Voltage Regulator System IC suits automotive applications.

Press Release Summary:



Integrated intelligent system power IC, EM6152, incorporates multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic, and 5 V LDO automotive voltage regulator. Supporting operation up to 40 V, it comes in 8-pin SO8 package with regulator current output up to 100 mA or PSOP-16 power package rated to 400 mA. IC operates over -40 to +125°C range and comes in 2 versions with 33% (V50) or 67% (V53) open watchdog window size and one version with CAN-bus sleep mode detector (V55).



Original Press Release:



EM Microelectronic Announces New Low-Power Voltage Regulator System IC for Automotive Applications



Intelligent system power IC provides total system solution

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - November 8, 2005 - EM Microelectronic, an electronic systems company of the Swatch Group, introduces the EM6152, a highly-integrated intelligent system power IC. The EM6152 is the only system power IC that incorporates a multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic and 5V low dropout automotive voltage regulator with up to 400mA output current capability. The EM6152 is automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100 and can support operation up to 40 volts. It comes in a compact 8-pin SO8 package (regulator current output up to 100mA) and PSOP-16 "power package" (current output up to 400mA). The EM6152 operates over the temperature range from -40 to +125 °C, making it compatible with the demanding temperature extremes in automotive and industrial environments. It is ideal for use in high-reliability and mission-critical applications.

"As more and more electronic modules and systems are used in a car, it becomes increasingly important to use low power voltage regulators with sleep mode in order to prevent draining the car battery," explains Mougahed Darwish, president of the management board of EM Microelectronic. "As a leader in the field of low power ICs and a dedicated supplier to the automotive industry, EM is proud to introduce the EM6152 which draws only 145uA quiescent current and features increased robustness against ESD and latch-up. In its 'power package', this circuit is particularly well-suited for applications where linear regulators cause excessive power dissipation."

Multi-mode watchdog for fail-safe system reliability

The EM6152 features a time-windowed watchdog function that recognizes far more faults than the standard watchdogs used with microprocessors. This is the most robust and reliable type of watchdog action, because it effectively covers hardware errors as well as software errors such as code executing too slowly or too quickly.

In the EM6152, timings of the watchdog function are programmable using one external resistor to set the power-on reset delay and the watchdog time. The ratio for the close/open watchdog window is factory programmable. In addition, the reset threshold voltage is also programmable using an external two-resistor voltage divider. Three versions are available:

Version V53 comes with a large "open" watchdog window (67% of total watchdog window), making it easier for the software programmer to issue a pulse to service the watchdog.

Version V50 has a smaller "open" watchdog window (33%), offering increased security in the application.

Version V55 offers a Controller Area Network bus (CAN-bus) sleep mode detector. In a typical automotive or industrial application, a central processor can issue a general "sleep" instruction to all EM6152V55-equipped peripheral modules. In sleep mode, the EM6152V55 will greatly reduce the rate that reset signals are generated. This reduces power drain when the system is off and extends battery life, which is a tremendous benefit for vehicles and equipment that is garaged or off-line for periods of days or weeks at a time.

Surveillance functions for mission-safe applications

The EM6152 also features an increased confidence ENABLE output that can be used to drive critical control functions or to gate motor signals. This signal is only asserted after the software has successfully cleared the watchdog three times.

This combined multi-mode effect of supply voltage surveillance, watchdog timing surveillance and system enable output provides extreme reliability and security in critical microprocessor-controlled automotive, transportation, robotic and industrial control applications. This also eliminates the need for redundant microprocessors that supervise each other. In automotive applications, EM6152 is used to monitor the microprocessors that control electronic cockpit security and the steering column as well as other functions such as trunk closure systems, electrical spoiler control, and electrical seat, dashboard, sunroof, rear-view mirror and window controls. Industrial applications include automated teller machines (ATMs), robotics and process control equipment.

EM6152 is a member of a family of products targeted for mission safe applications that includes the EM6151, which has similar features as the EM6152 but does not include a 5V LDO.

Availability

The EM6152 intelligent system power IC with LDO is available in SO8 and PSOP-16 packages from EM Microelectronic and its authorized distributors. More information about these circuits is available at www.emmicroelectronic.com/Products.asp?IdProduct=231.

EM Microelectronic

EM Microelectronic is a semiconductor manufacturer that designs and produces ultra-low-power, low-voltage, digital, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for battery-operated and field-powered devices in consumer, automotive and industrial applications. The company's product portfolio includes RFID circuits, ultra-low-power microcontrollers, voltage reset ICs and microcontroller supervisory ICs, watchdog, regulator, smart card ICs, LCD drivers and displays, sensor and optoelectronic ICs, mixed analog and digital gate arrays and application-specific integrated circuits. EM also produces LCD modules and offers bumping services.

EM Microelectronic is one the electronic systems companies within the Swatch Group, producing and assembling ultra-low power, miniaturized and accurate microelectronic components and systems. Additional company and product information is available at www.emmicroelectronic.com.

Datasheet is available for download at: www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/Product/Supervisory/EM6152_DS.pdf

Please send business inquiries to:

Marketing Communications Department, EM Microelectronic-US, 5475 Mark Dabling Blvd. Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, or info@emmicroelectronic.com.

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