Infineon BTS70012-1ESP: A High-Current PROFET™ Smart Switch for Robust Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of modern automotive electronic systems demands highly reliable, efficient, and intelligent power switching solutions. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies introduces the BTS70012-1ESP, a standout member of its PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) family. This high-current smart switch is engineered to deliver superior performance and robust protection for a wide array of automotive applications, from powertrain systems and lighting to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

At its core, the BTS70012-1ESP is a single-channel high-side switch integrating a N-channel power MOSFET with advanced protective and diagnostic features. Its most striking capability is its capacity to handle continuous currents up to 45 A, making it ideal for driving high-power loads such as motors, heaters, and LED arrays. Housed in a compact, surface-mountable PG-TO263-7 package, it offers an excellent power-to-size ratio, crucial for space-constrained automotive modules.

What truly distinguishes this device is its comprehensive suite of integrated smart features designed for enhanced system safety and diagnostics. It provides extensive on-chip protection against over-load, short-circuit, over-voltage, and over-temperature conditions. A key highlight is its precise current sensing capability, which delivers a current sense ratio (Kilis) with high accuracy. This allows the microcontroller to monitor the load current in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance and fault detection without the need for an external shunt resistor, thereby saving space and reducing system cost.

Furthermore, the device is designed to withstand the harsh electrical environment of an automobile. It offers exceptional ESD protection and high immunity to transients, ensuring reliable operation under demanding conditions. Its very low standby current also makes it suitable for always-on systems, a critical requirement for modern vehicles with numerous electronic control units (ECUs).

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BTS70012-1ESP PROFET™ smart switch stands out as a premier solution for automotive designers seeking to combine high power handling with intelligent control and robust protection. Its integration of a high-current switch, accurate diagnostics, and multiple safeguards into a single package simplifies design, enhances reliability, and accelerates time-to-market for next-generation automotive applications.

Keywords: High-Current Switch, Automotive Applications, PROFET™, Robust Protection, Current Sensing