STMicroelectronics has started production of its VNF9Q20F intelligent automotive circuit breaker. This high-side power switch features a proprietary intelligent fuse protection and a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for diagnostic data, enabling enhanced resilience and functional safety.
(Source: STMicroelectronics)
The VNF9Q20F performs as an intelligent circuit breaker and protects against damaging overloads, enhancing boardnet voltage stability and preventing PCB traces, connectors and wire harnesses from overheating. The automotive power switch also features a capacitive charging mode that allows harmless inrush currents, permitting normal operation with highly capacitive loads, the company said.
The quad-channel VNF9Q20F is the first in a new family of monolithically integrated devices that combine the company’s advanced VIPower M0-9 MOSFET and proprietary STi2Fuse technology. The STi2Fuse, based on patented I2t (current squared through time-to-fuse) functionality, responds within 100 µs to turn off the MOSFET if excessive current is detected.
The intelligent circuit breaker can be used in the latest zonal electrical/electronic architectures. It is also used for fuse and relay replacement, ECU isolation and managing systems that are active when the vehicle is parked. The STi2Fuse lets designers determine the overload response with high precision thanks to 64 programmable current-limit values.
Other features include a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and fault registers that allow diagnostic information and digital current sense feedback to support vehicle capabilities such as predictive maintenance. The device also includes an embedded failsafe mode that maintains operational status in the event of a failure or malfunction.
By providing diagnostics through the SPI, combined with the built-in self-test, the VNF9Q20F enables systems to meet safety integrity levels in accordance with ISO 26262, ST said. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified.
The VNF9Q20F is housed in a 6 × 6-mm QFN package. Pricing starts from $2.850 in quantities of 1,000.
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