Programmable PMIC increases ADAS reliability

Space can be saved in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and reliability increased with the L5965 power management integrated circuit (PMIC), says ST Microelectronics.

The seven-output automotive PMIC enables more compact and reliable electronic control units leveraging direct operation from battery voltage with register-programmable output voltages and sequencing and integrated functional-safety mechanisms, explains ST Microelectronics.

With seven regulated outputs, a single L5965 can power an entire camera- or radar-based driver-assistance system including the sensors, memory ICs, processor, and CAN interface circuitry. One-time programmable (OTP) cells for setting the output voltages and sequencing allow the user to configure the PMIC for a variety of ADAS and other in-car applications.

The L5965 can operate directly from the vehicle battery which allows its use without a pre-regulator. Its register-programmable outputs also eliminate voltage setting resistors, and the on-chip regulators can be used without external compensation circuitry.  The PMIC reduces both footprint and bill of materials. The savings in external components also increase system reliability and enhance accuracy, explains ST Microelectronics, by eliminating fluctuation due to environmental effects on external components.

The integrated functional-safety features are designed in compliance with ISO 26262 and enable systems to fulfil Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) requirements up to ASIL-D. The mechanisms include a failure status pin, voltage monitors, ground-loss comparators, analogue and digital built in self-test (BIST), and temperature monitors.

Samples of the L5965 are available now in a small and low-cost 7.0 x 7.0mm QFN48 package that requires no heatsink.

http://www.st.com