Trends in Smart Power Technologies for Automotive Applications

Smart Power Technologies, first introduced at the end of the 80s in the industry, cover today all the range of Automotive applications from Power Train to Safety, Body Electronics and Infotainment, with important macro trends of evolution and innovation led by Energy Saving. The paper describes the evolution of “BCD Smart Power” technologies for Automotive applications, looking for combined technology platforms were digital content, high voltage and current are present in the single chip. Advanced technology nodes down to 0.11 µm microlithography are described, with Voltage capability in the range from 40 to 100 V. High Current, severe Energy dissipation, extended life time and temperature range are going to require robust solutions in terms of thermo-mechanical stress capabilities for the interconnections and the BEOL (Back End Of the Line). Concerning High Voltage usage the Hybrid/Electrical Vehicles are going to require High Voltage Gate Drivers Technologies (600 V) and specific solutions for Galvanic Isolations (6 kV).