VND5N07

Protection features

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3

Protection features

During normal operation, the INPUT pin is electrically connected to the gate of the internal

power MOSFET.

The device then behaves like a standard power MOSFET and can be used as a switch from

flows into the INPUT pin in order to supply the internal circuitry.

The device integrates:

3.1

Overvoltage clamp protection

Internally set at 70V, along with the rugged avalanche characteristics of the Power MOSFET

stage give this device unrivalled ruggedness and energy handling capability. This feature is

mainly important when driving inductive loads.

3.2

Linear current limiter circuit

is active, the device operates in the linear region, so power dissipation may exceed the

capability of the heatsink. Both case and junction temperatures increase, and if this phase

3.3

Overtemperature and short circuit protection

These are based on sensing the chip temperature and are not dependent on the input

voltage. The location of the sensing element on the chip in the power stage area ensures

fast, accurate detection of the junction temperature. Overtemperature cutout occurs at

minimum 150 °C. The device is automatically restarted when the chip temperature falls

below 135 °C .

3.4

Status feedback

In the case of an overtemperature fault condition, a Status Feedback is provided through the

Input pin. The internal protection circuit disconnects the input from the gate and connects it

instead to ground via an equivalent resistance of 100

Ω. The failure can be detected by

monitoring the voltage at the Input pin, which will be close to ground potential.

Additional features of this device are ESD protection according to the Human Body model