ABSTRACT

Interestingly enough, the size of the freewheeling power diode is of more concern than the power Metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which encourages the idea of a synchronous rectification setup where the power diode is replaced with a self-controlled power MOSFET. Integrated circuits for automotive power applications follow simple, well-known architecture solutions, which subscribe to the main application topics: Non-isolated power supplies or dc/dc converters, Isolated power supplies and Motor drives. Most power supplies require isolated power, which means delivering voltage with a different grounding than the supply voltage. Among several topologies available, the flyback converter is the most used solution due to its simplicity. Replacement with a second MOSFET and the use of synchronous MOSFET concepts would again require lots of space for the power MOSFET, gate drive, and control logic. All I/O connections need to be protected from overvoltage and electrostatic discharge. Such protection is achieved with various diode solutions Schottky: diodes, large, or transistors in diode connection.