Design
Infineon Makes Chip-Based Intelligence Available in Extreme Environments; New 8-bit Microcontrollers Operate With No Limitations at 150 °C Ambient Temperature
At the Embedded World Show 2010 in Nuremberg, Infineon Technologies produced a complete and scalable high-temperature 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) family capable of operating at up to 150 °C ambient temperature, meeting the most rigorous industry standard for use in automotive and industrial electronics application environments. The new XC800 150°C family is specified without limitations for the temperature range from -40 °C up to 150 °C. This provides a highly effective alternative to the costly and complex heat dissipation and cooling systems and other alternative approaches used today to incorporate MCUs into harsh operating environments.
The “Infineon is the world’s first MCU manufacturer to offer a complete 8-bit family that operates without limitations at 150 °C ambient temperature and is specified according to AEC-Q100, Grade 0,” said Juergen Hoika, Marketing Director, Microcontrollers at Infineon Technologies. “Different flash memory sizes, scalable peripherals and innovative features of the XC800 150°C family make it easy to select the right product for specific embedded applications.”
AEC-Q100 is a set of reliability stress tests defined by the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC). The new high-temperature devices are qualified and tested in accordance with the AEC-Q100 Grade 0 (-40 °C to 150 °C) requirements, which makes the MCUs ideal for automotive applications in the engine compartment and industrial solutions in extreme and harsh environments.
The XC800 150°C devices can be placed closer to sensors or actuators to enable better connectivity, efficient motor control, and lower system cost when compared to previously available electronic or mechanical solutions. The elimination of heat shields and extra wiring saves cost and reduces complexity in both automotive and industrial applications. All XC800 150°C products are based on Infineon’s robust and proven Flash technology and high-quality manufacturing, ensuring high reliability.