Smart Power Transistors

Electronic control units have an essential role in driving improvements in automotive comfort, safety and environmental compatibility. They are also establishing themselves in new application fields, among them assistive, entertainment and networking functions. Power transistors with integrated safety and diagnostic functions have been in use since the 1980s as a replacement for mechanical relays. STMicroelectronics now offers a range of high-side driver products, based on the current VIPower M0-7 technology, which was developed and certified to meet the requirements of automotive applications. Consequently, these drivers offer innovative functions and improvements, among them low standby currents and optimised emission handling.They can be deployed in practically any electrical consumer or actuator automotive applications.