According to the vendor, the product family offers the lowest R DS(on) P-channel 40V MOSFET in the automotive industry and provides currents from 50A to 180A in various standard packages, for more than 30 derivatives. 180A is a benchmark in P-channel technology. Applied as High-Side switches in automotive bridge applications, the P-channel 40V OptiMOS P2 products do not require additional charge pump devices, providing significant cost savings and improved EMI performance. In combination with PWM (pulse width modulation) control, the new devices offer a better thermal behavior and a better avalanche performance than N-channel MOSFETs. This makes them ideal for reverse battery protection and motor control applications in cars such as EPS (Electric Power Steering) motor controls, 3-phase and H-bridge motors i.e. windshield wipers, electric parking brake, HVAC fan controls, and electric pumps i.e. for water, oil and fuel.

Cost and efficiency advantages are creating a clear industry trend towards trench-type MOSFET concepts. Based on the second generation of Infineon's trench technology, the OptiMOS P2 devices provide low gate charge, low capacitance, low switching losses, high currents and excellent FoM specifications (Figure of Merit, R DS(on) x Q g) to deliver high efficiency in electrical motors while minimizing EMC emissions. For example, an industry-wide lowest R DS(on) of only 2.4mΩ (at 10V in D²PAK packages) is one third less compared to alternative MOSFETs on the market.

With the new P-channel 40V devices Infineon expands its product portfolio for motor controls with bridge configurations, which are widely used in automotive systems. Bridge configurations require MOSFETs both for the high-side and low-side. Compared to N-channel MOSFETs the new P-channel devices do not need an additional charge pump to implement high-side switches that drive DC brush motors or brushless 3-phase DC motors. This leads to cost savings as P-channels can also be driven by a simple drive circuit. In case of a H-bridge motor, savings may range on average between approximately 5 percent and 10 percent.

As an example, conventional hydraulic power steering is powered by the engine, which means the motor must be run continuously. With EPS, the motor is used only when necessary for assistance, which reduces fuel consumption. The replacement of hydraulic water and oil pumps by electrically controlled water and oil pumps also can make a vehicle up to four kilograms lighter which ultimately increases fuel efficiency. Electric pumps also are advantageous from an environmental viewpoint, since no oil needs to be disposed when vehicles are recycled. Additionally, electric water pumps are an absolute must-have for hybrid vehicles.

The OptiMOS P2 devices with robust packages are designed to sustain temperatures of up to 260 °C during reflow soldering at MSL1 (Moisture Sensitivity Level 1) and have lead-free plating for RoHS compliance. The power MOSFETs are fully qualified according to the specifications of Automotive Electronics Council (AEC-Q101).

The OptiMOS P2 40V family with 34 derivatives and current capabilities from 50A to 180A is in production now. Samples of all products are available in all standard power packages including TO-220, DPAK, D²PAK and TO-262, as well as in a 7-lead D²PAK. In very small volume sample quantities, the 5mΩ OptiMOS P2 40V in a DPAK package, the IPD90P04P4-05, is priced at Euro 1.02 (US-$ 1.43)

More details on Infineon's automotive power MOSFETs is available at www.infineon.com/automotivemosfet