Freescale intros alternator regulator IC

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Freescale Semiconductor, designer and manufacturer of embedded semiconductors, today announced that it has expanded its alternator regulator portfolio with the new TC80310, a single-chip alternator regulator integrated circuit (IC) that integrates local interconnect network (LIN) to provide increased control for automotive alternators.

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. 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, said a press release.

Developed in conjunction with automotive alternator manufacturers, the TC80310 uses Freescale’s 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, added the release.

“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 and Power Division.

He added that with this single programmable chip, a charging system designer could select the parameters that provide the greatest efficiency improvements in the application.

The TC80310 device and wafer samples are available now and are supported by comprehensive design tools, including evaluation boards, graphic user interfaces and software upon request.