June 27, 2008 - Designed to drive 4 N-channel MOSFETs in high-side configuration with gate drive outputs that utilize current-source topology, Model A3942 provides interface between system controller and various high current loads found in automotive engine control systems. IC operates over 4.5-60 V voltage range and full automotive temperature range, making it suitable for both 12 and 24 V engine control systems. Users can control 4 outputs with either 4 parallel input lines or through integrated SPI.

Related categories: Electrical Equipment and Systems | Electronic Components and Devices

Press Release
Release date: June 17, 2008

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Introduces a New Four-Channel High-Side MOSFET Control/Driver IC

High flexibility for automotive engine control systems

Worcester, MA - June 17, 2008 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. introduces a new four-channel high-side MOSFET control/driver IC to complement their existing automotive MOSFET pre-driver family. Allegro's A3942 is designed to drive four N-channel MOSFETs in a high-side configuration with gate drive outputs that utilize a current-source topology. By using this topology, the A3942 eliminates the need for bootstrap capacitors. This new device contains the necessary blocks required to provide an efficient interface between the system controller and various high current loads typically found in automotive engine control systems. Allegro's A3942 is designed to operate over a very wide voltage range (4.5 V to 60 V) and over the full automotive temperature range, making it an excellent choice for both 12 V and 24 V engine control systems.

The four outputs can be controlled with either four parallel input lines or through an integrated serial peripheral interface (SPI). The serial interface greatly increases the flexibility of the IC by allowing software control of channel specific blanking times for short-to-ground detection. The serial port is also used to output a wide range of diagnostics to the controller via a serial-data-out pin.

Multiple A3942 devices can share an SPI interface by either connecting them in parallel or in a daisy-chained series using the chip select pin to address the appropriate IC. A sleep mode is provided to reduce the quiescent current draw to less than 10 uA.

Targeted at the automotive market, Allegro's new A3942 gate driver is priced at $1.87 in quantities of 1,000 and has a 14-week typical lead-time to market.

About Allegro
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance power integrated circuits and integrated Hall-effect magnetic sensors. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. Allegro is headquartered in Worchester, Massachusetts (USA) with design and applications center located in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.

Contacts:

Marketing:
Stephanie A. Fennelly Director, Marketing Communications
USA
Phone: 508-854-5363

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Company Information:
Name: Allegro MicroSystems Inc.
Address: 115 N.E. Cutoff, P.O. Box 15036
City: Worcester
State: MA
ZIP: 01615
Country: USA
Phone: 508-853-5000
FAX: 508-853-5049
http://www.allegromicro.com

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