IPS4260L - Quad 2A Low-Side Intelligent Switch | STMicroelectronics
MPN: IPS4260L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.12 | $3.12 |
| 10 | $2.84 | $28.40 |
| 100 | $2.41 | $241.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.72 | $1,720.00 |
IPS4260L Overview
A low-side power switch (also called a low-side driver or smart high-side switch's complement) is a power distribution building block that controls current flow between a grounded load and the return path. Compared with high-side switches, low-side drivers simplify gate drive requirements because the source sits on ground, but they cannot protect the load from supply shorts. The IPS4260L belongs to the broader category of intelligent power switches (IPS) within power management ICs, which integrate MOSFETs, gate drivers, current limiting, thermal protection, and fault feedback into a single die - a substantial integration step beyond discrete MOSFETs or relay-based switching.
Key features of the IPS4260L include per-channel independent control, 2 A continuous current per channel (with paralleling supported), built-in protection against over-current, over-temperature, short circuit to VCC, and ground-loss, plus open-drain diagnostic outputs that signal fault conditions to a host microcontroller. The monolithic construction eliminates wiring parasitics and improves thermal coupling, while the HTSSOP-20 exposed-pad package provides low thermal resistance for sustained high-current operation without external heatsinking.
Architecturally, each channel of the IPS4260L combines a vertical N-channel power MOSFET, a charge-pump gate driver (needed because the source rises with the load during switching), accurate current-limit circuitry, and a thermal sensor. The fault logic consolidates protection events and reports them through a shared status interface, simplifying host-side firmware and reducing MCU GPIO count on multi-channel boards.
Typical applications include programmable logic controller (PLC) digital outputs, industrial solenoid and valve drivers, relay replacement in automation cabinets, multi-channel LED driving, and general low-side switching in factory automation, building control, and process control systems.
When designing with the IPS4260L, observe the derating guidelines in the manufacturer datasheet: parallel channels reduce channel-to-channel temperature rise; PCB layout should maximize copper area under the exposed pad and minimize loop inductance on the switching path to limit voltage transients on inductive loads. A freewheeling (clamp) diode is generally not needed because the device includes internal avalanche-rated MOSFETs, but external protection may still be required for very high energy inductive loads.
Drop-in alternatives for IPS4260L — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
IPS4260L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →IPS4260L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics |
| Part Number | IPS4260L |
| Description | Quad low-side intelligent power switch |
| Topology | Low-side switch (N-channel, 4 channels) |
| Number of Outputs | 4 |
| Continuous Output Current per Channel | 2 A |
| Maximum Switching Frequency (fSW) | 250 kHz |
| Load Types | Capacitive, resistive, inductive |
| Channel Paralleling | Supported (to reduce dissipation) |
| Protection Features | Over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit (to VCC and to GND) |
| Diagnostic Output | Open-drain fault indication |
| Package | 20-HTSSOP (exposed thermal pad) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
IPS4260L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground (logic and power ground) |
| Pin 2 | IN1 — Logic input for channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | OUT1 — Source/output for channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | IN2 — Logic input for channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | OUT2 — Source/output for channel 2 |
| Pin 6 | IN3 — Logic input for channel 3 |
| Pin 7 | OUT3 — Source/output for channel 3 |
| Pin 8 | IN4 — Logic input for channel 4 |
| Pin 9 | OUT4 — Source/output for channel 4 |
| Pin 10 | VCC — Logic supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | FLT — Open-drain fault diagnostic output |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 14 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 15 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
IPS4260L is suitable for 6 applications: PLC Digital Output Modules, Industrial Solenoid and Valve Drivers, Relay Replacement in Automation Cabinets, Multi-Channel LED Drivers (Low-Side), Building Automation and HVAC Actuators, Process Control Multi-Channel Switching.
PLC Digital Output Modules
The IPS4260L is well-matched to PLC digital output cards that switch 24 V industrial loads because it delivers 2 A per channel with integrated short-circuit and thermal protection, replacing discrete MOSFET-plus-driver circuits. Each of the four channels can drive a solenoid, relay coil, indicator lamp, or actuator independently, and the open-drain fault flag can be sensed by the PLC backplane CPU via a single GPIO per chip. The HTSSOP-20 exposed-pad footprint keeps the output stage compact, and channels can be paralleled on the board to deliver higher continuous current for proportionally controlled valves. This integration reduces BOM count, improves reliability, and accelerates safety certification paths.
Recommended
Industrial Solenoid and Valve Drivers
Each channel of the IPS4260L can sink the high-side-returned current of a 24 V solenoid or proportional valve, with built-in avalanche-rated MOSFETs that absorb inductive kickback when the coil de-energizes. The 2 A rating covers the majority of process-control solenoid current levels without external thermal management beyond PCB copper. Four channels per package allow a single chip to handle a small pneumatic manifold or multi-valve assembly, cutting wiring complexity. The fault output can flag a stuck solenoid or short to the PLC CPU, enabling predictive maintenance and avoiding cabinet trips.
Recommended
Relay Replacement in Automation Cabinets
Mechanical relays are a leading failure mode in industrial cabinets due to contact arcing and coil wear; the IPS4260L offers a solid-state relay-replacement solution with no moving parts and a switching speed that supports PWM-style actuation for soft-starting lamps and heaters. Operating up to 250 kHz allows the part to handle PWM-driven proportional control rather than simple on/off switching. Per-channel protection prevents one failed load from taking down the rest of the rack, simplifying maintenance and reducing mean-time-to-repair. The HTSSOP-20 package footprint can drop into existing relay-driver PCB layouts when designed with thermal copper adequate to the datasheet derating curves.
Recommended
Multi-Channel LED Drivers (Low-Side)
The IPS4260L can sink low-side LED strings in signage, machine-vision illuminators, or status panels because each channel provides independent current control and a fault flag if the string shorts or opens. The HTSSOP-20 footprint integrates four strings into a small footprint, and paralleling channels is supported for higher-current LED bars. Built-in thermal shutdown means the chip self-protects when LED strings short to ground or when ambient temperature rises in enclosed fixtures. Combined with a small MCU setting per-channel PWM duty, dimming and color-mixing effects are achievable without external MOSFETs.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Actuators
Building automation designs often drive multiple 24 V actuators (dampers, valves, fan relays) from a central controller; the IPS4260L integrates four such channels in a single HTSSOP-20 chip, simplifying HVAC board layout. The monolithic construction improves thermal coupling over discrete MOSFETs and reduces wiring inductance that can stress gate drivers. Diagnostic flags allow the building-management system to identify which damper or valve has faulted, enabling remote diagnostics. Channels can be paralleled for higher-current loads such as larger damper motors.
Recommended
Process Control Multi-Channel Switching
Process control systems often need a bank of low-side switches for sensor excitation, heater elements, and small motor windings; the IPS4260L provides four protected channels and a fault flag in one compact part. Each channel handles 2 A continuous, sufficient for small heaters and excitation currents, and paralleling extends that headroom. The diagnostic pin can be polled or used as an interrupt to the controller so that fault events are captured in real time. The HTSSOP-20 exposed-pad package is friendly to reflow assembly and tight on-board density.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for IPS4260L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | IPS4260L |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | 20-HTSSOP (exposed pad) | 20-HTSSOP (exposed pad) |
| Topology | Quad low-side N-channel | Quad low-side N-channel |
| Continuous Current per Channel | 2 A | 2 A |
| Switching Frequency (max) | 250 kHz | 250 kHz |
| Channel Count | 4 | 4 |
| Channel Paralleling | Supported | Supported |
| Protection Features | OCP, OTP, short-circuit (VCC/GND), fault flag | OCP, OTP, short-circuit (VCC/GND), fault flag |
| Typical 1000-piece Unit Price (USD, as of 2026-10-20) | 1.72 | 1.72 |
Key Differentiators
- Monolithic four-channel integration in HTSSOP-20 (vs Discrete MOSFET designs)
- Built-in fault diagnostics per channel (vs Discrete MOSFET designs without diagnostics)
- High switching frequency up to 250 kHz (vs Tindall-class relay replacements)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 2 A per channel in the HTSSOP-20 package, sustained dissipation requires a copper pour under the exposed pad. For continuous 4-channel full-load operation, use the manufacturer's datasheet thermal derating curves and keep junction temperature below 125 C. If thermal headroom is tight, paralleling two adjacent channels onto one load cuts per-channel dissipation in half and extends safe operating area.
Solder the exposed thermal pad to a copper pour on the top layer with thermal vias arrayed beneath to inner/outer planes; this is essential for the 2 A continuous rating. Keep high-current switching loops short and wide to limit parasitic inductance that can otherwise generate voltage transients on the OUT pins during switching. Per-channel OUT traces should connect to the load-side ground return as directly as possible.
Do not use the IPS4260L as a high-side switch - the device is designed for low-side only, with the load's high side tied to VCC. Reverse-current or reverse-polarity conditions on OUT can damage the output MOSFET. Always verify that inductive loads' stored energy is within the avalanche rating in the datasheet, otherwise add an external freewheeling clamp.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status per ST product page; AEC-Q100 not stated; industrial-grade product, not automotive qualified. Verify full material declarations on ST product page at BOM release.
