Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a family of MC338xx and MC3399xx octal serial switch integrated circuits for driver instrumentation, body control modules and other in-vehicle electronics applications. The devices are designed to manage control of multiple high-side, low-current on/off type inductive loads such as relays and solenoids, LED indicators, and small lamps with integral thermal and over-voltage, over-current protection. They can also reduce board space and improve automotive electronics system reliability, according to Arman Naghavi, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Analog, Mixed-Signal and Power Division.
“As the need to control multiple dc loads grows increasingly common, the ability to configure multiple outputs quickly and efficiently has become a sought-after feature. Our serial switch family, with up to 16 outputs and advanced self-configuration capabilities, effectively addresses this technical challenge,” Naghavi said. The switch circuits operate over a voltage range from 5 V to more than 25 V. Their load current capability is up to 2.5 A per-channel peak circuit.