Infineon BTS72220-4ESA: High-Current PROFET™ Smart High-Side Power Switch
In the realm of automotive and industrial electronics, robust and intelligent power management is paramount. The Infineon BTS72220-4ESA stands out as a premier solution, a high-current PROFET™ (Protected FET) smart high-side power switch engineered for demanding applications. This device integrates four independent channels into a single package, offering a powerful and compact answer for controlling heavy loads with precision and protection.
Core Capabilities and Integration
The BTS72220-4ESA is designed to drive resistive or inductive loads—such as lamps, motors, or heaters—with a continuous current of up to 20 A per channel. Housed in a thermally efficient PG-ESD-14-1 package, it combines four 160 mΩ N-channel power MOSFETs with advanced CMOS control circuitry. This high level of integration simplifies board design, reduces component count, and saves valuable PCB space, making it an ideal choice for complex multi-channel systems like body control modules (BCMs), junction boxes, and industrial controllers.
Intelligent Protection and Diagnostic Features
A key characteristic of the PROFET™ family is its "smart" functionality, and the BTS72220-4ESA excels in this regard. It provides a comprehensive suite of embedded protective features that safeguard both the device itself and the connected load from fault conditions. These include:
Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The device actively limits the output current in case of a fault, shutting down the channel safely while reporting the status.
Overtemperature Protection: An integrated thermal shutdown mechanism disables the output if the junction temperature exceeds a critical threshold, preventing thermal runaway.
Overvoltage Protection (including load-dump): It is resilient against voltage transients common in automotive environments.
Ground Loss and Supply Loss Protection: The device remains stable even during unexpected power or ground disruptions.

Crucially, it offers sophisticated diagnostic feedback via a multiplexed analog current sense (IS) pin. This signal provides real-time information on the load current and can accurately indicate open-load conditions, short circuits to ground or battery, and overtemperature events. This enables the microcontroller to make informed decisions, enhancing system reliability and enabling predictive maintenance.
Application Advantages
The deployment of the BTS72220-4EPA brings significant advantages. Its very low standby current is critical for automotive applications where energy conservation is vital. The electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness ensures high reliability during handling and operation. Furthermore, its compatibility with microcontrollers and its ability to handle high inrush currents (e.g., from incandescent bulbs) make it a versatile and dependable workhorse for 12V and 24V DC systems.
The Infineon BTS72220-4ESA is a highly integrated, four-channel smart high-side switch that delivers exceptional power density, robust protection, and precise diagnostic capabilities. It is an optimal choice for designers seeking to build reliable, efficient, and compact systems for the challenging conditions of automotive and industrial markets.
Keywords:
1. PROFET™ Smart High-Side Switch
2. Multi-Channel Power Management
3. Embedded Diagnostic Features
4. Overcurrent and Overtemperature Protection
5. Automotive Grade
