Multiple-output automotive regulator IC with buck/boost capability

AEC-Q100 qualified device features two LDO regulators, window watchdog timer and power-on-reset output

Allegro MicroSystems: The new A4409 from Allegro MicroSystems Europe is a power management IC that uses a buck or buck/boost pre-regulator to efficiently convert automotive battery voltages into a tightly regulated intermediate voltage, complete with control, diagnostics and protection features.

The unique buck/boost design of the A4409 allows operation at input voltages below 5 V to accommodate the latest automotive idle-stop requirements. The output of the main switching regulator supplies two low-dropout (LDO) 5 V regulators, one at 300 mA and the other at 200 mA.

This combination of features makes the A4409 ideally suited to supplying power to systems incorporating combinations of microprocessors, digital signal processors, sensors, transceivers and other loads in applications such as automotive control units.

The “enable” input to the A4409 is compatible with a high battery voltage level, and diagnostic outputs from the device include a power-on-reset output (NPOR). Long-term system reliability is increased by the use of dual internal bandgap voltage references, one for regulation and one for fault-checking.

The A4409 also contains a window watchdog timer that can be programmed to accept a wide range of clock frequencies. The watchdog timer has a fixed 30 ms activation delay to accommodate processor startup, and has an enable/disable pin to facilitate initial factory programming or field re-flash programming.

Additional protection features include foldback overcurrent protection for the LDO outputs. The main switching regulator also includes pulse-by-pulse current limiting, “hiccup” mode short-circuit protection, LX short-circuit protection and missing asynchronous diode protection, and the IC has an over-temperature thermal shutdown.

The device is qualified to the AEC-Q100 standards required by the automotive industry.

The A4409 is supplied in a low profile (1.2 mm maximum height), 20-lead eTSSOP package (suffix -LP) with exposed thermal pad.

About Allegro
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC is a leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-performance semiconductors. Allegro's innovative solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive market, with additional focus on office automation, industrial, and consumer/communications solutions. Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts (USA) with design, applications, and sales support centers located worldwide. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com

Allegro MicroSystems Europe, headquartered in Chertsey, United Kingdom, is the European sales and marketing operation, and operates a network of representatives and distributors throughout Europe.  Allegro also has an engineering design centre in Edinburgh in Scotland and an application and marketing centre in Annecy in France.