Watchdog ICs target automotive and industrial applications.

Press Release Summary:



Incorporating multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, Models EM6152, EM6152A, and EM6153 include reset logic and 5 V low dropout automotive voltage regulators with up to 400 mA output current. Automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100, circuits support operation from -40 to +125°C and up to 40 V. Time-windowing watchdog action covers hardware as well as software errors. Watchdog timing behavior and reset threshold voltage are programmable with external resistors.



Original Press Release:



EM Microelectronic Introduces Windowed Watchdog IC Family for Automotive and Industrial Applications



The EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153 feature LDO voltage regulators and high current capability

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado - June 20, 2006 - EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, announces its highly-integrated system power IC family. The windowed watchdog product set now contains the EM6151, EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153 integrated circuits.

Robust and reliable watchdog ICs
The three new members of the family, the EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153, are the only system power ICs incorporating a multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic and 5V low dropout automotive voltage regulators with up to 400mA output current capability.

These circuits are automotive qualified according to AEC-Q100 and can support operation up to 40V. Operating at a temperature range from -40 to +125°C, the products are compatible with the demanding temperature extremes in automotive and other industrial environments. They are also ideally suited for use in high-reliability and mission-critical applications.

A time-windowed watchdog function recognizes more faults than usual watchdogs used with microprocessors. Time-windowing represents the most robust and reliable type of watchdog action, effectively covering hardware, as well as software errors, such as code executing too slowly or too quickly. The 'enable' output is activated after the software has successfully cleared the watchdog three times. The watchdog timing behavior and reset threshold voltage are programmable with external resistors.

This combined multi-mode feature of supply voltage surveillance, watchdog timing surveillance and system enable output provides extreme reliability and security in critical microprocessor-controlled automotive, transportation, robotic and process control equipment. These circuits eliminate the need for redundant microprocessors that supervise each other.

In automotive applications, the new ICs are used to monitor the microprocessors that control electronic cockpit security, as well as other functions such as trunk closure systems, electrical spoiler control, dashboard, sunroof, rear-view mirror and window controls.

Ratio for close/open window
The ratio for the close/open watchdog window is application dependant. Each circuit is available in one of the following versions:

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.

Sleep mode and inhibit function
In a typical automotive or industrial application, a central processor can issue a general SLEEP instruction to all V55-equipped peripheral modules. In sleep mode, the V55 will greatly decrease the rate at which it generates reset signals. This reduces the power consumption when the system is in off-mode and extending battery life, which is a tremendous benefit for vehicles and equipment that is garaged or set off-line for extensive periods (days or weeks) at a time.

The EM6153, includes an inhibit function allowing extremely low power consumption - below 1µA when the inhibit function is enabled.

Outstanding performance over the whole family
The first circuit of the family, the EM6151, is already in use in various mission-safe applications. The EM6152 is a very similar product with an added 5V LDO voltage regulator. It is able to supply up to 400 mA output current. The EM6152A and EM6153 deliver up to 150mA. The circuits come in different packages, a compact 8-pin SO8 package and PSOP-16 "power package" (current output up to 400mA). In its "power package", the EM6152 is particularly well-suited for applications where linear regulators cause excessive power dissipation.

"As a leader in the field of low power ICs and a dedicated supplier to the automotive industry, EM Microelectronic emphasizes that the EM615x family features increased robustness against ESD and latch-up and quiescent current can be as low as 1ìA," says Mougahed Darwish, president of the management board of EM Microelectronic.

Availability
All of the windowed watchdog ICs are available in SO8 packages. The EM6152A/53 are available in a PSOP-16 "power package" from EM Microelectronic and its authorized distributors. More information about these circuits is available at www.emmicroelectronic.com/Line.asp?IdLine=1

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 IC and microcontroller supervisory IC supervisor, 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.

Starting unit prices for the windowed watchdog IC family starts at $0.76 each in quantities of 1000 pieces are as follows:

Photography of the windowed watchdog circuits is available at
http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/Press/downloads/EM615x/index.html

Product datasheets are available at
http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/product/supervisory/EM6151_DS.pdf
http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/product/supervisory/EM6152_DS.pdf
http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/product/supervisory/EM6152A_DS.pdf
http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/product/supervisory/EM6153_DS.pdf

Rick Mintle
North American Sales and Marketing Manager
EM Microelectronic-US Inc.
Tel: 719.598.9224
Fax: 719.593.2864
Rick.Mintle@emmicro-us.com

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