Infineon BTS5016SDA: A High-Current PROFET™ Smart Power Switch for Automotive Applications

The increasing electrification of modern vehicles demands robust, intelligent, and highly reliable solutions for power distribution and load control. Addressing these needs, the Infineon BTS5016SDA stands out as a premier high-current PROFET™ (Protected FET) smart power switch, engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of the automotive environment.

This device integrates a vertical N-channel power MOSFET with advanced protection and diagnostic features into a single, compact package. Its primary function is to act as a digitally controlled switch for heavy loads such as solenoids, motors, and heating elements, which are commonplace in automotive body and comfort control modules. With a continuous current rating of up to 16 A and an extremely low typical on-state resistance (RDS(on)) of just 2.7 mΩ, the BTS5016SDA ensures minimal power dissipation and high energy efficiency, which is critical for reducing thermal stress and improving overall system reliability.

A key strength of this PROFET™ device is its comprehensive suite of integrated protection and diagnostic capabilities. It is designed to safeguard itself and the connected load against a wide array of fault conditions, including:

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device automatically limits the output current in case of a fault, preventing catastrophic failure.

Overtemperature Shutdown: An internal temperature sensor shuts down the power stage if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, with automatic restart upon cooling.

Overvoltage Protection: This includes load-dump resilience and clamping of inductive kick-back energy, protecting the switch from voltage spikes common in automotive electrical systems.

Ground Loss and Supply Loss Protection: The device remains controlled even in the event of faulty wiring or interrupted grounds.

Diagnostic feedback is provided through a dedicated IS (sense) pin, which delivers a proportional current mirroring the load current. This allows the microcontroller to monitor the status of the load continuously, detecting open-load conditions (both in on and off-state) and signaling overtemperature and short-circuit events through a status output pin. This level of intelligence enables predictive maintenance and enhances system safety.

Housed in a TO-252-5 (DPAK) package with exposed cooling tab, the BTS5016SDA offers excellent thermal performance for its power class. It is fully AEC-Q100 qualified, ensuring it meets the stringent quality and reliability standards required for automotive applications. Its design is ideal for use in various domains, from controlling seat heaters and window lifters to more complex motor drives in powertrain and chassis systems.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTS5016SDA exemplifies the trend towards smarter, more integrated power management in automobiles. It effectively replaces discrete solutions and mechanical relays by combining a high-power switch, protection circuitry, and diagnostic feedback into a single, robust unit. This integration simplifies design, reduces board space, lowers system cost, and significantly enhances reliability, making it an exceptional choice for engineers developing next-generation automotive electronic control units (ECUs).

Keywords: Smart Power Switch, Automotive Grade, High-Current Switch, Integrated Protection, Diagnostic Feedback