Infineon BTS6480SF: A High-Current PROFET™ Smart High-Side Switch for Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of automotive electrical systems demands robust, intelligent, and highly reliable switching solutions. The Infineon BTS6480SF stands out as a premier PROFET™ (Protected FET) smart high-side switch engineered specifically to meet the rigorous challenges of modern vehicle design. It is designed to control high-current loads with precision while offering comprehensive protection and diagnostic features, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of automotive applications.

At its core, the BTS6480SF is a single-channel high-side switch capable of handling continuous currents up to 30 A. This high-current capability allows it to drive a variety of demanding inductive and resistive loads, such as heating elements, power seats, window lifters, and various motor control systems. Its N-channel vertical power MOSFET structure ensures exceptionally low static losses, which is critical for improving overall system efficiency and minimizing heat generation.

A key strength of this device lies in its integrated smart protection and diagnostic functions. The BTS6480SF provides a multi-layer safety suite that safeguards both the switch itself and the connected load from potential damage caused by electrical faults. These protections include:

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device automatically limits the output current in case of an overload or a short to ground, preventing thermal destruction.

Overtemperature Protection: An integrated temperature sensor shuts down the power MOSFET if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, reactivating only after the chip has cooled down.

Overvoltage Protection (including load-dump): It is resilient against voltage transients common in the harsh automotive environment.

Reverse Battery Protection: The IC can withstand a reversed supply voltage, protecting the ECU.

Furthermore, it offers precise diagnostic feedback via a current sense (IS) pin. This analog output provides a proportional current mirror of the load current, enabling the microcontroller to monitor status in real-time. It can detect conditions like open load, short to battery, and overtemperature pre-warning, which are essential for predictive maintenance and functional safety compliance (e.g., ISO 26262).

Housed in a TO-263-7 (D2PAK) package with an exposed cooling tab, the BTS6480SF offers excellent thermal performance, allowing it to dissipate heat effectively directly to the PCB. Its automotive-grade qualification ensures reliability and longevity under extreme operating conditions.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTS6480SF PROFET™ represents a highly integrated and robust solution for managing high-current loads in automotive systems. Its combination of high switching capacity, comprehensive embedded protection, and detailed diagnostic capabilities makes it a superior choice for designers aiming to enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency in next-generation automotive electronic control units (ECUs).

Keywords:

1. PROFET™ Smart High-Side Switch

2. Automotive Applications

3. High-Current Switching

4. Integrated Protection Features

5. Diagnostic Feedback