Powering Microprocessors Within Electronic Modules in the Vehicle

PHOENIX--Aug. 27, 2002-- Further expanding its power management portfolio, ON Semiconductor today introduced the NCV8501 and NCV8502 -- two new families of precision micropower voltage regulators for the power management of a wide range of automotive applications including engine and transmission control, body and convenience, telematics and safety.

These robust new 150 milliamp (mA) low dropout (LDO) linear regulators boast a multitude of features, deliver low quiescent current across an extended temperature range and offer the flexibility of output voltages: adjustable, 2.5 volts (V), 3.3 V, 5.0 V, 8.0 V and 10 V. As such, the NCV8501 and NCV8502 devices are ideal for implementation in all automotive applications.

ON Semiconductor's new micropower voltage regulators have been designed and tested to meet the rigorous demands of automotive use, and include full site control, change control, and PPAP documentation.

Features and Benefits

Output voltage for the NCV8501 and NCV8502 is accurate to within 2 percent -- with a maximum dropout voltage of 0.6 V at 150 mA. Both device families feature an active RESET circuit (with DELAY) and a flag monitor that jointly assure operation within the voltage regulation limits of a given application.

The devices are protected against reverse battery, short circuit, and thermal overload conditions, and can withstand a 60 V peak transient voltage that prevents damage during "load dump" conditions.

The NCV8501 features an ENABLE pin, allowing it to be turned off when not in use to conserve power. Both devices feature a RESET pin that indicates when the output voltage drops out of regulation. A DELAY pin disables the RESET function for a programmable period during power-up and certain other events.

In addition, the NCV8502 RESET has an adjustable voltage threshold, allowing it to be optimized for use with different microcontrollers. And in both devices a FLAG/MONITOR function provides an early warning of a reset, allowing the system microcontroller to perform an orderly shutdown.