Automotive PMICs integrate CAN FD and LIN

STMicroelectronics has introduced its SPSB081 automotive power-management IC (PMIC) to simplify the design of car-body controllers. Called a Swiss Army Knife of features, the SPSB081 PMIC variants include a main fixed-voltage low-dropout regulator (LDO), a secondary programmable LDO, four high-side drivers, a CAN FD transceiver and an optional LIN transceiver.

“The power sources and transceivers available on-chip help simplify the design of car-body controllers for a sunroof, seats, tailgate, doors and lighting modules,” said ST. The controller also can be used in gateways, HVAC controllers, passive keyless entry systems, telematic control units and control panels.

(Source: STMicroelectronics)

The SPSB081 system basis chips feature multiple standby modes with very low quiescent current and programmable local or remote wake-up to help minimize power consumption. The SPSB081C3 and SPSB081C5 include a 3.3-V or 5-V fixed LDO, respectively, with one CAN transceiver, while the SPSB0813 and SPSB0815  offer an additional LIN transceiver.

The secondary LDO, included in all variants, can be programmed through the PMIC’s SPI port to operate as an independent 3.3-V or 5-V regulator or to track the main LDO. The four high-side drivers can source up to 140 mA to power LEDs and sensors, with current monitoring and a 10-bit PWM timer for each channel.

The PMICs also include built-in protection and a diagnostic output pin for fail-safe signaling. All outputs provide overcurrent protection and open-load fault indication. The primary (fixed) LDO features overvoltage protection and thermal protection circuity while the secondary (programmable) LDO feature overload, overtemperature, short-circuit and reverse-bias protection. Both have short-to-ground monitoring at startup and continuous regulator-failure monitoring.

ST said the protection features make them suited for applications that must meet functional safety requirements in accordance with ISO 26262, even if not designed as a safety hardware element.

The SPSB081 family is AEC-Q100 qualified, specified from -40°C to 150°C, and can operate up to 175°C. All variants are in production and available in a thermally enhanced 5 × 5 × 1 mm QFN32L package. Prices start from $1.80 for orders of 1000 pieces.