ICs optimized for powertrain and in-cabin deployment

The NCV8876 non-synchronous boost controller runs off a 2 V to 44 V input voltage and comes with automatic wake up and shutdown functions. Designed to supply a minimum output voltage during start-stop conditions in order to counteract sag in the vehicle’s battery voltage, the NCV8876 is enabled when the supply voltage drops below 7.2 V with boost operation initiated once this voltage goes under 6.8 V, with the IC driving an external N-channel MOSFET. A quiescent current of just 11 microamperes (µA) is drawn when the device is in sleep mode so that power consumption is minimised. Protection features include cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown (with a 170 ⁰C threshold) and hiccup-mode over-current protection. Its peak current mode control with internal slope compensation ensures device stability over the entire voltage range.This ensures that it is protected during a current fault condition by turning off the power switch for the remainder of the cycle if the current limit is exceeded.

Targeted at sophisticated driver assistance systems now being incorporated into modern vehicles, the NCV896530 is a 2.1 MHz switching frequency dual channel step-down DC-DC converter. With both channels externally adjustable (covering 0.9 V to 3.3 V) and being able to source currents up to 1600 mA, the NCV896530's synchronous rectification enables the device to offer enhanced system efficiency. Features such as integrated soft-start, cycle-by-cycle current limit and thermal shutdown protection mean the NCV896530 is ideal for harsh automotive environments. The NCV8876 and NCV896530 both support a junction temperature range of−40 °C to 150 °C.

“The NCV8876 is an off-the-shelf device with the ability to react to low battery conditions automatically, whereas alternative solutions either require the expense of designing a custom ASIC in order to get the required performance, or are based on discrete components but achieve far slower response times,” states Jim Alvernaz, director of the Automotive product division at ON Semiconductor. “The NCV896530, as it has a 2.1 MHz switching frequency, does not interfere with the AM band. Furthermore, because its channels are 180° out of phase with one another, peak current demand on the rail is markedly reduced.”

The NCV8876 is offered in an SOIC-8 package and the NCV896530 is enclosed in a DFN-10 package. The RoHS compliant NCV8876 and NCV896530 are priced at $0.90 and $1.20 USD per unit respectively in 3,000 unit quantities.