IR’s New Programmable Current-Sensing, High-Side Intelligent Power Switches Increase Reliability in Automotive Systems

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — International Rectifier, IR®(NYSE: IRF), a world leader in power management technology, today introduced the IR331x family of high-side intelligent power switches (IPS) devices with accurate current-sensing and built-in protection circuits for 14V automotive applications. The new IPS devices enhance reliability in integrated lighting modules, intelligent glow-plug controls, auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters for HVAC systems, engine cooling fan drivers and interior fan controllers.

Anthony Murray, IR’s technical marketing manager for Automotive Components, said, "The IR331x family includes all protection functions to ensure safe and reliable automotive switching up to 100 amps. The accurate current-sensing function adds value to microprocessor-based systems and modules by improving diagnostic capabilities."

The IR331x family provides accurate current feedback to ±5% at maximum load current over the entire operating temperature range and demonstrates improved accuracy at low load current. In pulse width modulated (PWM)-controlled applications, the accurate current-sensing feature provides the required feedback that enables a microcontroller or ASIC to control the load current. The current feedback bandwidth is 100kHz, also suitable for topologies where a low-side switch provides high frequency PWM, and enabling protection and load-current sensing for unidirectional DC motor drive applications.

The current-sensing feature also enables precise monitoring of load current in order to provide additional data to the microcontroller for diagnostic applications. Typical examples include open-load detection for defective bulbs and lamps or early warning of overload conditions. In addition, the IR3316S provides a slow-switching version of the IR3310S, which can help minimize noise in EMI-sensitive automotive applications.

In addition to the current-sense feedback, the IR331x family devices integrate over-temperature and over-current shutdown as well as reverse polarity protection, simplifying wiring harnesses and increasing reliability. In many applications, additional protection devices such as fuses can be eliminated. The over-current shutdown protection feature is programmable, which allows optimization according to the requirements of the load or the application. A soft-start mode is included for low-frequency switching.

In case of a reverse battery condition, 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.

Part Number Rds(on) max Vclamp Tj,shutdown Programmable Ids shutdown Ids,max shutdown Current sense ratio Package
IR3313S 7mOhms 40V 165°C 10-90 A 90 A 8800:1 5pin TO-220, D2PAK, TO-262
IR3314S 12mOhms 40V 165°C 6-58 A 58 A 5300:1 5pin TO-220, D2PAK, TO-262
IR3315S 20mOhms 40V 165°C 3-30 A 30 A 2800:1 5pin TO-220, D2PAK, TO-262
IR3316S 7mOhms 40V 165°C 10-90 A 90 A 8800:1 5pin D2PAK

Pricing and Availability

The new IR3313, IR3314, IR3315 and IR3316 are available immediately. For the D2Pak versions, pricing is US $1.95 each for the IR3313S, US $1.68 each for the IR3314S, US $1.44 each for the IR3315S and US $1.95 each for the IR3316S, all in 10,000-unit quantities. Pricing is subject to change.

Design Tools

In addition to data sheets, an application note (AN-1118) and technical papers are available.