Shown here are three application examples in which the SiGe device improves the design regarding higher efficiency. The left graphic shows the block diagram of a solenoid driver, which is part of the engine control unit. A DCDC boost stage is used to generate a higher voltage at the input of the circuit. A large current supplied by the high side switch is needed if the plunger of the motor is pulled in rapidly. After the plunger reaches a certain position, it does not require that large current any more. This is the point when the battery side kicks in to hold the current on a moderate level. The low side switch operates to select the cylinder. In this application, a PN rectifier with a reverse voltage of 200V is used for low reverse leakage currents and thermal stability. One diode is used as a freewheeling diode and the other one as an ORing rectifier. The graphic in the center depicts a reverse polarity protection application. High pulses may occur here, and if the ambient temperature is high, it is extremely important to keep the leakage currents under control. That‘s why SiGe is a good choice, as these devices are also very robust in terms of the IFSM rating. On the right, a switched mode converter application is shown in the form of a LED driver. The boost circuit is needed to supply a high and reliable voltage level, whereas the buck stage is used to supply the required voltage level for the LEDs. The SiGe diode is ideal for fast switching applications, as the low Qrr guarantees high efficiency with low losses.