New Industry Products

IR Presents New IR331x Family of Power Switches

August 03, 2003 by Jeff Shepard

International Rectifier Corp. (IR, El Segundo, CA) introduced the IR3310, IR3311 and IR3312 high-side intelligent power switch (IPS) devices with accurate high-frequency current sensing and built-in protection circuits for 14V automotive applications. The new IPS devices enhance reliability and decrease weight in central switching unit light controllers; intelligent glow-plug controls; auxiliary positive temperature coefficient heaters for heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems; engine cooling fan drivers; and interior fan controllers.

The IR331x family provides accurate current feedback to ±5% at maximum load current over the entire operating temperature range. In pulse-width modulated (PWM) controlled applications, the accurate current sensing feature provides the required feedback that enables a micro-controller or ASIC to control the load current. The current feedback bandwidth is 100kHz, suitable for topologies where a low-side switch provides high-frequency PWM, enabling protection and load-current sensing for uni-directional, dc motor drive applications.

The IR331x family integrate over-temperature and over-current shutdown as well as reverse-polarity protection, an integrated protection circuit that turns the main MOSFET switch on, an over-current shutdown protection feature that allows optimization according to the requirements of the load or the application, a soft-start mode for low-frequency switching, and ESD protection and an active clamp circuit that guarantee safe operation and protection under harsh automotive operating conditions.

The new IR3310, IR3311 and IR3312 are available immediately. Pricing is $1.40 each for the IR3312, $1.75 each for the IR3311 and $2.10 each for the IR3310 in 10,000-unit quantities.