AN1968: Unclamped Inductive Switching (UIS) Test and Rating Methodology

Application Note 1968
Unclamped Inductive Switching (UIS) Test and Rating
Methodology
Abstract
This application note will review the basic principles surrounding Unclamped Inductive Switching (UIS). It will examine what it is, the
typical UIS ratings reflected on datasheets and how designers can properly use them. The main purpose of this application note then, is
to supply designers with useful tools and information needed to appropriately deal with UIS related issues in their circuits.
Table of Contents
The Need for Power MOSFET Avalanche Ruggedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Avalanche Ruggedness Test Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Datasheet Avalanche Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Single Pulse Avalanche Ratings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
EAS vs Starting Junction Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Energy in Avalanche, Repetitive Pulse (EAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
List of Figures
FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 5.
FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 7.
FIGURE 8.
FIGURE 9.
Drain-to-Source Overvoltage Transient During Turn-Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
UIS Test Circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
UIS Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Modified UIS Test Circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Modified UIS Test Circuit Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Measured EAS vs IAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Avalanche Current vs Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Transient Thermal Response Curve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Power Pulse Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
November 9, 2015
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CAUTION: These devices are sensitive to electrostatic discharge; follow proper IC Handling Procedures.
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Application Note 1968
The Need for Power MOSFET
Avalanche Ruggedness
VDS
L
Power MOSFETs inherently have extremely fast switching speeds.
As a result, designers often use them in high speed switching
circuits which take advantage of this capability.
Using MOSFETs in high speed switching circuits can lead to
device stress not normally encountered in slower switching
circuits. In fact, switching speeds may be so fast that at device
turn-off, small parasitic inductance in the circuit can lead to
significant overvoltage transients (Figure 1). This is due to the
fact that when current through an inductor is abruptly turned off,
the inductors magnetic field will induce a counter
Electromagnetic Force (EMF) resisting the change. If the resulting
voltage transient is large enough, the MOSFET may be forced into
drain-to-source avalanche, V(BR)DSS.
VDD
R
UNCLAMPED
INDUCTIVE LOAD
V(BR)DSS
ID
VGS
The operation of this test circuit is as follows:
1. At time zero, the input gate drive is turned on.
2. The MOSFET then switches on and ID current rises to the
desired test current at the rate defined by Equation 2.
V DD
di/dt = -----------L
(EQ. 2)
3. Once the desired test current is reached, the gate drive is
switched off, which abruptly turns off the MOSFET. Since the
inductive load current cannot change instantaneously, the
EMF of the inductor drives the MOSFET into drain-to-source
avalanche (Figure 3).
VGS
INPUT
The peak overvoltage transient during turn-off can be determined
by Equation 1.
V SPK = L  di/dt + V DD
V(BR)eff
(EQ. 1)
IO
Where:
OUTPUT
VSPK = Peak overvoltage transient voltage
L = Load inductance
di/dt = Rate of change of current at turn-off
VDD = Supply voltage
According to Equation 1, the faster the switching speed and/or
the higher the load current the more likely a device is to
experience an overvoltage transient. Currents and switching
speeds may be so high in some circuits that even low parasitic
inductance may be enough to force devices into avalanche and
possible device destruction.
Due to their inherently fast switching speeds, it is clear that
power MOSFETs need to be designed and manufactured to insure
that they have adequate avalanche ruggedness for today's high
performance circuits.
Avalanche Ruggedness Test Method
The avalanche ruggedness of a device can be measured using a
test circuit that performs an Unclamped Inductive Switching (UIS)
function like the one shown in Figure 2. This type of circuit
mimics the actual application where unclamped inductive loads
are present. A device is considered rugged if it survives the test
at the specified test conditions. Intersil “KGF” MOSFETs are 100%
avalanche tested.
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VDD
FIGURE 2. UIS TEST CIRCUIT
L
FIGURE 1. DRAIN-TO-SOURCE OVERVOLTAGE TRANSIENT DURING
TURN-OFF
+
-
RGS
OVERVOLTAGE TRANSIENT
VDD
RGEN
PULSE
V(BR)DSS
VDD
FIGURE 3. UIS WAVEFORMS
The critical equations resulting from this UIS test circuit are
shown in Equations 3 through 6:
V  BR eff = 1.3L  Rated V  BR DSS
(EQ. 3)
 IO  L 
t  av  = --------------------------------------------- V  BR eff – V DD 
(EQ. 4)
EAS = 1/2  I O  V  BR eff  t  av 
(EQ. 5)
or
V  BR eff
2
EAS = 1/2  L  I O  ---------------------------------------- V  BR eff-VDD 
(EQ. 6)
Where:
V(BR)eff = Effective drain-to-source breakdown voltage at peak
discharge current. Note that V(BR)eff is much higher than the
device's V(BR)DSS rating found on datasheets. This is because:
1. Device manufacturers guard-band their specifications.
2. The UIS avalanche current is much higher than that specified
for V(BR)DSS and V(BR)DSS increases with current.
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Application Note 1968
3. The device heats up during UIS and V(BR)DSS increases with
temperature. A value of 1.3 * V(BR)DSS has been found to be
a good rule of thumb for V(BR)eff.
t(av) = Time in avalanche
EAS = Energy in avalanche, single pulse
IO = Peak current being discharged
L = Load inductance
VDD = Supply voltage
HSW
L
ID
VGS
RGEN
+
-
PULSE
VDD
RGS
FIGURE 4. MODIFIED UIS TEST CIRCUIT
By switching out the supply voltage during device avalanche, two
significant advantages are made available. First, the user can
increase the VDD supply beyond the MOSFET’s maximum rated
VDS. This speeds up the inductors initial charge ramp time
leading to overall faster test times as well as less device on-state
time and therefore less self heating of the device prior to
avalanche. Secondly, the UIS test circuit calculations are
simplified to the following in Equations 7 and 8:
 IO  L 
t  av  = --------------------------- V  BR eff 
EAS = 1/2  L  I O
MOSFET manufacturers generally provide some form of UIS
avalanche ratings on their datasheets to inform the customer of
a devices capability to withstand inductively induced overvoltage
spikes. The UIS specifications supplied by Intersil and covered in
this application note are as follows:
• Energy in Avalanche, Single pulse (EAS)
Another commonly used test circuit for UIS is shown in Figure 4.
Its advantage over the previously described test circuit is that it
switches out the VDD supply during avalanche by use of a High
Speed Switch (HSW).
VDS
Datasheet Avalanche Ratings
(EQ. 7)
2
(EQ. 8)
Both test circuits shown in Figures 3 and 4 are industry
recognized test circuits for UIS. They conform to both JEDEC
standard No. 24-5 and MIL-STD750D method 3470.2.
Due to the advantages noted, Intersil uses the test circuit shown
in Figure 4. However, actual application circuits used by
designers do not usually switch out the VDD supply during
avalanche. Thus, the proper circuit equations to be used by
designers are generally those resulting from the test circuit
shown in Figure 3.
• Current in Avalanche, Single pulse (IAS)
• EAS vs starting junction temperature
• Energy in Avalanche, Repetitive pulse (EAR)
Single Pulse Avalanche Ratings
UIS ratings for MOSFETs originated in the mid 1980's and have
since taken the form of specifying the amount of energy or Joules
a device can safely handle in avalanche resulting from an
inductive load. The EAS (Energy in Avalanche, Single pulse) rating
was developed and is now displayed on most manufacturers
power MOSFET datasheets.
Many manufactures specify EAS at the continuous current rating
of the device. Since measured EAS capability of a MOSFET is
inversely proportional to the avalanche current (Figure 6), the
reasoning is that the continuous current rating of a device is
considered the worst case condition. This would, in fact, be the
case if designers always use the device at or below this value.
The problem with this type of rating however, is it may not be
adequate for many of today's circuits.
In high performance circuits, designers routinely push devices to
extreme conditions of both current and switching speed. For
example, in order to achieve high currents in certain applications,
designers will parallel MOSFET devices. The total switched current
in this type of arrangement may be many times the continuous
current rating of any one single device being paralleled. Having
said that, it should be noted that MOSFETs connected in parallel
do not equally share current when they are avalanched. This is
different than when operating them in a conduction state. In
avalanche, the device with the lowest breakdown voltage or with
the faster switching time will go into avalanche first and sink
most if not all of the total switched current. The resulting stress in
avalanche for that particular device is therefore much higher than
it would have experienced if it had been avalanched at the lower
value of a continuous current rating.
10.0E+0
STARTING TJ = +25°C
1.0E+0
EAS (J)
VGS
INPUT
100.0E-3
V(BR)eff
V(BR)DSS
IO
10.0E-3
10
OUTPUT
30
50
70
90
110
130
IAS (A)
FIGURE 5. MODIFIED UIS TEST CIRCUIT WAVEFORMS
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FIGURE 6. MEASURED EAS vs IAS
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Application Note 1968
To provide customers with a usable high current avalanche
specification, Intersil includes a high current IAS (Current In
Avalanche, Single pulse) rating on datasheets in the Absolute
Maximum Ratings table. The IAS value stated on the datasheet is
much higher than the continuous current rating. It is the absolute
highest current the device can safely handle in avalanche.
To aid the designer in determining a device's EAS or IAS
capability over a range of avalanche conditions, Intersil also
includes an Avalanche Safe Operating Area (ASOA) curve on
datasheets. This allows designers to know under a wide range of
currents and inductances whether or not the device is exceeding
its avalanche capability (Figure 7). The curve is constructed so as
to insure that the device will never exceed its actual EAS
capability nor push the device beyond its known reliable and safe
mode of operation. The safe area of operation is the area under
the curve.
Even though actual UIS failure occurs at a silicon temperature of
roughly +380°C, the devices junction temperature should always
be kept at or below its rated TJMAX as shown on the device's
datasheet. This insures good long term reliability. To help the
designer insure this, Equation 9 is provided. This equation allows
a designer to derate a devices EAS capability from starting
junction temperatures of +25°C up to the devices rated TJMAX.
 T JMAX – T JSTART  2
EAS  T JSTART  = EAS  +25C   ------------------------------------------------------ T JMAX – 25C 
(EQ. 9)
Using this equation, you will find that the devices EAS capability
is derated to zero when the starting junction temperature
reaches TJMAX. This is done to insure good reliability over time.
Operating the device at higher junction temperatures may reduce
the long term reliability of the device.
Energy in Avalanche, Repetitive Pulse (EAR)
Some power switching circuits are designed such that they
avalanche the MOSFET repetitively. Therefore, device
manufacturers need to be able to provide designers with a way to
know if they are exceeding device capability and reliability in
such cases or not. The industry term established for this
capability is called Energy in Avalanche Repetitive pulse (EAR).
STARTING TJ = +25°C
10
The EAR capability of a MOSFET is basically a transient thermal
parameter and can be calculated using the devices own transient
thermal response curve.
1
10.0E-6
100.0E-6
1.0E-3
10.0E-3
TIME IN AVALANCHE (tav)
FIGURE 7. AVALANCHE CURRENT vs TIME
There are several ways a designer can use the ASOA curve.
1. The designer can directly measure the current and time in
avalanche and compare it to the ASOA curve shown on the
datasheet.
2. Based on known load inductance, VDD supply voltage and the
current being switched, the designer can use Equation 2 on
page 2 and solve for time in avalanche (dt). Then simply
compare the IAS and tav values to the ASOA curve provided
on the device's datasheet to insure safe operation.
3. The designer can use IAS and tav points from the ASOA curve
line to calculate EAS vs IAS capability using Equation 5.
EAS vs Starting Junction Temperature
Another critical component to a complete UIS rating is the
devices starting junction temperature. Actual EAS capability is
inversely proportional to a devices starting junction temperature.
Measured UIS device failure has been shown to generally occur
when the devices silicon has reached its intrinsic temperature,
typically around +380°C. During a UIS failure, some location on
the silicon has reached this intrinsic temperature and a short
occurs at that location, which destroys the device. Since the
power generated by UIS pulse raises the devices junction
temperature, any starting junction temperature above +25°C will
reduce its EAS capability.
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r(t), TRANSIENT THERMAL RESISTANCE
(NORMALIZED)
CURRENT IN AVALANCHE (IAS)
100
1.00
0.5
0.2
0.10
0.1
0.05
0.02
SINGLE PULSE
0.01
1.0E-04 1.0E-03 1.0E-02 1.0E-01 1.0E+00 1.0E+01 1.0E+02 1.0E+03
t - TIME (s)
FIGURE 8. TRANSIENT THERMAL RESPONSE CURVE
A Transient Thermal Response curve like the one shown in
Figure 8 is derived using rectangular power pulses. A UIS power
pulse however, is not a rectangular power pulse, it is triangular
(see Figure 9). Therefore, this difference must be dealt with in
order to properly use a transient thermal response curve for EAR
calculations.
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Application Note 1968
UIS POWER PULSE
For example, under the following conditions what is the devices
EAR capability?
EQUIVALENT
RECTANGULAR
POWER PULSE
PPK
Max TJ = +150°C
Ambient Temperature = +25°C
RJA = +45°C/W
pw = 200µs
DT = 20%
0.70 x PPK
0.71 x pw
The r(t)eff would be the r(t) for a pw(rect) of 142µs (200µs•0.71)
with a duty cycle of 20%. Using the Transient Thermal Response
curve shown in Figure 8 for this example, r(t)eff = 0.2.
pw
FIGURE 9. POWER PULSE CONVERSION
The well established method to convert a triangular power pulse
into to a rectangular one is as follows:
P  rect  = 0.7  P PK
(EQ. 10)
pw  rect  = pw  0.71
(EQ. 11)
Where:
P(rect) = Equivalent rectangular power
pw(rec) = Equivalent rectangular pulse width
EAR = [(150°C - 25°C)/(0.2 • 45°C/W)] • 142µs
= 19.72mJ
If by using Equations 5 or 6 you find that the devices single pulse
avalanche energy exceeds the calculated EAR capability, then
the devices junction temperature during repetitive pulsing of this
pulse will exceed TJMAX as shown on the datasheet and therefore
device reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Conclusion
PPK = Peak triangular power
pw = Triangular pulse width
The key to such a conversion is that the energy of the pulse in
both the triangular and equivalent rectangular pulse is roughly
the same.
With this understanding in mind, an EAR can be determined for
the MOSFET at any pulse width and duty cycle such that the
device does not exceed its TJMAX as shown on the datasheet.
Equation 12 is used to make this determination:
 T JMAX – T X 
EAR = -----------------------------------------  pw  rect 
 r  t eff  R JX 
Therefore, the devices EAR capability under these conditions is:
(EQ. 12)
This application note has covered basic UIS principles and
examined typical UIS ratings reflected on Intersil datasheets. The
necessary equations along with examples have been provided in
order to show designers how to properly deal with UIS related
issues in their circuits and to maintain good device reliability.
The following conditions must be satisfied in order to insure
Intersil devices are operated within their safe area for UIS.
1. The devices IAS rating must never be exceeded.
2. The MOSFET must never operate outside the bounds of the
ASOA curve.
3. The devices rated TJMAX must never be exceeded.
Where:
TX = Reference temperature (i.e., ambient or ball)
r(t)eff = Normalized transient thermal resistance at an equivalent
rectangular pulse width of pw•0.71
RTHJX = thermal resistance junction to reference point
(i.e., ambient or ball).
Intersil Corporation reserves the right to make changes in circuit design, software and/or specifications at any time without notice. Accordingly, the reader is
cautioned to verify that the document is current before proceeding.
For information regarding Intersil Corporation and its products, see www.intersil.com
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AN1968.0
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