Fairchild Semiconductor Introduces Innovative Smart Power Switch Technology at Convergence 2004
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| Fairchild's Multi-Chip Smart Power Switch Technology Addresses Critical Automotive System Design Requirements Unattainable by Monolithic Devices |
Fairchild Semiconductor today introduces a cutting-edge smart power switch technology for automotive product development at Convergence 2004. Fairchild's smart power switch technology offers a multi-chip solution based on a combination of proven power discrete technology, control IC technology, and innovative packaging. Benefits of this new solution over a monolithic solution include enhanced system interface, increased device and system protection, improved control for power and current sensing, and reduced system power dissipation. Smart power switch technology can improve such applications as resistive load controls, interior heating and cooling fans, as well as solenoid and ignition coil plus smart switch on plug designs.
Fairchild's new smart power switch technology offers excellent isolation between power and control silicon to improve product ruggedness and reliability, particularly in harsh electrical environments. Since the substrates of the power and control devices are not shared, this multi-chip approach allows for more accurate current and voltage measurements. Other system constraints, like board space and power loss, are also met by this multi-chip smart power switch technology. Cost savings is another advantage, especially with the latest generation of power device technologies targeting applications that require low power loss.
"Fairchild's multi-chip approach combines power control IC technology, power discrete technology, and advanced packaging that cannot be found in a one-chip solution," said Steve Ahrens, Fairchild's Automotive Products segment director. "We are seeing a profound change in the automotive industry as traditional mechanical automotive systems evolve into electro-mechanical or full electrical systems. This change is creating a need for a portfolio of products to drive a different class of higher power automotive loads requiring protection and communication, which cannot be addressed by IC or power technology alone."
Fairchild is exhibiting its new smart power switch technology in booth #453 at the Convergence exhibition, being held today through October 20th in Detroit, Michigan. Convergence 2004 draws top automotive electronics specialists, engineers and business executives looking for answers to their automotive design challenges. Fairchild's new multi-chip approach will be presented through demos, posters and other informational tools. This multi-chip approach is announced as an improved solution that can be tailored to a wide range of the latest automotive designs or subsystems, such as:
-- Inductive and resistive load control
-- Interior heating and cooling fan
-- Solenoid
-- Ignition coil plus smart switch on plug
-- Wiper motor
-- Electronic suspension
-- Electronic seat positioning
-- Headlamp
-- Window lift
This new smart power switch technology adds to Fairchild's solutions for automotive applications that include IGBTs, MOSFETs, rectifiers, photosensors, infrared switches, video, imaging and display products.
For more information about smart power switch technology, please go to http://www.fairchildsemi.com/markets/smartpowerswitch.html.
For information on other Fairchild products, design tools, and sales contacts, please visit http://www.fairchildsemi.com.
Fairchild Semiconductor:
Fairchild Semiconductor is the leading global supplier of high performance power products critical to today's leading electronic applications in the computing, communications, consumer, industrial and automotive segments. As The Power Franchise(R), Fairchild offers the industry's broadest portfolio of components that optimize system power through minimization, conversion, management and distribution functions. Fairchild's 9,000 employees design, manufacture and market power, analog & mixed signal, interface, logic, and optoelectronics products from its headquarters in South Portland, Maine, USA and numerous locations around the world. Please contact us on the web at www.fairchildsemi.com.
About Convergence 2004:
The upcoming Convergence '04 conference will be held at Cobo Conference and Event Center in downtown Detroit, October 18-20, 2004. The three-day schedule will include at least six CEO keynote speakers representing the leading edge of the automotive and electronics industries, three electronic-specific panel discussions, and more than 80 technical, state-of-the-art papers addressing the important aspects of automotive electronics. And exhibit space will occupy two and half halls at the Cobo facility with over 190 exhibitors. For more information please see www.convergence2004.org.