Infineon ITS724G Four-Channel High-Side Driver: Features, Applications, and Design Considerations
The Infineon ITS724G is a monolithic integrated four-channel high-side driver designed using Infineon’s proprietary Smart Power Technology (SPT). It is engineered to drive resistive or inductive loads—with one side connected to ground—directly from a logic-level control signal. This device is widely used across automotive, industrial, and consumer applications where reliable and efficient switching of DC loads is required.
Key Features
One of the standout attributes of the ITS724G is its integrated protective functions, which significantly enhance system reliability. Each of the four channels can handle a continuous current of up to 0.7 A, with a maximum operating voltage of 40 V. The device includes active current limitation and overtemperature shutdown to protect both the IC and the load from damage under fault conditions. Additionally, it features overvoltage clamp protection and load current feedback via a dedicated sense pin per channel, enabling diagnostic monitoring—a critical capability in safety-aware systems.
The device is controlled via CMOS-compatible inputs, allowing for easy interfacing with microcontrollers or logic circuits without requiring additional level-shifting components. Its very low standby current makes it particularly suitable for battery-powered applications.
Primary Applications
The ITS724G is highly versatile and commonly employed in automotive electronic systems, such as driving bulbs, LEDs, solenoids, and small motors. Its robust design and diagnostic features align perfectly with the requirements of automotive body control modules, where reliability under harsh conditions is non-negotiable.
In the industrial domain, it is often used in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and factory automation systems to actuate relays, valves, and indicators. The part’s ability to handle inductive kickback and its built-in safeguards make it ideal for these electrically noisy environments.
Consumer applications include major appliances, office automation equipment, and other systems requiring multi-channel low-side switching with diagnostic feedback.
Critical Design Considerations
When designing with the ITS724G, several factors must be carefully considered to ensure optimal performance. Thermal management is paramount. Although the chip features overtemperature protection, the PowerSSO-36 package must be mounted on a sufficient PCB copper area to act as a heat sink, especially when multiple channels are operating simultaneously near their current limits.
The inductive load handling capability requires attention. While the device has built-in clamping, the energy stored in an inductor must be safely dissipated during switch-off. Designers should verify that the clamping energy rating is not exceeded for their specific application.
Furthermore, the current sense functionality, while invaluable for diagnostics, requires careful external resistor selection to set the appropriate feedback ratio and ensure the accuracy of the monitored signal. Proper decoupling and grounding are also essential to maintain stability and minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The Infineon ITS724G stands out as a robust and highly integrated solution for multi-channel high-side switching. Its combination of solid output driving capability, comprehensive embedded protection, and detailed diagnostic feedback makes it an excellent choice for designers building reliable systems in demanding automotive, industrial, and consumer environments.
Keywords:
High-Side Driver, Smart Power Technology, Diagnostic Feedback, Overtemperature Protection, Automotive Applications
