Automotive communication driver IC reduces wiring within vehicle harnesses

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH has developed a new automotive clock extension peripheral interface (CXPI) communication driver/receiver IC for applications within automotive body systems.

Due to the sophistication, automotive body system applications now demand high-speed operation, working incredibly quicker than earlier LIN technology.

Devices based on the CXPI standard – ISO 20794-4 - provide 20kbps multiplex communication for network interfaces within automotive body systems and zone ECUs. This reduces wiring within vehicle harnesses, saving cost, space and weight.

The new development will support the physical layer interface for automotive communication protocols that comply with the CXPI standard. Excellent for battery-based systems, the new design will have a built-in sleep mode that decreases current consumption (IBAT_SLP) to a typical value of only 5µA during standby. Several fault detection functions will be provided, including overtemperature and low voltage detection.

The operating temperature range will be -40C to 125C to ensure suitability for the harsh automotive environment. Also, the design is undergoing conformance testing to AEC-Q100 (Grade1) to display suitability for demanding automotive body applications. For usage in space-constrained automotive applications, the product will be housed in a P-SOP8-0405-1.27-002 package with a footprint of only 6mm x 4.9mm.

Typical applications will include steering switches, door locks, instrument cluster switches, light switches, external mirrors, etc.