Configurable Three-Output PMIC Steers Toward Automotive MCUs
A flexible power-management IC (PMIC) developed by STMicroelectronics for highly integrated processors, such as Stellar automotive microcontrollers, lets users program the power-up sequence and fine-tune output voltages and current ranges to fulfill system requirements. The SPSB100 can be used throughout vehicles, in a zonal control unit (ZCU), vehicle control platform (VCP), body-control module (BCM), and gateway modules.
The SPSB100, with three switched-mode buck converters and two linear voltage regulators (LDOs), supplies the voltage rails required for the system microcontroller and can power external peripheral loads and sensors. In addition, there are two wake-up inputs and advanced failsafe functionalities. An internal boost controller stabilizes the power during transients such as cold-cranking pulses, start/stop operation, and weak battery conditions.
All SPSB100 buck converters have overcurrent detection and current limiting for safety, with built-in soft-start to prevent excessive inrush currents. Two of the converters can deliver up to 3-A output current at a selectable output voltage of 3.3, 5, or 6.5 V. The third converter can deliver up to 6 A at 3.3, 1.25, 1.2, 1.1, or 0.98 V.
Among the LDOs, one has a fixed 5-V output capable of sourcing up to 120 mA with 2% accuracy. The second can be configured to track any of the buck converters at 3.3 or 5 V. Also, one high-side driver provides open-load and overcurrent diagnostics.
Further features include integrated non-volatile memory (NVM) for storing the output-voltage values and power-up sequence. An SPI port allows for programming and supports control and diagnostics. Documentation is available for applications that must fulfill Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) requirements in accordance with ISO 26262 for functional safety.
Although fully configurable, the PMIC is supplied in one of two pre-programmed configurations, SPSB100B or SPSB100P respectively, for directly powering the core or the internal switched-mode power supply of the microcontroller.
The SPSB100 is AEC-Q100 qualified and available now in an 8- × 8-mm VFQFN56 package, from $2.40 for orders of 1,000 pieces.
