Infineon BTN9970LVAUMA1: High-Current Half-Bridge ProFET™ Switch for Advanced Automotive Motor Control

The evolution of automotive systems towards greater electrification demands robust, efficient, and intelligent power management solutions. At the heart of many advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), comfort, and powertrain applications lies the precise control of DC motors. The Infineon BTN9970LVAUMA1 stands out as a premier solution, a high-current half-bridge switch engineered specifically for the rigorous demands of the modern automobile.

This device is part of Infineon’s proven ProFET™ family, a series of protected MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) switches. Integrating two N-channel power MOSFETs configured in a half-bridge topology, the BTN9970LVAUMA1 is a compact, feature-rich solution that simplifies design and enhances system reliability. It is capable of handling continuous currents up to 70A, making it ideal for driving high-power loads such as brushed DC motors in applications like electronic power steering (EPS), throttle control, active suspension, and advanced braking systems.

A key advantage of this ProFET™ switch is its high level of integration. Unlike discrete MOSFET solutions that require numerous external components, the BTN9970LVAUMA1 incorporates critical protection and diagnostic features directly onto the chip. These include:

Over-current protection (OCL): Safely limits the output current during a short circuit or overload condition.

Over-temperature protection (OTSD): Shuts down the device if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, preventing thermal runaway.

Under-voltage lockout (UVLO): Ensures the device operates only when the supply voltage is sufficient for correct functionality.

Advanced Diagnostic Feedback (IS pin): Provides an analog current sense signal proportional to the load current. This enables precise motor control and allows the microcontroller to monitor system status in real-time without the need for external shunt resistors.

The device operates from a wide supply voltage range, typically compatible with the automotive 12V battery system, and is controlled via logic-level inputs compatible with standard microcontrollers. Its very low typical on-state resistance (RDS(on)) of just 7.5 mΩ per MOSFET minimizes conduction losses, leading to higher efficiency and reduced heat generation. This efficiency is critical for improving fuel economy and reducing the size and weight of the thermal management system.

Fully AEC-Q100 qualified, the BTN9970LVAUMA1 is designed to meet the stringent quality and reliability standards required for automotive applications. Its robust construction ensures performance under the harsh conditions of voltage transients, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stress typical in an automotive environment.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTN9970LVAUMA1 ProFET™ is a highly integrated, intelligent high-current half-bridge driver that encapsulates power, protection, and diagnostics in a single package. It significantly reduces design complexity, board space, and system cost while delivering the robustness and performance required for next-generation automotive motor control systems, from powertrain to body electronics.

Keywords:

ProFET™

Half-Bridge

Automotive Motor Control

High-Current

Diagnostic Feedback