Infineon TLE8718SA: A High-Performance System Basis Chip for Automotive Power Applications
The increasing complexity of automotive electronic control units (ECUs) demands highly integrated, robust, and efficient power management solutions. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies' TLE8718SA stands out as a premier System Basis Chip (SBC) designed specifically for the rigorous demands of modern vehicle architectures. This device combines multiple critical functions into a single package, simplifying design, enhancing reliability, and reducing the overall system footprint.
At its core, the TLE8718SA is engineered to power and manage microcontrollers (MCUs) in safety-relevant and powertrain applications, such as engine control modules, transmission control units, and chassis systems. Its primary function is to provide a stable and protected power supply for the host MCU. It features two independent voltage regulators: a main 5V/300mA regulator for the MCU core and a secondary 5V/100mA regulator for peripheral components or as a backup source. This ensures critical systems remain operational even under fluctuating electrical conditions.
A key strength of this SBC is its advanced communication capabilities. It integrates two high-speed CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) transceivers, compliant with the latest ISO 11898-2:2016 standard. These transceivers support data rates up to 5 Mbit/s, enabling fast and reliable data exchange within the vehicle network, which is crucial for real-time control and diagnostics. The built-in CAN partial networking functionality is a significant feature for reducing quiescent current, allowing parts of the network to enter a sleep mode while waiting for a specific message to wake up. This is essential for meeting the automotive industry's stringent low-power requirements and minimizing battery drain in start-stop systems and electric vehicles.
Beyond power and communication, the TLE8718SA excels in system monitoring and protection. It includes a window watchdog and a voltage supervisor to monitor the MCU’s activity and supply voltage, ensuring a safe state in case of software hangs or power anomalies. The chip also offers extensive fail-safe and diagnostic features, including overtemperature warning, under-voltage lockout (UVLO), and over-current protection on all outputs. Its SPI interface allows the host microcontroller to configure the SBC's settings and read out detailed diagnostic information, enabling predictive maintenance and enhanced system robustness.
Furthermore, the device provides a suite of high-side and low-side drivers capable of controlling external loads like LEDs, resistors, or small relays directly. This further consolidates the system design by eliminating the need for additional driver ICs.
Built using Infineon’s proven SMART POWER technology, the TLE8718SA is qualified for the harsh automotive environment, operating over a wide temperature range from -40°C to 150°C and offering high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The Infineon TLE8718SA is a comprehensive and highly integrated system basis chip that encapsulates power supply, communication, and monitoring functions. Its high level of integration, coupled with advanced features like CAN FD partial networking and robust diagnostic capabilities, makes it an indispensable component for developing compact, reliable, and energy-efficient automotive control systems, particularly in powertrain and safety-critical domains.
Keywords:
1. System Basis Chip (SBC)
2. CAN FD Transceiver
3. Voltage Regulator
4. Automotive Power Management
5. Partial Networking
