Infineon BTS5231: A High-Side Power Switch for Advanced Automotive and Industrial Applications

In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive electronics and industrial automation, the demand for robust, efficient, and intelligent power management solutions is paramount. The Infineon BTS5231 stands out as a state-of-the-art high-side power switch engineered to meet these rigorous demands, offering superior performance, diagnostic capabilities, and protection features.

As a member of Infineon’s esteemed PROFET™ (PROtected Field Effect Transistor) family, the BTS5231 is designed to drive resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads with high reliability. It integrates a vertical N-channel power MOSFET with advanced CMOS control circuitry in a single package. This integration not only minimizes external component count but also enhances system reliability while reducing board space—a critical advantage in space-constrained applications.

One of the hallmark features of the BTS5231 is its comprehensive suite of embedded protection and diagnostic functions. These include protection against overcurrent, overtemperature, short-circuit, and overvoltage conditions, such as those caused by load dump events in automotive environments. The device also features reverse battery protection up to -40V, safeguarding the system during incorrect battery connections. Moreover, its current sense pin provides a proportional output signal for real-time load current monitoring, enabling precise diagnostics and facilitating predictive maintenance strategies.

The device is particularly suited for 24V automotive systems and industrial control modules, where it is commonly used to drive actuators, solenoids, valves, and lamps. Its ability to handle high inrush currents, such as those from cold incandescent lamps, makes it exceptionally versatile. The BTS5231 operates with a wide supply voltage range and offers very low standby current, which is essential for meeting the strict quiescent current requirements of modern vehicles to prevent battery drain.

Communication with a host microcontroller is streamlined through a logic-level compatible enable pin, allowing for straightforward ON/OFF control. The device’s efficient design results in low power dissipation, contributing to higher overall system energy efficiency and thermal stability.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTS5231 is a highly integrated and protected high-side switch that sets a benchmark for performance in demanding applications. Its combination of robust protection features, accurate diagnostic feedback, and high reliability makes it an indispensable component for designers aiming to build safer, more efficient, and intelligent automotive and industrial systems.

Keywords: High-Side Power Switch, Automotive Electronics, Diagnostic Functions, Overcurrent Protection, PROFET™.