Controlling a Infineon BTS6133D PROFET with an Arduino Nano

Hello everyone. This is my first post here but I've done a lot of reading on the forums.

I'm making an electronics controller for motorcycle lights, ignition, and etc. I've got the programming and what not sorted (for now) and am trying to get my components sorted for high-power switching (headlights, and what not particularly).

The Infineon BTS6133D boasts a lot of features that sound good for my application (these PROFETS are made for automotive power switching). What I am having trouble with is determining how to turn on or off the PROFET by using outputs from the Arduino Nano and without using a mechanical relay (trying to stay with solidstate because of the shaky motorcycle environment).

Here is the PROFET datasheet: http://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Infineon-BTS6133D-DS-v01_00-en.pdf?folderId=db3a304412b407950112b408e8c90004&fileId=db3a3043183a955501186061f99d3666&ack=t

The PROFET would like to be grounded at pin 2 in order to turn its output on. I'm not sure by looking at the datasheet, but it appears that the input would only flow 1.4-2.2 mA? If so, would I be able to wire directly to the arduino somehow? I don't think this is particularly difficult, I'm just straining my limited knowledge here.

You will probably need an external transistor to switch it. I do not know what Vin is when the device is "off." It could be 12 V, which could damage the Arduino.

Alost any small NPN transistor will do, e.g. BC547.
Emitter to ground, collector to fet input, 10k resistor between Arduino pin and base.
Leo..

Ok, so it is just a transistor then. I guess I was confused because I wasn't sure if a current flows to ground through that input, and how large of a current? Is there a spec in that datasheet that indicates that and tells me how much current I need to accommodate flowing back through that input?

Yes, it tells you the maximum and minimum switching currents.

Ah, is it this here (attached photo)?

Yes.
The input is a constant current source, probably connected to the fet supply (not in the datasheet).
The drive transistor just switches that current source (1.4-2.2mA) to ground.
Current source, so no collector resistor needed.
Leo..