EL SEGUNDO, CA. June 1997 - International Rectifier (IR), the power semiconductor experts, has developed a series of high-side MOSFET switches that are ruggedized to provide superior performance in driving critical loads. These new devices are ideal for use in automotive and industrial control systems requiring fail-safe operation, including DC motors and ground-connected solenoids, valves, and lamps.

"Many high side switches now on the market exhibit design limitations that lower system protection and performance levels, or require additional external components to fix the limitations," said David Tam, Vice President of the Power Integrated Circuits Group at International Rectifier. "Working with our customers, IR has developed a new series of products, the IR6210, IR6216, IR6220, IR6224, and IR6226, that are truly superior in their safety and noise features."

The IR62xx series are superior to competitive devices with improved performance features that include:

an ultra low noise charge pump circuit to eliminate extra external filtering. The new IR devices are as much as 40db lower in current noise than competitive devices;

a floating output stage that allows duty cycle control in all switching conditions for motor and linear solenoid controls. Competitive devices lose control when output is in the re-circulation or re-generation stage;

output under control of input even with load to device ground offset up to 50V. Competitive devices either lose control or self-destruct with ground offset caused by the length of the harness, contact resistance, corrosion, etc.;

survival with correct operating state during transient conditions in losing ground or supply while driving inductive loads. Competitive devices can self-destruct or activate loads improperly;

an active-clamp inductive turn-off circuit using the energy absorbing mechanism of the power MOSFET in the active region. This is superior to competitive devices that offer limited inductive turn-off energy capabilities.

The IR62xx series of products integrates the following major functional blocks into one chip: a high side MOSFET switch; a low noise charge pump gate drive; a current limiter; over-current protection; over-temperature protection; an inductive turn-off voltage clamp; logic input interface; and fault feedback. The different versions in the series differ in Rds(on) and control strategies in driving different types of loads.

For example, in a lamp or motor load the IR6216 or IR6226 will limit the load current to a constant value until thermal shutdown is reached, and this allows maximum in-rush current to heat up the lamp or start the motor. For solenoid load, the IR6210, IR6220, IR6224 will go into a current limited PWM mode when an over-current condition is detected. This allows minimum stress to the load, device, and wire harness.

The IR62xx is packaged in 5-pin TO-220 packages. Samples are available now and volume production quantities are also available with a lead time of 8-12 weeks. The two product series will also be available in SMD-220 and SO8 packages in Q2 1997.

Contact the Technical Assistance Center or your local Sales Rep.