uPD168891 – Control IC for Automotive LED Headlights
Renesas Electronics Introduces New Control IC for Automotive LED Headlights
Enables Compact and Lighter LED Headlight Control Units with High Reliability
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of its new control IC (part number uPD168891) for automotive light-emitting diode (LED) headlights.
The main features of the uPD168891 IC are (1) an integrated current-control function for constant-current drive of LEDs and a pre-driver function for driving external metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs); (2) integrated protection functions essential for automotive applications, including LED current and external MOSFET overcurrent protection; and (3) a newly developed compact package with low thermal resistance. The new device can be combined with other devices, such as MOSFETs, Schottky diodes, and choke coils to build electronic-control units for LED headlights in automobiles.
The uPD168891 device is designed to satisfy the requirements of automotive headlight applications by integrating functions required for LED constant-current drive as well as other functions.
Main functions of the control IC
(1) Integration of functions specifically for automotive LED headlight applications
The uPD168891 device can provide constant-current drive control for up to 12 power LEDs connected in a series. The voltage-boost switching frequency can be set to a maximum of 500 kilohertz (kHz), a rate slightly lower than the AM radio frequency band to prevent interference with the car audio system. LED drive is supported for power-supply voltages ranging from 6 volts (V) to 28V. An integrated pre-driver circuit can drive two power MOSFETs used for voltage-boost drive and current-line cutoff in case of protection works.
(2) Integration of multiple protection functions
The uPD168891 device incorporates several protection functions including overcurrent protection for the LED current and external MOSFETs, over voltage/load (LED) open protection, LED pin short-circuit protection and overheating protection. A diagnostic function can output information on the device state when a protection function is triggered by a malfunction, and a shutoff function controls external power MOSFETs to disable current lines. These functions enable a higher-level unit, such as a body control module, to monitor the state of the electronic-control unit and prevent secondary problems due to continuing current flow.
(3) Newly developed compact VQFN package with low thermal resistance
To reduce heat generation and board dimensions, the uPD168891 control IC uses a newly designed compact package (48-pin VQFN, 7 millimeters (mm) x 7 mm, lead-free) with low thermal resistance, making it possible to build automotive control units that are more compact and lightweight.
More information can be found at http://www.renesas.com/press/news/news20101006_s.html
Pricing and Availability
Samples of Renesas Electronics’ new uPD168891 control IC are currently available. Sample pricing begins at US$5.00 for 100-piece quantities. Mass production is scheduled for first half fiscal 2012.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), the world’s number one supplier of microcontrollers, is a premiere supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions including microcontrollers, SoC solutions and a broad-range of analog and power devices. Business operations began as Renesas Electronics in April 2010 through the integration of NEC Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723) and Renesas Technology Corp., with operations spanning research, development, design and manufacturing for a wide range of applications. Headquartered in Japan, Renesas Electronics has subsidiaries in 20 countries worldwide. More information can be found at www.renesas.com.
