AN90016

Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power
MOSFETs
Rev. 1.1 — 3 September 2020

application note

Document information
Information

Content

Keywords

LFPAK, MOSFET, ID, IS, continuous current

Abstract

This application note examines the factors that determine the maximum permissible current
ratings for LFPAK (copper-clip package) MOSFETs.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETs

1. Introduction
Modern electronics using low-voltage (<100 V) MOSFETs has seen an increase in high-power
demand in both automotive and industrial applications. Power output in kilowatt terms forapplications such as motor drive is now a very common requirement. Combined with the existing
space constraint in modules this means that the need to handle more power is being passed on to
the components, particularly MOSFETs.
The current limit given in data sheets for power MOSFETs is one of the most important parametersin such high-power applications where the handling of very high currents is required.
As the MOSFET is a three terminal device – Gate, Source and Drain – current can flow throughany of these terminals as IG, IS and ID respectively. Only maximum continuous current ID (drainsource) and continuous current IS (source-drain/body diode) will be considered. Leakage currents(IGSS, IDSS) and pulsed currents such as IDM are not in the scope of this document
This application note gives a comprehensive insight into the methodology in determining the
maximum continuous current rating of NEXPERIA power MOSFETs.
It is critical to fully understand the capabilities, the boundaries and the relevant environmental
conditions so that electronics engineers and designers select the right MOSFET for the rightapplication - all of which will be discussed and addressed in this document.
This application note is specific for LFPAK and its copper clip bond technology – NEXPERIA
flagship package.

2. LFPAK, superior performance
LFPAK packages are compact in size, they offer much higher power density and reduced parasitic
inductances compared with wire bond devices. Combined with their copper clip bond technology,
they have played an important role in MOSFETs achieving a very high current capability.
As illustrated in Fig. 1 below, LFPAK copper clip bond packages have the following benefits:•••

Prevents localised current crowding shown in Fig 1 b) D2PAK wire bond package
Allows for a more uniform current spread
Acts as a heat sink to the die

JDC Vol
2(A/m )

9.7768e+008
9.1661e+008
8.5554e+008
7.9447e+008
7.3340e+008
6.7233e+008
6.1126e+008
5.5019e+008
4.8912e+008
4.2805e+008
3.6698e+008
3.0592e+008
2.4485e+008
1.8387e+008
1.2271e+008
6.1638e+007
5.6895e+005

JDC Vol
2(A/m )

1.4914e+008
1.3394e+008
1.3074e+008
1.2154e+008
1.1234e+008
1.0314e+008
9.3937e+007
8.4737e+007
7.5536e+007
6.6336e+007
5.7136e+007
4.7936e+007
3.8735e+007
2.9535e+007
2.0335e+007
1.1134e+007
1.9341e+006a) LFPAK88b) D2PAK

Note: current density contour scaling is different for LFPAK88 and D2PAK, see accompanying colour scaling
Fig. 1.

Current crowding contours for a) LFPAK88 and b) D2PAK packages

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3. Key parameters that set out the boundaries
Before discussing what maximum current a MOSFET can achieve, it is important to highlight theparameters governing the boundaries of the environment within which the MOSFET must operate.
These boundaries are mainly set by the thermal environment, but also by the conditions that
impact the MOSFET data sheet parameters; both have a direct effect on the performance and thecapabilities of the MOSFET.
Thermal environment and thermal parameters
This section discusses the thermal parameters and explains their direct impact on the maximum
current in a MOSFET.

Temperature Range and the 175 °C limit-55 °C is the lowest temperature given in the data sheet. Although normally this is associated withstorage temperature, MOSFETs' characteristics in NEXPERIA data sheet are given against thisvalue. Note - the lowest temperature associated with real life application is usually -40 °C
25 °C (unless otherwise stated) is the reference temperature that all maximum capabilities of
MOSFETs are based upon. In NEXPERIA MOSFET data sheets, this is given as a mounting basetemperature parameter – Tmb – referring to the central point of the MOSFET drain tab. Note - other
MOSFET venders commonly use Tc (case temperature), which refers to the same point, i.e. draintab and not to the plastic part of the MOSFET.
175 °C refers to the junction, i.e. the silicon die, temperature of the MOSFET and the parameterfor this is given as Tj. All MOSFETs must operate below this temperature – more details are given
later.
The 175 °C limit explainedWith high temperatures, it is understandable to think that the plastic mould should be the first causeof concern.
Historically plastic moulds have caused issues and although improvements have been made in thisindustry, if the right compound is not properly selected it can still cause issues and leads to device
failures. However, plastic mould compound alone does not give the full story nor is it the source ofsetting the 175 °C limit, as will be discussed in the next section.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETs

4. MOSFET structureThis section briefly discusses the main components in the internal structure of LFPAK MOSFETs
and their temperature properties:

Copper (Source) clip
one piece
Silicon die

LFPAK

Plastic mould
compound

Solder attach
Copper Drain Tab

Fig. 2.

LFPAK internal structure

Silicon / die: 250 °C. Pure silicon melting temperature is 1,414 °C. However, silicon in the
MOSFET is doped and at ~250⁰C there will be thermal activation where current will flow across thePN junction and the MOSFET no longer acts as a switching device – i.e. there is no control overturn-on / turn-off.
Copper clip: melting temperature of copper is 900 °C. This is to highlight the fact that it can handle
very high temperature and not used for any calculation purposes. The criteria used to make surethat the copper in the MOSFET is capable for current handling is explained later in the note.
Solder attach: melting point >300 °C.
Plastic mould compound: Can potentially harden and becomes brittle around 190 °C and above.
The composition of the plastic mould compound is carefully selected to withstand high temperature
specification.
As shown above, the internal components of the MOSFET are either naturally capable ofwithstanding temperatures >175 °C or specifically selected to do so.
Limiting the MOSFETs maximum junction temperature Tj to 175 °C is driven by the reliability
requirements MOSFETs need to meet. And thus, 175 °C is the temperature limit used by
NEXPERIA for qualification and life test of MOSFETs in line with industry standard.
All automotive power MOSFETs must meet the 175 °C junction temperature specification. Although
this requirement is not applicable to non-automotive devices which meet Tj of 150 °C, most of
NEXPERIA industrial MOSFETs are life tested and qualified to 175 °C.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETs

5. Maximum power and maximum current
5.1. Maximum power
With the junction temperature limit set to a maximum of 175 °C, the maximum amount of power
allowed in the MOSFET can then be determined.
The key parameters needed to calculate this maximum power allowance are the thermal
impedance between the die and the mounting base; Zth(j-mb) and thermal resistance between thedie and the mounting base Rth(j-mb).
Rth(j-mb) is the thermal resistance which means that the thermal response has reached steady state
conditions (also referred to as DC conditions).
Zth(j-mb) is the term used to represent thermal impedance in its entirety, steady state as well astransient conditions (more details are given later).

Plastic mould
Copper clip
Souce pins
Silicon die
Rth(j-top)

Solder attach
Copper Drain Tab

Rth(PCB-amb)
Rth(j-mb)

PCB
Rth(PCB)

Fig. 3.

Thermal resistances inside and outside the MOSFET

Fig. 3 illustrates the main thermal paths that exist from the MOSFET silicon die to the externalsurroundings and ambient environment. The dominant path in dissipating heat from the die isthrough the MOSFET drain tab and therefore the thermal impedance of most relevance is Zth(j-mb)(also referred to as Rth(j-mb)).
It is worth pointing out that the source clip in the LFPAK package also provides an important
thermal path. Having the right amount of copper in the PCB layout for the source pins is beneficial
and should be considered in the design.
The LFPAK thin plastic mould adds another option of dissipating heat from the top of the device
should the design consider a heat sink at the top. For more details about thermal performance andrecommendations please refer to the NEXPERIA thermal guide AN90003.
As previously mentioned all maximum capabilities of the MOSFET are given in reference to Tmb =25 °C.
The maximum power allowance can then be derived from the following formula:Tj(max) - T(mb)
P(max) = −Rth(j-mb)(1)

The junction to mounting base thermal impedance values can be obtained from the graph provided
in the data sheet; the parameter used is transient thermal impedance Zth(j-mb).
For references the device used in the application note is PSMNR70-40SSH (LFPAK88 0.7 mΩ,
40 V, standard level) qualified to 175 °C.

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aaa-029191

1
Zth(j-mb)(K/W)

Steady state /DC region

Transient region
δ = 0.5

10-1

0.2
0.1
0.05
P

10-2 0.02

δ=single shot
tp
10-3
10-6

Fig. 4.

10-5

10-4

10-3

10-2

10-1

tp
T

t
T
tp (s)

1

Transient thermal impedance from junction to mounting base as a function of pulse duration
As can be seen from the graph in Fig. 4 the MOSFET thermal response is similar to an RC network
electrical response – hence the thermal models provided on NEXPERIA support page representing
this response are referred to as RC thermals – see the Support TAB of the PSMNR70-40SSH
product information page. For detailed information about RC thermal models see application note
AN11261.
The curve in the graph showing pulses up to 100 ms is known as the transient condition section(transient region) and the parameter used is Zth(j-mb). It is given in single shot pulse or repeated
PWM pulses with various duty cycles. The transient region is relevant to situations such as shortcircuits, power surges or switching transitions, they tend to be high power for short periods of time.
Larger devices normally perform better in this region due to their bigger drain tab areas.
For pulses above 10 ms, as can be seen from the graph the curves start to plateau and will flatten
after 100 ms. This section of the graph is referred to as steady state and is given as thermal
resistance parameter Rth(j-mb).
From 100 ms onwards the MOSFET will transition into thermal stability and is considered in DC
state. In this region the thermal impedance reaches its maximum value and the steady state
capabilities of the MOSFETs are given against this maximum value.
Note: the time it takes the MOSFET to reach steady state is not necessarily the same for the
PCB where the MOSFET is mounted on as the PCB thermal response is slower. Therefore it isimportant to use the right thermal impedance for each the PCB and the MOSFET when runningthermal analysis for a given condition. RC Cauer models found in NEXPERIA support page allow
for PCB RC network to be added if known.

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5.2. Maximum continuous drain current
The maximum current a MOSFET can achieve is primarily derived from the maximum power
allowance in the MOSFET. When calculating maximum continuous current, the maximum steadystate power must be used.
Example:Device Name: PSMNR70-40SSH
Tmb = 25 °C
Tj(max) = 175 °C
Rth(j-mb) = (0.4 K/W max)
Table 1. Thermal characteristics
SymbolParameter
Rth(j-mb)

Conditions

thermal resistance from Fig. 4junction to mounting
base

Min

Typ

Max

Unit

-

0.35

0.4

K/W

Tj(max) - T(mb)175 - 25
P(max) = −= − = 375 W
Rth(j-mb)
0.4(2)This value for maximum power can be found in data sheet limiting values table:
Table 2. Limiting values
In accordance with the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 60134).
SymbolParameter

Conditions

Min

Max

Unit

Ptot

total power dissipation

Tmb = 25 °C

-

375

W

Using the power formulae:

P = I2×R(3)

Where I is the drain current (ID) and R is the on-state resistance of the MOSFET (RDSon).
ID can then be calculated as:P
ID = −RDSon(4)

The on-state resistance value that must be used to calculate ID(max), is the MOSFET RDSon at Tj
max – in this case RDSon at Tj = 175 °C.

P(max)
ID(max) = −RDSon @175 °C(5)

A factorisation graph is provided in the data sheet for RDSon as a function of junction temperature,(see Fig. 5). This can be useful to calculate the current for a specific temperature requirement. For
PSMNR70-40SSH the RDSon multiplication factor for Tj = 175 °C is 2.19. Note: this graph is basedon measured values.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETsaaaa-026897

2.4
2
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.4
0
-60

-30

0

30

60

90

120 150
Tj (°C)

180

RDSon
ɑ=−
RDSon 25 °C
Fig. 5.

Normalized drain-source on-state resistance factor as a function of junction
temperature

From the data sheet characteristics table, Max RDSon = 0.7 mΩ (VGS = 10 V, Tj = 25 °C):
Table 3. Characteristics
SymbolParameter

Conditions

Min

Typ

Max

Unit

VGS = 10 V; ID = 25 A; Tj = 25 °C

0.43

0.62

0.7

mΩ

VGS = 10 V; ID = 25 A; Tj = 175 °C

0.85

1.23

1.53

mΩ

Static characteristics
RDSon

drain-source on-state
resistance

The resulting RDSon at VGS = 10 V, Tj = 175 °C = 1.53 mΩ, (2.19 x 0.7 mΩ). This value is also
included in the data sheet characteristic table. For further details about MOSFET data sheet
parameters please refer to application note AN11158.

P
375
ID(max) = − = − = 495 A
RDSon
0.00153(6)495 A is considered to be the theoretical capability at Tj = 175 °C. Another term commonly used issilicon capability.
Once the theoretical maximum ID is established, the next stage is to validate this value throughtest and verification. This will allow for other limiting factors to be highlighted and considered in
finalising and protecting the ID(max) given in the data sheets.
In the case of PSMN70-40SSH, the validated ID(max) @ Tmb = 25 °C is 425 A.
Table 4. Limiting values
In accordance with the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 60134).
SymbolParameter

Conditions

IDdrain current

VGS = 10 V; Tmb = 25 °C
VGS = 10 V; Tmb = 100 °C

[1]

[1]

Min

Max

Unit

-

425

A

-

350

A

425A. Continuous current has been successfully demonstrated during application. Practically, the current will be limited by the PCB,
thermal design and operating temperature.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETs
The formulae:P(max)
ID(max) = −RDSon @175 °C
can also be used for different temperatures. For example ID(max) at 100 °C can be calculated asfollows:

Tj(max) - T(mb)175 - 100
P(max) = −= − = 187.5 W
Rth(j-mb)
0.4

(7)

187
ID(max) = − = 350 A
0.00153(8)

The same principle applies across the full operating temperature range. MOSFET data sheetscontain a drain current de-rating graph in the limiting values section, see Fig. 6 below.
aaa-029500

500
ID
(A)
(1)

400

300

200

100

0

0

25

50

75

100

125

150 175
Tmb (°C)

200

VGS ≥ 10 V
(1) 425 A continuous current has been successfully demonstrated during application
tests. Practically the current will be limited by PCB, thermal design and operating
temperature.
Fig. 6.

Continuous drain current as a function of mounting base temperature

Fig. 6 shows:••ID(max) for silicon capability @ 175 °C (solid curve)ID(max) capped value (dashed line)

As stated in NEXPRIA data sheets the continuous ID(max) value in the limiting table is not given asa figure verified by design i.e. theoretical, but rather demonstrated through testing. Some of thereasons for capping the continuous ID(max) value at lower limits than the solid curve given in thegraph are as follows:
Package limit••

AN90016

application noteThis is normally associated with wire bond MOSFETs.
Historically old parts (10 years or older) experienced issues with the package – this was due toa combination of:
1. Wire bond fuse – being a major reason for lowering the current rating
2. Plastic mould compound.

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Maximum continuous currents in NEXPERIA LFPAK power MOSFETs•••

This limited ID(max) to 100 A ‒ 120 A, and this legacy approach had been carried on for somedevices even if they were clip bond LFPAK and less than 10 years old.
As MOSFETs capabilities have reached a much higher level than has been possible in the past,
it is only appropriate to select the right plastic compound and adapt a more accurate approachso that these new limits are achieved.
By making the package not the limiting factor NEXPERIA MOSFETs can operate to theiroptimum level, giving the designer full advantage of these capabilities.

Test boards••

Test boards are important part in verifying the ID(max) capabilities more so at NEXPERIA as they
may be the limiting factor – as mentioned previously only ID(max) values that are verified throughtest are used.
Improvement have been made in recent years so the right test boards are used to maintain Tmb
at 25 °C.
• Note that some MOSFETs vendors state continuous max current as verified by design andsome limit the rating to a one second test. Although for Rth thermal stability is considered tobe reached at one second, (represented by the flat line in Zth graph) and for the MOSFET
this is steady state condition. The length of time for max ID test at NEXPERIA exceeds 30
seconds continuous.

Tj(max) exceeded•

Junction temperature Tj is monitored during continuous ID testing. Higher ID values resulting in
Tj exceeding 175 °C are not considered.

Silicon limit•

The silicon capability at 175 °C given in the data sheet as the solid curve is the absolute
limit. Meaning only the ID values that PASS the test at the curve level or below are validated.
Instances where MOSFETs ID measure values above the curve can be explained by the factthat most MOSFETs operate at their typical RDSon values while the curve only considers the
RDSon(max) values.

Source pins•

Calculations based on the source pins dimensions i.e. length, width, cross-section area,
size, etc., as well as the alloy/copper property are used to make sure the current density andcapability of the pins meet the ID rating.

In summary the final maximum continuous ID rating is based on the lowest limit met by anyof the above criteria.

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5.3. Maximum continuous source current
Although IS has always been given as a separate parameter, its value had historically been linked
to ID. The value of IS was based on calculation and was either lower than ID or made the sameeven if it was calculated to be a higher value. A more accurate approach is to rate the current
capabilities for both ID and IS separately. This approach is now standard and verification throughtesting in the same way as explained previously is applied.

Determining the IS limiting value
As far as the maximum power in the MOSFET is concerned, it is the same power allowancewhether it is applied through the MOSFET channels (ID) or the MOSFET body diode (IS). Therefore
the simple power formulae to use is P = V × I, where V is the body diode voltage drop (VSD) and I
is the source-drain current IS. Therefore the power calculated in the previous sections still applies,
and in the case of the device example given, P = 375 W.
••

2

The power through the MOSFET channel is P = I × RPower through the MOSFET body diode is P = V × I, where V is the diode voltage drop (VSD)and I is the source-drain current IS

The VSD maximum value given in the data sheet characteristics table is 1 V, (see Table 5 below).
Table 5. Characteristics
SymbolParameter

Conditions

Min

Typ

Max

Unit

IS = 25 A; VGS = 0 V; Tj = 25 °C

-

0.75

1

V

Source-drain diodeVSD

source-drain voltage

In theory IS should be = 375 A, (I = P/V, P = 375 W, V = 1). In reality though VSD is typically around0.75 V and this would be the case for more than 90% of all devices.
Furthermore, VSD is temperature dependant and the voltage will drop as temperature goes up. It
is also true to say that the voltage VSD goes up when current increases, but the heating element(induced by the current as self-heating) has a bigger impact.
The continuous source current that has been measured and is validated in the data sheet for
PSMNR70-40SSH is 500 A, see Table 6 below.
Table 6. Limiting values
In accordance with the Absolute Maximum Rating System (IEC 60134).
SymbolParameter

Conditions

Min

Max

Unit

-

500

A

Source-drain diodeIS[1]source current

Tmb = 25 °C[1]

500A. Continuous current has been successfully demonstrated during application. Practically, the current will be limited by the PCB,
thermal design and operating temperature.

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Source-drain characteristic
MOSFET data sheets include a VSD characteristic graph, see Fig. 7 below.
aaa-029198

400
IS
(A)
320

240

160
175°C
80

0

Tj = 25°C

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1
VSD (V)

1.2

VGS = 0 V
Fig. 7.

Source-drain (diode forward) current as a function of source-drain (diode forward)
voltage; typical value

The above graph is obtained by testing the device with pulsed current to avoid self-heating, (which
would result in higher values for VSD). In real applications self-heating will most likely occur, as
currents lasting more than 100 ms will be sufficient to get Rth in steady state region and allow thedevice to heat up.
To help determine VSD values at higher temperatures Fig. 7 includes curves for Tj = 25 °C and for
Tj = 175 °C. This shows that the VSD value reduces with increased junction temperature. As can beseen from Fig. 7 (Tj = 175 °C curve), with IS = 400 A, VSD is just over 0.8 V and with power = 375
W this will result in IS = 440 A. The rating for IS given in data sheet is = 500 A, this difference canbe explained by the following: power of 375 W is based on max Rth of 0.4 K/W. However, a typical
Rth is = 0.35 K/W resulting in power = 428 W. With IS = 500 A, VSD = 0.85 V.
Note: the IS value given in the data sheet (in this case 500 A) has been proven throughtesting and the value is validated .

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6. Practical application examples
This section details the function and configuration of power MOSFETs in a basic application circuit.
Three key application stages will be discussed - RPP (Reverse Polarity Protection), isolation andload drive. Fig. 8 below shows a simplified circuit capturing some basic operations of the different
MOSFET configurations.

Cable

Rc

Filter

Lc

Lf

Reverse Polarity
Protection
S

D

Cf

Output Load drive
circuit1

G
D

S

T1

G

DC/Battery
SupplyIsolator
L

R

L

Motor drive

R
ILoad

T2

ITotal

I1

C

T4

...x3

C

M

T5
Lf

Isolator

Output Load drive
circuit2

G
D

S

L

R

L

DC-to-DC converter

R
ILoad

T3

I2

C

T6

L

C

T7
C

aaa-031929

Fig. 8.

Simplified motor drive and DC-to-DC converter application diagram

6.1. Output load drive MOSFETs T4, T5, T6 and T7
The circuits shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 both show a pair of power MOSFETs implemented asa half-bridge, a common configuration for motor drive (T4 and T5 see Fig. 9) and DC-to-DC
converters (T6 and T7, see Fig. 10) – for details on half-bridge MOSFET switching parameters andperformance refer to NEXPERIA application note AN90011.
Output Load drive
circuit1
L

R

L

R

L
I LoadC

Output Load drive
circuit2

Motor drive

C

R

L

I Load

T4

...x3

C

M

DC-to-DC converter

R

C

T6

L
T7

T5

C

aaa-031931

Fig. 9.

Output load drive circuit 1 (motor drive)

aaa-031932

Fig. 10. Output load drive circuit 2 (DC-to-DC)

In this example we look at output load drive circuit 1, T4 and T5 in relation to current demand which
will be gated by the type of motors driven and the power requirement of the application.

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Motor drive application
Parameters profiling a motor can be summarised in Fig. 11 below:
Speed
V2 > V1

V1

Volt

Max Power

ag

ea
pp

lie
d

rr
Cu

en

t

Normaloperatingarea
TorqueMax speed
No loadMax torquestall curent

aaa-031933

Fig. 11. Motor operation parameters
Normal operating area is where a motor is designed and specified to spend most of its working
life. However, it is expected that motors will go through situations of stalled rotation a number oftimes in their operating life. These stalled motor situations, albeit don’t happen on a prolonged
periods, are considered part of the a normal operation. Adding to this profile, fault conditions
situation such as short circuit where motor drive circuit are expected to recover from, one canappreciate the type of power capabilities that need to be considered in selecting a power MOSFET
driving such application. Note: although stall conditions may last few tens or hundreds milliseconds,
as explained previously this will be enough to make the MOSFET operate in DC conditions andtherefore continuous current capability is key.

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6.2. Output isolator MOSFETs T2 and T3
Isolator

Output Load drive
circuit1

G
D

S

L

R

L

R
ILoad

T2

I1

Motor drive

C

T4

...x3

C

M

T5

Isolator

Output Load drive
circuit2

G
D

S

L

R

L

R
ILoad

T3

I2

DC-to-DC converter

C

C

T6

L
T7
C

aaa-031934

Fig. 12. MOSFETs used as isolators T2 and T3
Some designs may drive two different output loads. A representation of such circuits is given in
Fig. 12 above. MOSFETs T2 and T3 are used to isolate their respective circuits as they may notneed to operate at the same time.
MOSFETs are also used as isolators is designs using the same circuit duplicated to drive one
common output. This may be due to redundancy requirement in order to meet a safety standard(usually associated with automotive application to allow continuous operation even in cases offailure – such redundancy circuit is not part of this example here, but the same principle applies).
In such applications particular attention should be given to:•••

Current capability in MOSFETs. T2 and T3 need to cater not only for the current needed to drive
the loads, but also for the immediate drive circuits current drawn (Fig. 12 circuit 1 & circuit 2
respectively).
Some designs require large capacitors in the drive circuit. The drive circuit itself can be treatedas a capacitive load and therefore high inrush current or soft start capabilities are important in
the selection of MOSFETs – soft start mode is applied to MOSFET’s turn on so that high inrush
currents are brought under control and this type of operation requires a MOSFET with strong
SOA performance. For SOA related details please see NEXPERIA application note AN11158.
Another issue that might result from such large capacitors used in the drive circuits is thecurrent they supply in a case of a fault incident explained as follows:
In a case where T3 is off (circuit 2 is disabled) and T2 is ON, if a short circuit occurs in drive
circuit1, charged capacitors from drive circuit 2 can supply very high current to drive circuit 1
through the MOSFET body diode of T3 and through T2 (the same can occur in the opposite
direction). In this example it is important to pay attention to IS capability in a MOSFET

MOSFETs T2 and T3 require strong capabilities in continuous ID, IS and depending on
implementation of soft start, strong SOA.

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6.3. Reverse polarity protection MOSFET T1

Cable

Rc

Reverse Polarity
Protection

Filter

Lc

Lf

S

D

G
D

T2

ITotal

Cf

S

T1

G

DC/Battery
SupplyIsolator

I1

Lf

Isolator
G
D

S

T3

I2
aaa-031935

Fig. 13. Reverse polarity protection MOSFET T1
See Fig. 13 continuous current capability is of most relevance here as the MOSFET T1 is
implemented on the supply line which allows the flow of all the current needed for the wholemodule on a continuous basis.
It can also be seen that current flows through T1 from the supply regardless of whether the
MOSFET is ON or OFF – when MOSFET is OFF it will still conduct through its body diode. As suchit is important to pay attention to IS capability.
To avoid current flowing through MOSFET body diode some designs implement two MOSFETs
back to back for reverse polarity protection, see Fig. 14.
Reverse Polarity
Protection
S

D

G

D

T1

S
T2
G
aaa-031936

Fig. 14. Reverse polarity protection using back-to-back MOSFETs
In a back-to-back configuration the other parameter that becomes of relevance is the avalanche
performance of the MOSFETs. A situation where a fault condition occurs and T2 turns off as part ofa protection mechanism. Due to inductances in the cable and/or the circuit a build-up of a voltage
at the drain of T2 might occur and potentially lead to an avalanche event. For details on avalanche
topic see NEXPERIA application note AN10273.
Multiple MOSFET parameters are highlighted in the application examples given above, all showing
the importance of, and the need to use a MOSFET that is capable of handling high continuous
current.

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7. Revision history
Table 7. Revision history
Revision
Date
numberDescription

1.1

2020-09-03

Typo corrected in Fig. 11.

1.0

2020-06-29

Initial version.

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for the products described herein shall be limited in accordance with theTerms and conditions of commercial sale of Nexperia.
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or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the specified use
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and products using Nexperia products, and Nexperia accepts no liability forany assistance with applications or customer product design. It is customer’ssole responsibility to determine whether the Nexperia product is suitableand fit for the customer’s applications and products planned, as well as
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List of Tables
Table 1. Thermal characteristics.......................................... 7
Table 2. Limiting values....................................................... 7
Table 3. Characteristics........................................................8
Table 4. Limiting values....................................................... 8
Table 5. Characteristics......................................................11
Table 6. Limiting values..................................................... 11
Table 7. Revision history....................................................17

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List of Figures
Fig. 1. Current crowding contours for a) LFPAK88 andb) D2PAK packages.............................................................2
Fig. 2. LFPAK internal structure........................................... 4
Fig. 3. Thermal resistances inside and outside the
MOSFET...............................................................................5
Fig. 4. Transient thermal impedance from junction tomounting base as a function of pulse duration.................... 6
Fig. 5. Normalized drain-source on-state resistancefactor as a function of junction temperature.........................8
Fig. 6. Continuous drain current as a function ofmounting base temperature................................................. 9
Fig. 7. Source-drain (diode forward) current as afunction of source-drain (diode forward) voltage;
typical value....................................................................... 12
Fig. 8. Simplified motor drive and DC-to-DC converter
application diagram............................................................ 13
Fig. 9. Output load drive circuit 1 (motor drive)..................13
Fig. 10. Output load drive circuit 2 (DC-to-DC).................. 13
Fig. 11. Motor operation parameters.................................. 14
Fig. 12. MOSFETs used as isolators T2 and T3................ 15
Fig. 13. Reverse polarity protection MOSFET T1.............. 16
Fig. 14. Reverse polarity protection using back-to-back
MOSFETs........................................................................... 16

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Contents
1. Introduction................................................................... 2
2. LFPAK, superior performance..................................... 2
3. Key parameters that set out the boundaries.............. 3
4. MOSFET structure........................................................ 45. Maximum power and maximum current..................... 5
5.1. Maximum power.......................................................... 55.2. Maximum continuous drain current..............................7
5.3. Maximum continuous source current......................... 11
6. Practical application examples................................. 13
6.1. Output load drive MOSFETs T4, T5, T6 and T7.........136.2. Output isolator MOSFETs T2 and T3........................ 15
6.3. Reverse polarity protection MOSFET T1................... 16
7. Revision history..........................................................17
8. Legal information........................................................18© Nexperia B.V. 2020. All rights reserved

For more information, please visit: http://www.nexperia.com
For sales office addresses, please send an email to: salesaddresses@nexperia.com
Date of release: 3 September 2020

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