Amtel unveils LIN ICs for car comfort apps

Atmel Corp. has released the ATA6623 and ATA6625 LIN system basis chips designed in compliance with the LIN 2.0 specification and the SAEJ2602 standard.

The new devices incorporate Atmel's second-generation LIN transceiver and can operate at supply voltages up to 40V with the company's high-voltage BCD-on-SOI technology SMARTIS and the SO8 power package. Applications include automotive comfort applications such as door modules, seat control or intelligent sensors, and powertrain applications.

As with all Atmel LIN ICs, the new ATA6623 and ATA6625 provide ESD stability of greater than 6 kV, which is the standard for modules with external components. The new LIN devices are highly integrated. In addition to the LIN transceiver, they also incorporate a low-drop voltage regulator (ATA6623: 3.3V output voltage, ATA6625: 5V output voltage). As a result, system costs can be reduced by approximately 20 percent.

In addition, less board space is needed, which makes these devices suited for applications requiring very small footprints. The SMARTIS process uses SOI substrate, which results in an extremely low leakage current and a significant reduction in crosstalk between the analogue and digital circuits on the same die as well as latch-up-free operation at high temperatures. The use of SOI also results in lower parasitic effects, which improves EMC performance.

The devices offer several protective features such as overtemperature shutdown and full protection against short circuits. The new LIN ICs also meet strict automotive qualification demands and can withstand transients according to ISO/TR 7637/1.

ATA6623 and ATA6625 samples are available in lead-free SO8 packages with pricing starting at Rs.36 (89 cents) each for 10,000-piece quantities.