Serial Switches Distribute Power In Auto Apps

Designed for high- and low-side switching in vehicle-body control systems, the MC338xx and MC3399x octal serial switches control low-current on/off type inductive loads with integral thermal and over-voltage/over-current protection. With up to 16 outputs and self-configuration capabilities, the devices promise to reduce the number of necessary components and simplify designs. The MC33879 and MC33880 single-octal serial switches are capable of switching eight high-side loads, while the MC33996 and MC33999 dual-octal switches handle 16 high-side loads. Outputs are configurable in parallel to drive higher current loads. Additionally, the MC33999 device offers eight dedicated outputs that support PWM chores. All devices in the family are controllable through a SPI port. Other shared features include an operating voltage range from 5V to more than 25V, load currents up to 2.5A per channel peak, and an operating temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. Prices range from $1.83 to $3.48 each/10,000. FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC., Austin, TX. (800) 521-6274.