Fairchild Semiconductor Introduces DPAK SuperFET™ Devices for Ballasts

Fairchild Semiconductor has developed a family of low on-resistance 600V SuperFET™ MOSFETs specifically to address the DPAK (TO-252) device requirements of the latest ultra-slim, low-profile ballast applications. To minimize switching and conduction losses and meet system efficiency needs of these fast-switching lighting designs, Fairchild's DPAK SuperFETs offer as little as one-third the on-resistance (0.6 to approximately 1.2 Ohms) of traditional planar MOSFETs. They also have the ability to withstand both high-speed voltage (dv/dt)- and current (di/dt)-switching transients necessary for ballasts to operate reliably at very high frequencies.

Typically, as the breakdown voltage of a standard MOSFET rises, its RDS(on) also goes up exponentially and leads to increased die size. Fairchild's proprietary SuperFET technology changes this RDS(on)-to-die size relationship from an exponential to a linear one. This approach allows SuperFET devices to achieve a very impressive RDS(on) and small die size, even at a 600V breakdown voltage. Fairchild's SuperFET in DPAK is the latest evolution of this packaging innovation.

"We've added DPAK devices to our SuperFET product portfolio specifically to meet the energy efficiency and the space-reduction demands of lighting manufacturers," said Taehoon Kim, Vice President of Fairchild Semiconductor's Functional Power Group. "Our proprietary SuperFET technology results in the extremely low on-resistance needed to decrease MOSFET die size and make 600V/0.6 Ohm DPAK-packaged product possible. In comparison, typical 600V/0.6 Ohm planar MOSFET devices for lighting applications come in larger TO-220- or D2PAK packages. Fairchild's DPAK SuperFET technology offers our customers low on-resistance devices in more compact packaging, therefore addressing the growing market trend calling for slimmer electronic ballasts."

SuperFET MOSFETs are available in a lead (Pb)-free DPAK package that meets or exceeds the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and is compliant with European Union regulations now in effect. Pricing is US$1.54 for the FCD7N60 (RDS(on), Max = 0.6 Ohm); US$1.26 for the FCD5N60 (RDS(on), Max = 0.95 Ohm); and US$1.14 for the FCD4N60 (RDS(on), Max = 1.2 Ohm). The products are available now with a delivery period of 12 weeks ARO.