Impact of electromagnetic interference on the functional safety of smart power devices for automotive applications; [Einfluss von elektromagnetischen Störungen auf die funktionale Sicherheit von Smart Power Devices in Automobilanwendungen]

Integrated smart power devices gain more and more importance in the field of automotive systems. In addition to power transistors such devices usually contain several integrated diagnostic and protection functions. In the event of a fault these functions enable the connected control unit to react appropriately and to protect the application and thus the people. Smart power devices are often responsible for important tasks within a vehicle and are nowadays more and more used to substitute conventional elements like fuses, relays and switches. During the operation they are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as high operating temperatures, mechanical stress, etc. At the same time different electromagnetic interferences (EMI) may occur, which can affect their normal functionality. Especially in safety-critical applications such as the airbag control module or the Anti-lock Braking System their correct function is very important to avoid dangerous operating conditions and to ensure functional safety. Based on EMI investigations on a representative smart power high side switch it is shown in this paper to what degree of electromagnetic interference smart power devices are still able to correctly detect critical fault conditions and remain in their fail-save state. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, ein Teil von Springer Nature.