EL SEGUNDO, CA. April 2000 - International Rectifier (IR^®), the power conversion experts, announce their first TempSENSE^TM HEXFET^® power MOSFET, which can provide cost-effective temperature sensing for automotive system protection by using an on-chip temperature sensing diode.

The IRLBD59N04E is a 40V, 20mOhms, N-channel MOSFET. Temperature sensing is provided by two anti-parallel electrically isolated poly-silicon diodes. The diode's forward voltage falls to approximately 0.4V with a bias current of 250mA when the MOSFET reaches its maximum permitted temperature value. "This voltage feedback can be used with a monitoring circuit to turn the MOSFET off, protecting the application circuit from current overload and excessive temperature," said Gordon Gray, automotive technical marketing manager at IR. "Additionally, back-to-back Zener diodes protect the IRLBD59N04E gate-to-source path from electrostatic discharge (ESD) up to 2000V."

"The IRLBD59N04E provides cost-effective temperature sensing for automotive system protection," said Gray. "The logic-level device can be configured to work with existing micro-controllers with minimum circuit re-design, providing a simple and cost-effective alternative to more complex and expensive intelligent power switches."

The new device will meet the rigid Q101 automotive stress test qualification procedure at 175°C when the devices are released into production, scheduled for July, 2000. The Q101 certification process is designed to ensure high reliability component performance in harsh automotive environments. The 175°C temperature rating is necessary for engine compartment and other high-temperature applications. Thus, the IRLBD59N04E is well suited for electric power-assist steering (EPAS), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and fuel injection systems, as well as power door locks, window lifts and car audio circuits.

Part Number	BVDSS (V)	RDS(on)@ 10V (mOhms)	RDS(on)@ 5V (mOhms)	Current @25°C (A)	TJmax °C	DV/°C typ (IF=250mA)
IRLBD59N04E	40	18	20	59	175	1.4mV/°C

Samples are available immediately. Pricing is $0.80 in 10,000-unit quantities.