EM Microelectronic Introduces New Automotive-Grade Low Dropout Regulator With Watchdog
Colorado Springs, CO - EM Microelectronic, the semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, announces the EM6156, a new automotive-grade (-40 to +125°C) Low Drop Output (LDO) regulator with watchdog – enhancing the company's existing highly-integrated system power IC family. The integrated device combines voltage regulation, voltage monitoring and software monitoring with a watchdog function.
The EM6156 supplies a highly accurate 5V, 120mA output, and includes reverse battery, short circuit and over thermal protections. A reset function is activated when the regulator output drops below the threshold voltage. The watchdog function monitors software cycle time and execution – for example, if software clears the watchdog too slowly, it will cause the system to reset.
The compact power SO8 package is the smallest in this product line to feature an exposed pad, which further guarantees optimal power dissipation under higher current operations. "The EM6156 is the next in a series of products from EM Microelectronics that truly keep electronic design affordable and efficient," says Marc Degrauwe, CEO of EM Microelectronic. "It enables very simple and cost effective application designs because it comes in the smallest power SO8 package that requires no external components."
Applications
As with all other circuits in the same product line, the EM6156 is automotive-qualified according to AEC-Q100, and can support high voltage operation up to 40V. Operating at a temperature range from -40 to +125°C, the product is compatible with the demanding temperature extremes in automotive and other industrial environments. It is also ideally suited for use in high-reliability and mission-critical applications.
The EM6156 complements the existing system power IC product line, which includes the EM6151, EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153 integrated circuits. Other new circuits will be added to this product line soon. The three newest members of the family, the EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153, incorporate a multi-mode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic and 5V low drop output automotive voltage regulators with up to 400mA output current capability.
The combined multi-mode features, supply voltage monitoring, watchdog timing surveillance and system enabled output provide extreme reliability and security in critical microprocessor-controlled automotive, transportation, robotic and process control equipment. These circuits eliminate the need for redundant microprocessors that supervise each other.
In automotive applications, EM Microelectronic's system power ICs are used to monitor the microprocessors that control electronic cockpit security, as well as other functions such as trunk closure systems, electrical spoiler control, dashboard, sunroof, steering, rear-view mirror and window controls.
Availability
The EM6156 is available in an SO8 "power package", while the EM6152A/53 are available in a PSOP-16 "power package" from EM Microelectronic and its authorized distributors.
EM Microelectronic
EM Microelectronic is a semiconductor manufacturer that designs and produces ultra-low-power, low-voltage, digital, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for battery-operated and field-powered devices in consumer, automotive and industrial applications. The company's product portfolio includes RFID circuits, ultra-low-power microcontrollers, voltage reset IC and microcontroller IC supervisors, watchdog, regulators, smart card ICs, LCD drivers and displays, sensor and optoelectronic ICs, mixed analog and digital gate arrays and application-specific integrated circuits. EM also produces LCD modules and offers bumping services.
SOURCE: EM Microelectronic