TI unveils integrated power controller for automotive apps

DALLAS, USA: Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) introduced a dual output power supply for automotive applications that ensures stable, uninterrupted output voltages, even in cases where the input voltage drops significantly below the output voltage levels.

The start/stop function in many new car models increases fuel economy, but also leads to significant drops in the supply voltage when restarting the engine. The TPS43330-Q1 family remains fully functional during such voltage drops and ensures that applications continue to work without interruption or performance reduction. The devices' ultra-low quiescent current makes the use of a separate standby voltage supply unnecessary, thus reducing system cost and complexity.

Key features and benefits of the TPS43330-Q1 family
* Wide input voltage range of 2 V to 40 V and transients up to 60 V ensure continued operation, even under severe battery voltage conditions.
* Ultra-low quiescent current as low as 35 uA and lower shutdown current of 5 uA reduces the overall application power consumption from the battery in standby operation, extending battery lifetime and eliminating the need for a standby voltage regulator.
* Spread spectrum frequency modulation reduces conducted electromagnetic interference and allows for simpler, lower-cost filters.
* Individual enable and power good signals for both supply rails allow the customer flexible power sequencing based on specific application needs.
* Integration of multiple voltage rails and voltage supervisors reduces board space, design complexity and system cost compared to a discrete solution.
* Dedicated high-side FET driver enables overall efficiency improvement by bypassing the external reverse-battery protection diode with an external PMOS FET.

Samples of the TPS43330-Q1 and TPS43332-Q1 are available now in an HTSSOP-38 (DAP) package. Suggested retail pricing for the TPS43330-Q1 family ranges from $2.85 to $3.10 in 1,000-unit quantities.