Power MOS automotive electronics

Two power technologies, bipolar and MOS, with several variations in both technologies are evaluated for use in such automotive applications as lamps, motors, solenoids, heaters, ignition coils, voltage regulators, and displays. To determine which MOS technology variant will be most cost effective in a specific application, broad guidelines are given for the end user. Power MOS is constantly being improved, with lower r_DS(ON) area products and big improvements in safe operating area. Power MOS has the potential of being more cost effective than BiMOS and has a much higher-current-handling capability. Because BiMOS is a mature technology, it tends to be more cost effective in some low-current applications. However, it is expected that new systems being developed will design-in power MOS. New power packages are also being developed for high-current and high-temperature applications