A couple of years ago we switched from the BQ24113 (RHLRG4) to the BQ24113A. Apparently the BQ24113 had a problem with the high side switching fet of the output. The data sheet for the BQ24113 shows the attachment of a zener on the output. During the five years of using the BQ24113, we never included the zener diode.
Due to the situation with your Japan fab facility, we are unable to get the BQ24113A to manufacture our products. Since we have shipped more product over time with the BQ24113 than the BQ24113A and did not have any failures, we are considering using the BQ24113 in the interim until we can obtain the BQ24113A. I need to get a better understanding of the "problem" with the BQ24113 so I can assess the risk of using the part again (without the zener on the output).
What is the problem with the BQ24113?
Are there specific applications where the part is more vulnerable?
What is the risk of using the BQ24113 without the zener?
Bryan Capdeville
Senior Engineer