Date: 18/10/2010

CAN interface chip with built-in DC/DC converter and LDOs

Austriamicrosystems has announced the AS8650, a smart power management System Basis Chip (SBC) which combines a DC-DC converter and a high-speed CAN Transceiver.

The AS8650 SBC includes three LDOs (low-drop-out voltage regulators) with programmable outputs from 1.8 V to 3.3 V. Each LDO is powered by the embedded DC-DC converter, which can supply up to 500 mA to power the microcontroller, sensors, actuators and other such components. Integrating the DC-DC converter is meant for reducing power losses compared with commonly used voltage regulators that convert the automotive battery voltage to 5 V. The AS8650 also packs watchdog unit with three monitory timing functions -- startup, window and shutdown -- which allow the timing to be changed, and features to be enabled via either SPI or I²C settings.

The AS8650 offers high-speed CAN interface for up to 1 Mbps communications and conforms to ISO 11898. AS8650 can enter into operation mode via a remote wake-up sequence on the CAN bus lines or with the local wake-up pin. Other functions include brown-out indication, output voltage monitoring, remote and local wake-up, and automatic thermal shutdown protection.

Harald Gall, Automotive Marketing Manager at austriamicrosystems, stated, "With the AS8650, designers have an SBC for automotive control units that offers high integration and high efficiency in one IC. Designed for high-end power management for next-generation automotive applications, the AS8650 is the first smart power management device of a planned family. A pin-compatible IC with a LIN interface will follow in 2011. Alternative solutions require more space and development time or are not able to optimize power losses."

Operating temperature range: -40 to +105°C
Package: Lead-free 36-pin 6 x 6 mm QFN package.


Price: $5.00 in 1K pieces
Availability: Now in samples, volumes targeted for Q1 2011.