The automotive industry is working overtime to create vehicle architectures that support the move toward higher levels of automation and electrification. As vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers focus on developing new concepts for efficient, safe, and secure e-mobility, one major advance is optimizing energy management to make EVs a better choice for consumers.
STMicroelectronics’ SPSB081 is a power-management IC (PMIC) that enhances the functionality of electronic control modules, including various standby modes to minimize power consumption with programmable local and remote wake-up capability, as well as LIN (only for SPSB0815 and SPSB0813) and CAN FD physical communication layers.
The SPSB081 chip aims to simplify the design of car-body controllers for a sunroof, seats, tailgate, doors, and lighting modules. Highlighting their adaptability, the controllers can also be used in gateways, HVAC controllers, passive keyless-entry systems, telematic control units, and control panels.
PMIC Features and Specs
The device has one low-drop voltage regulator to supply the system microcontroller and one voltage tracker to provide external peripheral loads such as sensors. V1 is available with a fixed rail and an overvoltage detection and protection solution, while V2 is a tracker voltage regulator of V1, programmable by SPI with 5 or 3.3 V for the system microcontroller.
Moreover, the device features four high-side drivers to supply LEDs and sensors. All outputs are short-circuit-protected and implement open-load diagnosis. The ST standard SPI interface allows control of the device and enables generic software development.
Other notable features of the SPSB081 include low quiescent current (typ. 15 µA in standby modes) to help minimize power consumption, The parts also contain two low-drop voltage regulators (LDOs) for the system MCU and external
Peripherals—the first with a fixed rail (5 or 3.3 V), while the second is a programmable tracker voltage regulator for supplying external peripheral loads such as LEDs and sensors.
Variants of the PMIC
The available variants include the SPSB081C3 and SPSB081C5, which contain a 3.3- or 5-V fixed LDO, respectively, with one CAN transceiver. The SPSB0813 and SPSB0815 contain the additional LIN transceiver.
The secondary LDO, included in all variants, can be programmed through the IC’s SPI port to operate as an independent 3.3- or 5-V regulator, or to track the main LDO. The four high-side drivers can source up to 140 mA to power LEDs and sensors, with current monitoring and a 10-bit pulse-width-modulation (PWM) timer for each channel.
Covering eight different output voltages, the SPSB081 series is a viable solution for electronic platforms that require different rails and peripherals.
Even if not designed as safety hardware element, the device has some features that can be used to support applications that need to fulfill functional-safety requirements as per ISO 26262. Extensive built-in protection is provided, as well as a diagnostic output pin for fail-safe signaling.
All outputs feature overcurrent protection and open-load fault indication. The primary (fixed) LDO features overvoltage protection and thermal-protection circuity, while the secondary (programmable) LDO has overload, overtemperature, short-circuit, and reverse-bias protection. Both have short-to-ground monitoring at startup and continuous regulator-failure monitoring.
Applications include:
- MCU supply
- Body-control module
- HVAC systems
- NFC car door access
- Sunroof modules
The SPSB081 family is AEC-Q100 qualified, specified from −40 to 150°C, and able to operate up to 175°C. All variants are in production and available in a thermally enhanced 5- × 5- × 1-mm QFN32L package, priced from $1.80 for orders of 1,000 pieces.