High-side switches, with their additional integrated features, are power switches that can switch high currents into grounded loads safely and in compliance with the harsh automotive environment.
ST offers a wide range of fully-protected, smart high-side switches based on VIPower (vertical intelligent power) technology. This proprietary technology allows integration of complete digital and analog control and protection circuits driving a vertical structure power MOSFET, all on the same chip.
High-side switches are compatible with 3 V and 5 V CMOS outputs, and incorporate a diagnostic output status to the microcontroller. They can easily drive both inductive and resistive loads. For full protection of the application, these devices have built-in:
- Over-temperature protection
- Open-load detection for both on and off states
- Shorted-load protection
- Overvoltage and undervoltage shutdown
- Protection, against loss of ground and loss of Vcc
- Low standby power dissipation
- Vbat and Tchip monitoring
- Programmable latch-off
They are designed to work from -40 to +150°C. ST's high-side switch product portfolio includes single, dual and quad drivers with digital or analog status and on-resistance values ranging from 4 mΩ to 500 mΩ. Different packages are available for this product family. They are used in many power applications in automotive body electronics such as junction boxes, interior lighting and motor control.
