iDEAL Semiconductor Unveils SuperQ™ MOSFETs Enhancing Battery Safety for High Voltage Systems
iDEAL Semiconductor has recently launched its innovative SuperQ™ MOSFET technology, which promises to deliver a new level of safety and efficiency in high-voltage battery management systems (BMS). This groundbreaking technology addresses a critical safety concern in the rapidly expanding market for high-voltage batteries used in electric vehicles, drones, and professional power tools. As electric mobility and energy storage solutions become more widespread, ensuring the reliability and safety of battery systems has become paramount, especially when dealing with the potential hazards of external short-circuits that can lead to catastrophic failures.
The SuperQ™ MOSFETs are specifically designed for systems with voltages of 72V and beyond, offering unparalleled short-circuit withstand capacity (SCWC). This is a crucial measure of safety for BMS discharge switches, and it distinguishes the SuperQ™ lineup from other MOSFET products on the market. Dr. Phil Rutter, iDEAL Semiconductor’s Vice President of Design, emphasized the necessity of robustness in high-energy packaging, stating that traditional MOSFET designs often require a trade-off between achieving low on-resistance (RDS(on)) for efficiency and maintaining structural integrity against massive short-circuit currents.
To alleviate this issue, iDEAL's SuperQ™ technology leverages a patented cell structure that not only provides the lowest on-resistance in the industry at just 2.5mΩ but also offers unmatched safety margins, enabling designers to create more compact, reliable, and cost-effective battery systems.
The performance advantages of the SuperQ™ devices are backed by comprehensive internal testing, which has demonstrated a 1.4 times higher short-circuit failure capacity compared to competing products. In a direct comparison with a leading competitor, the iS15M2R5S1T (150V, 2.5mΩ) showed superior SCWC performance, withstanding 800A versus the competitor's 580A. This is achieved through a unique conduction region that maximizes power density without compromising structural integrity during extreme stress conditions.
Beyond performance enhancements, the introduction of the SuperQ™ MOSFET technology also entails notable system-level benefits for battery designers. With each SuperQ™ device handling significantly higher short-circuit currents, designers can reduce the number of parallel MOSFETs needed by up to 50%, streamlining both the design and manufacturing processes. This reduction in components leads to a less complex bill of materials, resulting in lower overall system costs and simplifying the circuit board layout.
Moreover, maintaining an ultra-low RDS(on) of 2.5mΩ plays a crucial role in minimizing conduction losses, which not only prolongs battery life but also lessens thermal management demands. With the SuperQ™ line available in configurations up to 200V, it provides flexible solutions for battery platforms ranging from 72V to over 144V.
For those interested in delving deeper into the application of these MOSFETs in battery management systems, iDEAL Semiconductor has made information readily available, including a white paper on their website at www.idealsemi.com/battery-management/.
Founded in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, iDEAL Semiconductor Devices, Inc. is a leading developer of next-generation silicon power devices, committed to harnessing the full potential of silicon technology. Their SuperQ™ platform exemplifies this commitment, delivering revolutionary energy efficiency while using conventional CMOS processes, ensuring an eco-friendly approach to energy utilization for future generations.