The purpose of an IPD switch is to provide on/off functionality along with other built-in failure protection circuits. A general purpose on/off switch is easy and cost-effective; however, due to short-circuit, inductive load, and other circuits where high energy is needed to be switched on at start-up, a general purpose MOSFET switch is not suitable. MOSFET switches can break down, especially in inductive load applications when the switch is turned on due to excess power transfer through the switch. Compared to a MOSFET switch, an IPD switch has an energy absorption circuit and other protection circuitry built-in that can help avoid switch breakdown. IPD switches are also an excellent substitute for mechanical relays in high-power applications.