Enables Compact and Lighter LED Headlight Control Units with High Reliability
New Control IC for Automotive LED Headlights µPD168891
TOKYO, Japan, October 6, 2010 — Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of its new control IC (part number µPD168891) for automotive light emitting diode (LED) headlights.
The main features of the µPD168891 IC are (1) an integrated current-control function for constant-current drive of LEDs and a pre-driver function for driving external metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs); (2) integrated protection functions essential for automotive applications, including LED current and external MOSFET overcurrent protection; and (3) a newly developed compact package with low thermal resistance. The new device can be combined with other devices, such as MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, and choke coils, to build electronic-control units for driving LED headlights such as automotive headlights.
The µPD168891 device is designed to satisfy the requirements of automotive headlight applications by integrating functions required for LED constant current drive as well as other functions.
Main functions of the control IC are as follows:
(1) Integration of functions specifically for automotive LED headlight applications
The μPD168891 device can provide constant-current drive control for up to 12 power LEDs connected in a series. The voltage boost switching frequency can be set to a maximum of 500 kilohertz (kHz), a rate slightly lower than the AM radio frequency band to prevent interference with the car audio system. LED drive is supported for power-supply voltages ranging from 6 volts (V) to 28V. An integrated pre-driver circuit can drive two power MOSFETs used for voltage boost drive and current line cutoff in case of protection works.
(2) Integration of multiple protection functions
The μPD168891 device incorporates several protection functions including overcurrent protection for the LED current and external MOSFETs, over voltage/load (LED) open protection, LED pin short-circuit protection and overheating protection.
A diagnostic function can output information on the device state when a protection function is triggered by a malfunction and a shutoff function controls external power MOSFETs to disable current lines. These functions enable a higher-level unit, such as a body control module to monitor the state of the electronic-control unit and prevent secondary problems due to continuing current flow.
(3) Newly developed compact VQFN package with low thermal resistance
To reduce heat generation and board dimensions, the μPD168891 control IC utilizes a newly designed compact package (48-pin VQFN, 7 millimeters (mm) × 7 mm, lead-free) with low thermal resistance, making it possible to build automotive control units that are more compact and lightweight.
Pricing and Availability
Samples of Renesas Electronics' new µPD168891 control IC are currently available. Sample pricing begins at $5.0 for 100 piece quantities. Mass production is scheduled at first half of FY2012.
Please refer to the separate sheet for the main specifications of Renesas Electronics' new control IC.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live. A global leader in microcontrollers, analog, power and SoC products, Renesas provides comprehensive solutions for a broad range of automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications that help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
(Remarks) All other registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The content in the press release, including, but not limited to, product prices and specifications, is based on the information as of the date indicated on the document, but may be subject to change without prior notice.