ICs & Semiconductors Archives - Page 175 of 227

Embedded safety controller is ‘first to be ASIL-D certified to ISO 26262:2018’

Wed, Feb 26, 2020

Infineon Technologies second generation Aurix (TC3xx) microcontrollers are the first embedded safety controllers worldwide to be certified for the highest automotive safety integrity level (ASIL D), according to the latest version of the ISO 26262 standard.

This standard describes a globally binding procedure for the development and production of safety-critical systems in cars. In December 2018, the current version of the standard replaced the original version from 2011. The certificate was issued by SGS TUEV Saar.

“This certification underpins our leadership in automotive safety,” said Peter Schaefer, vice-president and general manager automotive microcontrollers at Infineon. “We defined the safety architecture of our second generation Aurix microcontrollers before the new version of ISO 26262 was even available, and yet it fulfills all requirements for an ASIL D safety controller. We have achieved this through a holistic approach to safety that resulted in a sophisticated and robust architecture. Second generation Aurix microcontrollers thus provide the safety and trust necessary to make automated driving happen.”

AURIX TC3xx devices have up to six processor cores with 300 MHz clock frequency each. Up to four of them have an additional Lockstep core. With around 3,000 DMIPS, Aurix allows for functionally safe computing power supporting ASIL D among safety microcontrollers. Other features include safe internal communication buses and a distributed memory protection system.

Aurix allows the integration of software with different safety levels from different sources. This allows multiple operating systems and applications, such as steering, braking, airbag and driver assistance systems, to be hosted on a common platform.

As well as computing platforms for automated driving using Aurix as their safety host controller, the microcontrollers are used in radar systems for processing sensor data, in engine and transmission control, brake, airbag and steering systems, central gateways, domain control units, hybrid and electric cars, among other applications.

http://www.infineon.com

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Maxim speeds in with tiny LiDAR ICs with higher bandwidth for faster self-driving cars

Wed, Feb 26, 2020

Designers of automotive self-driving systems can now enable higher-speed autonomous driving through what is described as the industry’s fastest and smallest Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) ICs from Maxim Integrated Products.

The MAX40026 TDFN’s package size measures 4 sq mm and the MAX40660/1 TDFN package size is 9 sq mm. Maxim’s TIAs support 128 channels with an industry high bandwidth of 490MHz for MAX40660 and 2.1pA/√Hz input-referred noise density to support higher accuracy distance measurement in LiDAR applications. In addition, low propagation delay dispersion of the MAX40026 (10 picoseconds) contributes to accurate detection of fixed and moving objects.

And Maxim says that the MAX40660/1 reduces current consumption by more than 80 per cent in low power mode.

Maxim states that compared to the closest competitive solution, the MAX40026 high-speed comparator and the MAX40660/MAX40661 high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifiers enable 10mph (15km per hour) faster autonomous driving at highway speeds by providing more than 2x higher bandwidth and accommodating 32 additional channels (128 v 96) to a LiDAR module within the same module size.

With automotive self-driving systems evolving from 35mph to 65mph and beyond, LiDAR sensors are playing an increasing role in the fusion of vehicle sensors for their ability to provide accurate distance measurement of objects.

According to Maxim, with more than twice the bandwidth and the ability to accommodate 33 per cent more channels within the same LiDAR module size compared to the closest competitor, the MAX40660/MAX40661 transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) provide optical receiver designers with higher-resolution images that enable faster autonomous driving systems.

The system size of the MAX40026 high-speed comparator plus the MAX40660/1 TIAs is 5 sq mm smaller than the closest competitive solution, says Maxim, which allows developers to fit more channels into space-constrained vehicle platforms.

The ICs meet the automotive industry’s stringent safety requirements with AEC-Q100 qualification, enhanced electrostatic discharge performance and failure modes, effects and diagnostic analysis to support ISO 26262 certification at the system level.

“Automotive engineers need elements that support greater precision, lower power and smaller solution size to add next-generation LiDAR capabilities to cars rolling off the assembly line,” said Veronique Rozan, executive director of business management, Core Automotive and Special Projects at Maxim Integrated. “Advancements in LiDAR-based solutions will support greater driver awareness and safety from next-generation automotive navigation systems.”

http://www.maximintegrated.com

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iMotion IMC300 adds Arm MCU for variable speed drive flexibility

Mon, Feb 24, 2020

Infineon Technologies AG has released the IMC300 motor controller series combining the iMotion Motion Control Engine (MCE) with an additional microcontroller based on the Arm Cortex-M0 core.

IMC300 complements the IMC100 series and is aimed at variable speed drives that require high application flexibility. Both families, IMC100 and IMC300, share the same implementation of MCE 2.0 providing ready-to-use motor and optional PFC control.

Applying the MCE for controlling the motor, customers can focus on their system application that runs fully independently on the embedded Arm microcontroller.

Infineon’s field-proven MCE 2.0 implements efficient field oriented control of permanent magnet synchronous motors. The MCE integrates all required hardware and software building blocks as well as all necessary protection features resulting in a reduced bill of material. It undergoes continuous improvements with typically two releases per year.

The autonomous MCU offers a flexible peripheral set and can serve a multitude of purposes such as system functions, specific communication or drive monitoring. IMC300 devices are pre-certified for applications requiring functional safety according to UL/IEC 60730 (‘Class B’).

IMC300 derivatives are offered for motor drives with and without PFC control. Devices in LQFP-64 packages are in mass production, and LQFP-48 types will be released in the second quarter 2020.

Rapid prototyping of a drive inverter is enabled via two new control boards for the iMotion modular application design kit (MADK). MADK is a modular and flexible development platform providing a range of control and power board options for motor drive applications up to 1kW.

Infineon will showcase the new IMC300 series at Embedded World in Nuremberg, February 25 to 27, booth 225, hall 3A.

Highlights include solutions for automated driving and in-vehicle health monitoring, wireless charging, drones as well as automotive and industrial motor control.

http://www.infineon.com

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Secure SoC devices aid IoT in mesh networks

Mon, Feb 24, 2020

New to market is a family of secure, ultra-low-power Zigbee system-on-chip (SoC) devices designed for eco-friendly Internet of Things (IoT) products deployed in mesh networks. The EFR32MG22 (MG22) series is based on Silicon Labs’ Wireless Gecko Series 2 platform and suits Zigbee devices powered by coin cell batteries or energy-harvesting sources. Target applications include smart home sensors, lighting controls, and building and industrial automation.

Zigbee Green Power technology can help address environmental concerns by reducing residential, commercial and industrial energy footprints. Using the same 802.15.4 PHY and MAC of the Zigbee 3.0 protocol, Zigbee Green Power helps reduces power consumption by decreasing the amount of data required for wireless transmission.

Zigbee Green Power was designed to be a highly efficient protocol enabling IoT devices, whether powered by batteries or by “battery-less” energy harvesting options. Silicon Labs has optimised the MG22 SoCs to provide a best-in-class connectivity solution for these power-sensitive wireless applications.

“As the leading Zigbee provider, Silicon Labs is uniquely positioned to lead the way in Zigbee Green Power mesh networking solutions,” said Matt Johnson, senior vice-president and general manager of IoT products at Silicon Labs. “Our new MG22 SoC solution offers an industry-leading combination of energy efficiency, security capabilities, wireless performance, and software tools and stacks to meet the growing market demand for eco-friendly, ultra-low-power IoT products.”

The MG22 SoCs incorporate a high-performance, low-power 76.8 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 core with TrustZone. The SoCs’ combination of ultra-low transmit and receive power (8.2 mA TX at +6 dBm, 3.9 mA RX), 1.4-microA deep-sleep mode power and low-power peripherals helps provide exceptional energy efficiency.

Silicon Labs delivers a suite of security features implemented in Series 2 products including the new MG22 SoCs.

The EFR32MG22 SoCs are planned to start shipping in March in a choice of 5 mm x 5 mm QFN40, 4 mm x 4 mm QFN32 and 0.3 mm x 4 mm x 4 mm TQFN32 packages. The EFR32MG22 SoC starter kit is also scheduled to be available in March, with end device kit pricing starting at $99.

http://silabs.com/mg22

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Embedded safety controller is ‘first to be ASIL-D certified to ISO 26262:2018’

Maxim speeds in with tiny LiDAR ICs with higher bandwidth for faster self-driving cars

iMotion IMC300 adds Arm MCU for variable speed drive flexibility

Secure SoC devices aid IoT in mesh networks

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