ON Semiconductor intros new series of adjustable output low dropout voltage regulators for automotive apps

PHOENIX, USA: ON Semiconductor, a premier supplier of high performance silicon solutions for energy efficient electronics, has announced two new low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator ICs. Building on the company’s market-leading power management portfolio for automotive applications, the new devices are ideal for use in audio and infotainment systems, instrument cluster, navigation and satellite radio.

The new NCV47700 and NCV47701 LDOs feature an output diagnostic pin CSO that can be used to detect open and shorted loads. Using a resistor connected to the CSO provides an adjustable output current level between 10 milliamperes (mA) and 350 mA with ±10% accuracy. Tying the ADJ pin to ground configures the NCV47700 and NCV47701 to be a current limited high-side switch.

High peak input voltage tolerance and reverse input voltage protection, as well as overcurrent and overtemperature protection functions are all included to safeguard against the effects of the harsh operating conditions typical of automotive applications. An integrated current sense feature negates the need to implement a discrete solution that would use more board space and raise the total component count.

Adjustable output voltage versions of the devices are available; these cover the 5 volt (V) to 20 V range, with ± 6 percent accuracy for the NCV47700 and ± 3 percent accuracy for the NCV47701. Both new LDO voltage regulator ICs have a junction operating temperature range of -40 ⁰C to +150 ⁰C, that matches or exceeds the specifications stipulated by the automotive industry.

“These feature-packed LDOs are differentiated from alternative market offerings by integrated current sensing functionality and an array of protection mechanisms,” said Jim Alvernaz, director of the Automotive product division at ON Semiconductor. “The devices enable electronic design engineers to implement power management subsystem diagnostics, without the employment of a discrete current measurement circuit or additional protection components. This leads to improved power regulation in the audio/infotainment systems, instrumentation clusters and navigation systems found in modern vehicles.”

The NCV47700 is offered in a SOIC−8 package and priced at $0.72 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities, while the NCV47701 is offered in SOIC−8 package and priced at $0.77 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities.