Transceiver Anticipates Next-Gen Auto Networks

Operating at a differential bus voltage of 1.3V and exhibiting a time skew below 1 ns, the AS8221 bus transceiver fully complies with the FlexRay physical-layer specification, making the device a viable candidate for extreme automotive environments. It supports baud rates up to 10 Mb/s, reportedly ten times the bandwidth available on a CAN-based network and the Bus Guardian interface. Acting as the bidirectional interface between the FlexRay controller and twisted pair, the device initiates two-way communications with the microcontroller with full mode handling including the low-power modes. It also provides an extended diagnostic interface. Other features include bus-failure detection capabilities with intelligent bus-current measurement and logical comparators, a thermal-sensor circuit with shutdown, and symmetrical transient control for the high- and low-side drivers for both the bus-minus and bus-plus lines. The first generation AS8221 is available in a lead-free SSOP20 package. AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS USA INC., Raleigh, NC. (919) 676-5292.