Power Switch Has Low On Resistance

STMicroelectronics’ quad high-side intelligent power switch (IPS), the VNI4140K, is produced with VIPower technology to achieve a 50% reduction in R_DS(ON) compared to earlier devices with the same die size. Power consumption is cut by 40% compared to previous VIPower devices. Additionally, the tradeoff between R_DS(ON) and die size has been optimized for the use of a compact package.

The VNI4140K power switch includes a broad range of current and thermal protection features, with per-channel diagnostic bits and double thermal protection. The switch’s case overtemperature protection independently limits the pc-board temperature, and channels restart independently after a case thermal shutdown to limit the peak current. Samples of the device are available now in the PowerSSO24 package. Volume production is planned for January 2008, and pricing is $1.80 each in quantities of 10,000 pieces.