IR Launches AUIR331x Range of IPS Sensors for Current Sensing

International Rectifier (IR), a power management technology company, has launched the AUIR331x series of intelligent power switch (IPS) devices, which feature built-in protection circuits and accurate current sensing circuits to be used in automotive applications.

These new devices provide additional reliability in interior fan controllers, engine cooling fan drivers, auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters and in smart glow-plug controls.

A precise way of monitoring load current is obtained by the current sensing accuracy of this device, especially at low current levels. This would give more data to the microcontroller to be used in diagnostic applications, such as early alerts of overload conditions, stall motor conditions or open-load detection. The AUIR3316S, which is a slow switching adaptation of the AUIR3313S helps to reduce noise in applications that involve EMI-sensitive automotives.

According to David Jacquinod, who is the Product Marketing Manager at IR, all protection functions had been included in the AUIR331x family, so that dependable and safe automotive applications were possible up to 30 A continuous and 90 A peak levels. Diagnostic capacities were greatly enhanced by the additional accurate current-sensing function included in the microprocessor based modules and systems.

Integration of over-current and over-temperature shutdown is also provided by the AUIR331x family, to comply with the new AEC Q100-012 standards for operating again and again under short circuit conditions. This also leads to the elimination of protection devices such as fuses in several applications. Based on the needs of the application or the load, the over-current shutdown protection could be programmed. The main MOSFET Switch gets turned on whenever there is a reverse battery condition via an integrated circuit. This helps to remove thermal problems and mitigate the intrinsic body diode. An active clamp circuit and ESD protection ensure protection against harsh automotive operating situations and also ensures safe operations.