Smart Power IC's - what are they?

Nadine

20th September 2004 - 08:51 PM

I'm currently looking for information about Smart Power ICs. What are
they? Where can I find a definition or someone who can explain them to
me?

I'm no Engineer and a novice when it comes to semiconductors, so
please be patient with me. I'm simply very interested in that field.

Do you know, if they're broadly in use right now or are they still
developing?

I'm happy about answers.

Thanks,

Nadine

ARtone

21st September 2004 - 06:01 PM

hi Nadine

A current sensor that monitors the drain-source current (IDS) at the source of the MESFET and provides feedback to the gate input overcoming the drawbacks of gate-turn-on threshold voltage variations for gallium-arsenide metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors, GaAs MESFETs.

The gate-turn-on threshold voltage for gallium-arsenide metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors (GaAs MESFETs) varies considerably from part to part, even within a given lot. That behavior makes biasing difficult, especially if the device is designed into a high-volume product. A current sensor that monitors the bias current and provides feedback to the gate input can overcome this drawback (Figure 1).

The above taken from the second hit on a googlee search seems to be saying that some components even identical ones use differing amounts of bias power. This smart device detects the bias requirement and corrects the flow. It apears to be used in products where low battery consumption is vital.

it simply saves battery power

AR

minaflying

26th September 2004 - 07:42 PM

the Smart Power IC is to integreted IC and the power device (like LDMOS,UDMOS)on one chip. It mostly used in indusry field,and developed very well.
sorry for my poor english.

bbFACE

26th September 2004 - 07:47 PM

In fact, Smart Power IC is not limited to industry usage. Now many power management area like cell phone, hand held etc. are using this kind of integrated power devices with control circuits integrated.
They all could be considered smart power IC.

PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.