Highly integrated SoC for automotive lighting systems

NOVOSENSE Microelectronics has launched the NSUC1500-Q1, a highly integrated SoC designed to satisfy the demands of modern automotive ambient lighting systems.

The SoC can be combined with the high-precision NSLxxxxx series of linear LED drivers optimised for conventional tail-lights, through-type dynamic tail-lights and illuminated grilles for an integrated automotive lighting solution.

The integrated solution is aimed at automotive tail-lights and interior lighting modules, EV charging door indicators, and other RGB/RGBW-based lighting systems needing compact, efficient and intelligent control.

“As the demand for interior ambient lighting increases, OEMs face ongoing challenges in delivering accurate dimming, colour mixing control and thermal reliability, especially across complex distributed networks,” said Feng GAO, product line marketing manager of NOVOSENSE. “The NSUC1500-Q1 reduces system complexity down to a single chip, saving PCB space and lowering overall BOM cost for automotive lighting module developers.”

At the heart of the device is a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core with 32KB Flash, 2KB EEPROM, 15K ROM, and dedicated memory for runtime operations. The SoC includes four LED driver channels capable of delivering up to 64mA each, controlled through enhanced 16-bit independent PWM outputs. A 12-bit ADC, in combination with an integrated temperature sensor and voltage monitoring, allows automatic compensation for the LED colour shifts due to temperature changes or ageing.

The integrated LIN transceiver and controller support LIN 2.x and SAE J2602 communication standards, with features such as auto-addressing to simplify network setup. The device supports software updates via the ROM-based UDS bootloader without occupying Flash memory.

The NSUC1500-Q1 is available in QFN-24, SOP8, and HSOP8 packages and supports a wide operating voltage range from 6V to 28V.

Target applications include automotive interior light modules, charging door indicators and body lighting.

The company will showcase the Soc at PCIM 2025 (Hall 4A, Booth 119) from 6 to 8 May 2025.