Typically, MOSFET-based power schemes for automotive powertrains have relied on planar technologies, which can take up an inefficient amount of board space. The recently-released AEC-Q101-qualified Repetitive Avalanche Application Specific FET (ASFET) portfolio from Nexperia, used in automotive solenoids + actuators and tested to one billion avalanche cycles, is an innovative way to reduce component counts and maximize durability.
Nexperia, an expert in essential semiconductors, launched a new AEC-Q101-qualified Repetitive Avalanche Application Specific FET (ASFET) portfolio focused on powertrain applications. The technology has been tested to one billion avalanche cycles and can be used to control automotive inductive loads such as solenoids and actuators. In addition to providing a faster turn-off time (up to 4X), designs can be simplified through a reduced BOM count.
MOSFET-based power schemes for solenoid and actuator control in automotive powertrains are typically built around boost, free-wheel diode, or active clamp topologies. A fourth option is a repetitive avalanche design that dissipates energy from the inductive load by making use of the MOSFET’s ability to repeatedly handle current from the inductive load during switch off.
Offering comparable efficiencies to active clamp alternatives, such designs eliminate the need for diodes and other devices to minimize component count and circuit complexity. They also support faster switchoff times, a factor that can extend the reliability of electromechanical components such as solenoids and relays. Until now this has only been possible using outdated planar technology.
The Nexperia Automotive Repetitive Avalanche ASFET family of products have been specifically developed to address this issue, by guaranteeing repetitive avalanche functionality tested up to one billion cycles. In addition, when compared to boost topologies, they can simplify designs by providing up to 30% component footprint efficiency due to a possible reduction of up to 15 board components. Rugged AEC-Q101 MOSFETs from Nexperia offer guaranteed repetitive avalanche performance tested to one billion cycles.
Fully automotive qualified to AEC-Q101 at 175 °C, the new MOSFETs are available in 40 V and 60 V options with typical RDS(ON) ratings from 12.5 mΩ to 55 mΩ. All of the devices are supplied in the company’s space-saving LFPAK56D (Dual Power-SO8) copper-clip package technology. The highly robust package features gull-wing leads for increased board level reliability, and improved manufacturability including automated optical inspection (AOI).
Explains Nexperia’s Product Manager, Richard Ogden "Typically, engineers looking to implement repetitive avalanche topologies have had to rely on devices that use older, planar semiconductor technologies. Offering automotive-qualified devices with guaranteed repetitive avalanche capabilities that are based on higher performance silicon structures will increase the number of powertrain designs that can take advantage of repetitive avalanche functionality."
Nexperia launched its Application Specific FET (ASFET) family earlier in 2020 in response to the industry’s demands to maximize performance. ASFETs feature a set of MOSFET parameters that have been optimized for a particular application. By focusing on one application, significant improvements can be offered. Other available ASFET families address hot-swap, Power over Ethernet (PoE), battery protection and motor control applications.
