Renesas introduces intelligent power devices with enhanced protection functions for automotive applications

Renesas Electronics Corporation announced new intelligent power devices (IPDs) they have developed. The new products are designed to detect and deal with error states instantly in order to provide a high level of durability. For example, exterior vehicle lamp applications require longer wire harnesses to connect the control unit to the lamps leading to a high possibility of undesirable events, such as shorted loads. These undesirable events may not be noticed by car drivers and result in severe stress conditions for the switch, the enhanced protection features expand device durability. The new products are also designed with self diagnostic features to detect and deal with error states instantly in order to provide a high level of durability and ensure functional safety at system level.