of IR's automotive quality initiative targeting zero defects. The devices are qualified to AEC-Q100 standards and are lead free and RoHS compliant.

International Rectifier