Infineon BTS7008-1EPA: High-Current PROFET™ Smart Switch for Robust Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of modern automotive electronic systems demands highly reliable, efficient, and intelligent power management solutions. The Infineon BTS7008-1EPA stands out as a premier high-current PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) smart switch, engineered specifically to meet the rigorous demands of automotive applications. This device integrates a plethora of protection and diagnostic features into a single package, providing designers with a robust and compact solution for driving heavy resistive or inductive loads.

Unmatched Power Handling and Integration

At its core, the BTS7008-1EPA is a single-channel high-side switch based on an advanced N-channel power MOSFET. Its most striking feature is its impressive current-carrying capability, supporting a continuous current of up to 40 A. This makes it ideal for controlling a wide array of high-power actuators found in modern vehicles, such as:

Heated seats and steering wheels

PTC heaters for auxiliary heating systems

High-performance lighting modules (e.g., LED headlights)

Solenoids and motors

Housed in a space-saving PG-TO-263-7 (DPAK-7) package, the device offers an outstanding power density, allowing for more compact electronic control unit (ECU) designs without compromising on performance.

Comprehensive Protection for Enhanced Reliability

Operating in the harsh automotive environment requires resilience against electrical hazards. The BTS7008-1EPA is built with a robust suite of integrated protection features that safeguard both the switch itself and the connected load:

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device actively limits the output current in case of a fault condition, preventing thermal runaway.

Overtemperature Shutdown: An internal temperature sensor shuts the switch off if the junction temperature exceeds a critical threshold, restarting automatically once it has cooled down.

Overvoltage Protection (Clamping): Integrated active clamp handles inductive load dump surges, protecting the switch from voltage spikes.

Reverse Battery Protection: The device can withstand a reverse voltage on the supply line, typically up to -40 V, ensuring functionality is not compromised during incorrect battery connection.

Ground Loss and Load Dump Resilience: It remains operational even during fault conditions like a temporary loss of ground or load dump events.

Advanced Diagnostics for Smart Control

Beyond mere switching, the "smart" in PROFET™ refers to its sophisticated diagnostic capabilities. The BTS7008-1EPA provides precise current sense feedback via the IS (Sense) pin. This analog proportional current mirror signal allows the microcontroller to:

Monitor the actual load current with high accuracy.

Detect open-load conditions (both pre- and post-switch-on).

Identify short circuits to ground or battery.

Implement predictive maintenance strategies by tracking load health over time.

This diagnostic intelligence is crucial for functional safety, enabling the system to take appropriate actions and communicate status to the vehicle's central computer, aligning with ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) requirements.

Targeted Automotive Use Cases

The combination of high current, robust protection, and precise diagnostics makes the BTS7008-1EPA a perfect fit for a broad spectrum of automotive domains:

Body & Comfort: Powering seat heaters, window lifters, and sunroof motors.

Powertrain: Controlling actuators, pumps, and fans.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Driving sensors, camera heaters, and radar modules.

Internal & External Lighting: Managing high-current LED arrays.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BTS7008-1EPA PROFET™ smart switch is a powerhouse of integration, offering superior high-current switching, comprehensive built-in protection, and advanced diagnostic capabilities in a minimal footprint. It is an exemplary solution that enhances reliability, simplifies design, and accelerates time-to-market for next-generation robust automotive electronic systems.

Keywords:

1. PROFET™ Smart Switch

2. High-Current (40A)

3. Automotive-Grade

4. Integrated Protection

5. Diagnostic Feedback