VIPower
Vertical Intelligent Power
Adding intelligence to your power solutions
VIPower is a technology developed by ST and in production since 1991. It provides control, protection and diagnostics for medium/high power automotive loads.
The technology combines vertical double diffused MOS power devices with their own temperature and current sensors and CMOS and HV components for power and analog-mixed signal design. In the latest configuration of the technology, TrenchFET power devices are integrated to provide a 35% reduction in the Ron resistance compared to the previous DMOS structures.
Continuous development
ST's VIPower teams are constantly developing the technology to adapt to new applications and markets. In-house technology developers, IC designers, package designers, applications engineers and manufacturing ensure that the whole process and life-cycle of our VIPower products is managed to stringent quality standards.
A wide range of automotive applications
In VIPower devices, as with standard discrete power MOSFETS, the substrate represents the common terminal (drain) of the multiple power MOSFETS integrated into the chip. These are typically used as switches between the battery (or power source) and the load.
This makes the VIPower technology the perfect choice for the control of automotive exterior and interior lighting, DC motors for seat adjustment, door locks and window lifts, resistive heaters and any kind of power load that needs control and sensing as well as power.
The success of VIPower technology can be measured by the fact that on average, 40 VIPower devices are ordered every second. Most of the devices go into car body applications.
The latest generations are now setting a new standard for a wide range of high-current applications in the automotive domain. VIPower products are enabling the vehicle electrification and digitalization process, by replacing a host of electro-mechanical solutions, and providing lower power, lower chip count and lower pin-count solutions.
VIPower technology will play a key role in the move towards electric vehicles. One of the first steps is the use of 48 V (in addition to the traditional 12V) distribution networks. Higher voltages provide higher power and efficiency whilst avoiding the need for the isolation/ protection of higher voltage networks.
These smart 48 V networks are used in mild and full hybrid cars and require intelligent power switches to drive high- and low-sided loads and electric motors, with very low losses and high current sense accuracy, all monitored via the connections to the ECU's microcontroller.
Simulation tool
TwisterSIM is a unique electro-thermal simulator that contributes to shortening the design cycle. In a few clicks, you can perform complex engineering evaluations with accurate simulations like load-compatibility, wiring harness optimization, fault condition impact analysis, diagnostic behavior analysis and dynamic thermal performance.
ST's TwisterSIM thermal/electrical simulator, can be downloaded free of charge and supports a large selection of low/high-side driver/switches and h-bridges. It provides an easy way of testing and fine tuning the thermal, electrical and PCB requirements to your design.
