Multiple-output automotive regulator IC features buck/boost capability

The unique buck/boost design of the A4409 allows operation at input voltages below 5V to accommodate the latest automotive idle-stop requirements. The output of the main switching regulator supplies two LDO 5V regulators, one at 300mA and the other at 200mA.

This combination of features makes the A4409 suited to supplying power to systems incorporating combinations of MPUs, digital signal processors, sensors, transceivers and other loads in applications such as automotive control units.

The 'enable' input to the A4409 is compatible with a high battery voltage level and diagnostic outputs from the device include a power-on-reset output (NPOR). Long-term system reliability is increased by the use of dual internal bandgap voltage references, one for regulation and one for fault-checking.

The A4409 also contains a window watchdog timer that can be programmed to accept a wide range of clock frequencies. The watchdog timer has a fixed 30ms activation delay to accommodate processor startup and has an enable/disable pin to facilitate initial factory programming or field re-flash programming.

Additional protection features include foldback overcurrent protection for the LDO outputs. The main switching regulator also includes pulse-by-pulse current limiting, 'hiccup' mode short-circuit protection, LX short-circuit protection and missing asynchronous diode protection and the IC has an over-temperature thermal shutdown.

The device is qualified to the AEC-Q100 standards required by the automotive industry. The A4409 is supplied in a low profile (1.2mm maximum height), 20-lead eTSSOP package (suffix -LP) with exposed thermal pad.