Infineon BTS50055-1TMA: High-Current Smart Switch for Advanced Automotive and Industrial Applications

The demand for robust, intelligent power management solutions continues to grow across the automotive and industrial sectors. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies introduces the BTS50055-1TMA, a high-current PROFET™ (Protected MOSFET) smart switch engineered for superior performance and reliability in demanding environments.

This device is a single-channel, high-side switch capable of handling continuous currents up to 55A. Its exceptional current-handling capability makes it an ideal solution for a wide array of heavy-load applications. In the automotive domain, it is perfectly suited for driving high-power loads such as DC motors, heaters, and solenoid valves. It is also instrumental in managing advanced systems like electric power steering (EPS), transmission control units, and battery management systems (BMS). Beyond the vehicle, its rugged design finds purpose in industrial automation, controlling heavy machinery, power supplies, and robust actuator systems.

The "smart" in its designation refers to a comprehensive suite of integrated protection and diagnostic features. These are crucial for enhancing system longevity and ensuring operational safety. Key functionalities include:

Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device autonomously protects itself and the load by limiting current and shutting down during fault conditions, restarting automatically once the issue is resolved.

Overtemperature Protection: An integrated temperature sensor shuts down the switch if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, preventing thermal damage.

Advanced Diagnostic Feedback: The IS (sense) pin provides a proportional current sense signal for precise load current monitoring, enabling predictive maintenance and fault detection. It also offers diagnostic flags for overtemperature and open-load conditions during switch-off.

Overvoltage Protection (including load-dump): It is designed to withstand the harsh transients typical in automotive environments, protecting the downstream electronics.

Constructed using Infineon’s proven SMIF (Small Modular Integrated Power) technology, the BTS50055-1TMA offers low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and a very low typical on-state resistance (RDS(on)) of just 0.8 mΩ. This high efficiency minimizes power losses and reduces heat generation, allowing for more compact designs with less cooling overhead. Housed in a TOLL (TO-Leaded) package, it provides an excellent power-to-size ratio and enhances thermal performance due to its large exposed cooling pad, which can be directly soldered to the PCB.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon BTS50055-1TMA stands out as a premier solution for designers seeking to optimize high-current switching applications. Its robust integration of power, protection, and diagnostics simplifies circuit design, improves system reliability, and reduces the total component count. For applications ranging from next-generation vehicles to heavy-duty industrial equipment, this smart switch delivers the performance, intelligence, and durability required to meet today's stringent technical challenges.

Keywords: High-Current Switch, PROFET™, Automotive Applications, Diagnostic Features, Load-Dump Protection.