Freescale introduces fully integrated LIN controlled automotive alternator regulator

With a single-wire LIN connection to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU), the ECU can control energy management modes and contribute to energy savings, which is particularly important as regional CO2 targets are established. Designed to provide the alternator voltage regulator function with limited use of additional components, the TC80310 system-on-a-chip also optimizes the alternator charging system phase.



Developed in conjunction with automotive alternator manufacturers, the TC80310 uses Freescale’s versatile SMARTMOS mixed-signal processing technology that combines analog, digital and power circuitry to provide an application-specific standard product with a high degree of programmability. Twenty one-time programmable memory functions allow alternator developers to optimize the chip for improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.



“The LIN-controlled alternator regulator’s design satisfies automotive requirements for standard components while providing our customers custom design functionality,” said Gavin Woods, vice president and general manager of Freescale’s Analog, Mixed-Signal & Power Division. “With this single programmable chip, a charging system designer can select the parameters that provide the greatest efficiency improvements in the application.”



Among the IC’s programmable features is default regulation voltage from 10.6V up to 16V that is set during final test. This is the value the alternator manufacturer uses to control the battery regulation voltage to optimize overall performance as well as battery life during the lifetime of the vehicle. At the same time, the charging system achieves faster response time once the load response control (LRC) disable frequency is achieved. LRC eliminates engine speed hunting and vibration resulting from sudden increases in electrical loads that cause abrupt torque loading of the engine at low RPM. In addition, LIN commands vary the LRC rate and disable frequency for optimum performance.



Additional TC80310 features include:



integrated high side excitation driver (field);

internal free wheeling diode;

rotor excitation coil up to 8.0A;

thermal protection;

thermal compensation to avoid thermal runaway;

LIN 1.3 interface;

rotor control and die temperature monitoring via LIN communication;

self-start operation available in case of LIN disconnection; and

multiple adjustments capability for loop regulation.

Pricing and Availability

TC80310 device and wafer samples are available now. The TC80310 devices are supported by comprehensive design tools, including evaluation boards, graphic user interfaces and software upon request. Devices are one-time programmable and available in die only. Contact Freescale sales for pricing and limited engineering samples.