Renesas Electronics Introduces Three New Intelligent Power Devices for Automotive Lighting Applications

TOKYO, Japan, May 10, 2011 — Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced three new intelligent power devices (IPDs), the µPD166011, µPD166013 and µPD166014, for use in automotive lighting systems for turn signals and brake light applications. The new IPDs integrate into a single package, power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (Power MOSFETs) as switching elements and control circuits for protection and self-diagnostic functions.

The new IPDs include the µPD166011 with a 12-pin power HSSOP package and two output channels with an on-state resistance (Note 1) of 25 milliohms (mΩ); the µPD166013 with the 12-pin power HSSOP package and two output channels with an on-state resistance of 60 mΩ and the µPD166014 with a 24-pin power HSSOP package and four output channels with an on-state resistance of 60 mΩ.

The new IPD products provide either two or four output channels in a single package. They are offered in three different product versions, with different packages, on-state resistance, and output channel-count characteristics to meet a variety of customer requirements.

The IPD products can be used in combination with Renesas Electronics' existing µPD166009 or µPD166010 devices to drive exterior automotive lamps with varying characteristics, including turn signals, brake lights, headlights, cornering lamps and fog lamps.

Key features of the new IPDs:

(1) Multiple output channels in a single package for more compact control units

The new IPD products are fabricated with a new process that provides tolerance for high voltages and large currents and enables a single-chip configuration. Compared to existing Renesas Electronics products with a single output channel and a TO-252 package, the new µPD166011 and µPD166013 devices implement two output channels in a 12-pin power HSSOP package of about the same size. This means that a lamp-drive circuit block can be built using only half as many of the new IPD products, contributing to a smaller mounting area and a more compact control unit overall.

(2) Three product versions with different packages, on-state resistance, and output channel-count characteristics to meet a variety of customer requirements

Two product versions use the new 12-pin power HSSOP package and provide two output channels with an on-resistance of 25 mΩ or 60 mΩ. If, for example, the lamp drive load conditions change while the control unit is in the development phase, it is possible to switch to an IPD product with a lower on-state resistance while maintaining the same package and pin compatibility. The change can be made without the need to modify the design of the printed wiring board.

In addition, one of the product versions with an on-resistance of 60 mΩ (needed to drive 10 watt (W) and 21 W lamps) provides four output channels for an even greater reduction in the mounting area. These two-channel and four-channel high-side (Note 2) IPD products provide a flexible range of options for driving different numbers and types of lamps.

(3) Excellent reliability

In external automobile lamp applications, the wire harnesses connecting the control units and lamps are long and susceptible to short circuits. High power is applied to IPD devices in short circuit situations; therefore, these devices must be highly robust and capable of withstanding such a state continuously and over a long period of time (Note 3).

The control circuit block of the new IPD products determines when an abnormal condition has occurred due to a short circuit. As a result, they have been certified Grade A, the highest grade under the AEC-Q100 short circuit reliability testing guidelines (AEC-Q100-012).

The new IPD products contribute to the development of environmentally friendly and safer automobiles by providing efficient lamp control and reduced vehicle weight for greater fuel efficiency. Renesas Electronics plans to develop additional IPD products that offer even more protection functions.

(Note 1) The resistance at which a MOSFET operates in the on-state. A lower on-resistance translates into less loss and the ability to handle large current flows.

(Note 2) A switching configuration in which the IPD is placed between the power supply and the load.

(Note 3) The ability to withstand abnormal conditions such as short circuits, either continuously over long periods of time or intermittently.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of Renesas Electronics' µPD166011, µPD166013 and µPD166014 devices are available now priced at US$1.75, US$1.30 and US$1.99 per unit at 1,000 pieces, respectively. Mass production is scheduled to begin in December 2011.
(Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.)

Refer to the separate sheet for product specifications

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.

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.