PROTECTION FEATURES

During Normal Operation, the INPUT pin is

electrically connected to the gate of the internal

power MOSFET through a low impedance path

The device then behaves like a standard power

MOSFET and can be used as a switch from DC

to 50KHz. The only difference from the user’s

standpoint is that a small DC current (typically

150

µA) flows into the INPUT pin in order to

supply the internal circuitry.

During turn-off of an unclamped inductive load

the output voltage is clamped to a safe level by

an integrated Zener clamp between DRAIN pin

and the gate of the internal Power MOSFET.

In this condition, the Power MOSFET gate is set

to a voltage high enough to sustain the inductive

load current even if the INPUT pin is driven to 0V.

The device integrates an active current limiter

whatever the INPUT pin Voltage.

When the current limiter is active, the device

operates in the linear region, so power dissipation

may exceed the heatsinking capability. Both case

and junction temperatures increase, and if this

phase lasts long enough, junction temperature

whatever the INPUT pin voltage. The device will

VNP10N06

4/11