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This is the story of the development of an automotive power MOSFET aimed at attaining a high current output of 160A or more. Here, at last, is the second part of an article we first introduced in 2004 titled, "The path traveled by the creators of the NP Series of ultra-low on-resistance power MOSFETs for automobiles: Breaking the 2 mΩ barrier."

NEC Electronics has an extensive lineup of power management devices designed for a broad range of applications. This article introduces our power MOSFET products.

In collaboration with NEC Kansai Factory, NEC Electronics began a project to develop history-making power MOSFETs that would break 2m ohm on-resistance. It was an uneasy start with no basis for reaching its target, and the difficult requirements needed for automotive use gave project team members a premonition of troubles ahead.

Power MOSFETs are the key to simplifying and lightening the equipment used in automobile electrical systems such as power steering systems. NEC Electronics found itself lagging behind a rival manufacturer in capitalizing on the potential value in performance of power MOSFETs. It was then and there that the company decided to reverse the tides and embark on the challenge of becoming the industry leader.

As environmental awareness grows, semiconductors employed in electronic control systems are in the spotlights by the automotive industry. This article introduces power MOSFETs from NEC Electronics that contribute to environmentally friendly automobile production.