Infineon BTS50451EJAXUMA1 High-Current PROFET™ Smart Switch for Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of automotive electrical systems demands robust, intelligent, and highly reliable switching solutions. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies introduces the BTS50451EJAXUMA1, a standout member of its renowned PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) family of smart high-side switches. This device is engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of modern vehicles, providing a compact and efficient solution for driving high-current resistive or inductive loads.

At its core, the BTS50451EJAXUMA1 is a single-channel, 40 mΩ smart switch capable of handling continuous currents up to 11.5 A. Its primary function is to act as an interface between a low-power microcontroller (MCU) and a high-power load, such as a heater element, seat motor, lighting system, or solenoid. By integrating a vertical power MOSFET with advanced protection and diagnostic features into a single package, it significantly reduces board space and enhances system reliability compared to discrete solutions.

Key features and benefits include:

Comprehensive Diagnostic and Protection Suite: The device offers extensive built-in protection mechanisms, making it exceptionally robust in the harsh automotive environment. These include protection against over-load, short-circuit, and overtemperature conditions. Crucially, it also features overvoltage protection (including load-dump resilience) and reverse battery protection, safeguarding both the switch and the sensitive electronics it controls.

Advanced Diagnostic Feedback: A key advantage of the PROFET™ technology is its diagnostic capability. The device provides detailed status information to the host MCU through a multiplexed analog feedback pin. This allows for real-time monitoring of the load current and the detection of various fault conditions, such as open-load (both on and off-state), short-to-ground, or short-to-battery, enabling predictive maintenance and enhanced system functionality.

Automotive-Grade Reliability: Designed and qualified for the automotive industry, the BTS50451EJAXUMA1 operates flawlessly within a wide temperature range and is immune to the electrical transients typical in 12V automotive systems. Its very low standby current is a critical feature for modern vehicles, helping to meet the stringent requirements for low quiescent current in always-on systems to prevent battery drain.

Optimized Package: Housed in a space-saving, surface-mountable PG-TSDSO-14-37 (SSOP-14) package, the switch offers an excellent power-to-size ratio. The exposed chip pad facilitates efficient heat dissipation, allowing it to handle high power levels without premature thermal shutdown.

In application, the BTS50451EJAXUMA1 is ideal for a wide array of use cases within the body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience systems, and powertrain applications. Its ability to be controlled directly by a 3.3V or 5V MCU, combined with its diagnostic intelligence, simplifies design, accelerates time-to-market, and enhances the overall robustness of the electronic control unit (ECU).

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTS50451EJAXUMA1 PROFET™ smart switch exemplifies the trend towards highly integrated, intelligent power management in automotive electronics. It delivers a potent combination of high-current handling, robust protection, and detailed diagnostics in a minimal footprint, making it an superior choice for designers seeking to improve system reliability, efficiency, and functionality.

Keywords:

1. PROFET™ Smart Switch

2. Automotive-Grade

3. Overcurrent Protection

4. Diagnostic Feedback

5. High-Current Switch