LDO keeps watch over automotive supplies

The EM6156 supplies a highly accurate 5V, 120mA output, and includes reverse battery, short circuit and over thermal protections.

Available now from EM Microelectronic, the EM6156 is an automotive-grade low-dropout (LDO) regulator with watchdog.

The integrated device combines voltage regulation, voltage monitoring and software monitoring with a watchdog function.

The EM6156 supplies a highly accurate 5V, 120mA output, and includes reverse battery, short circuit and over thermal protections.

A reset function is activated when the regulator output drops below the threshold voltage.

The watchdog function monitors software cycle time and execution - for example, if software clears the watchdog too slowly, it will cause the system to reset.

The compact power SO8 package is the smallest in this product line to feature an exposed pad, which further guarantees optimal power dissipation under higher current operations.

"The EM6156 is the next in a series of products from EM Microelectronics that truly keep electronic design affordable and efficient", says Marc Degrauwe, CEO of EM Microelectronic.

"It enables very simple and cost effective application designs because it comes in the smallest power SO8 package that requires no external components".

As with all other circuits in the same product line, the EM6156 is automotive-qualified according to AEC-Q100, and can support high voltage operation up to 40V.

Operating at a temperature range from -40 to +125C, the product is compatible with the demanding temperature extremes in automotive and other industrial environments.

It is also ideally suited for use in high-reliability and mission-critical applications.

The EM6156 complements the existing system power IC product line, which includes the EM6151, EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153 integrated circuits.

Other new circuits will be added to this product line soon.

The three newest members of the family, the EM6152, EM6152A and EM6153, incorporate a multimode windowed watchdog timer, reset logic and 5V low drop output automotive voltage regulators with up to 400mA output current capability.

The combined multimode features, supply voltage monitoring, watchdog timing surveillance and system enabled output provide extreme reliability and security in critical microprocessor-controlled automotive, transportation, robotic and process control equipment.

These circuits eliminate the need for redundant microprocessors that supervise each other.

In automotive applications, EM Microelectronic's system power ICs are used to monitor the microprocessors that control electronic cockpit security, as well as other functions such as trunk closure systems, electrical spoiler control, dashboard, sunroof, steering, rear-view mirror and window controls.

The EM6156 is available in an SO8 "power package", and the EM6152A/53 are housed in PSOP-16 "power packages".

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