As the automotive market shifts to area controller architectures, automotive area controller architectures are moving toward being distributed, integrated and intelligent for more efficient data processing, function integration and autonomous driving support. This trend presents many opportunities and challenges for circuit design, with SmartFETs replacing traditional MOSFETs as a power MOSFET device that integrates intelligent control and protection functions.

　　SmartFET Benefits and Applications

　　SmartFETs are widely used in electric vehicles and other applications, adding overcurrent, overheat, and overvoltage protection, as well as real-time monitoring and diagnostics to traditional power switching components. At the same time, the drive and monitoring protection circuits are integrated into the standard MOSFET package, which not only improves the reliability of the MOSFET, but also saves system cost and PCB space.

　　The multiple "benefits" of SmartFETs are reflected in the high and low side drives. The low-side drive turns the load on and off by controlling the switching element at the load ground, while the high-side drive controls the current by controlling the switching element at the positive terminal of the load power supply. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the appropriate drive method should be selected based on system requirements, efficiency and safety.

　　Typical Applications of High-Side SmartFETs

　　High-side SmartFETs are mainly used to handle a variety of loads, which can be divided into three categories. The first category is light bulbs and capacitive loads, which have an inrush voltage during conduction and require SmartFETs to handle the inrush current. The second category is inductive loads, such as motors and relays, which require current-supply circuits and overvoltage clamping when disconnected. The third category is resistive loads, which require accurate current sensing capabilities to detect load changes.

　　SmartFET Applications in Area Controller Architectures

　　The electrical architecture of automotive electronics has shifted to a zone controller architecture, replacing the traditional domain controller architecture. Zone controllers organise and divide functions by physical location and are connected via high-speed Ethernet to not only transmit and process data, but also to distribute power. smartFETs are used in the zone controller architecture in a variety of ways, such as as fuse protection circuits, controlling power on/off, and determining when loads are connected to and disconnected from the power supply.

　　Features and Benefits of ON Semiconductor SmartFETs

　　ON Semiconductor SmartFETs offer highly integrated protection features and analogue current sense outputs in a vertical power MOSFET and intelligent control logic architecture. The design focuses on compatibility with controllers, making it easier to switch between SmartFETs of different sizes and RDS(ON), providing greater flexibility. In addition, ON's entire family of products has the same package, silkscreen, command structure and high reliability, providing versatility in designing and fabricating PCB boards for area controller architectures.