AMI Semiconductor's Single Chip LIN Transceiver and Vreg ICs Reduce Component Count of In-Vehicle Networking Applications.

Integrated ICs can Improve Reliability and Drive Down Cost of LIN-Based IVN Designs

POCATELLO, Idaho -- AMI Semiconductor (NASDAQ:AMIS), a leading designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products for the automotive, medical and industrial markets, has announced new devices that bring together LIN (Local Interconnect Network) transceiver and voltage regulator functionality in a single low-power, mixed-signal chip. The integration offered by the AMIS-40615 and AMIS-40616 will allow automotive design engineers to improve the reliability while reducing the component count, power consumption and cost of LIN-based in-vehicle networking (IVN) applications.

Designed to interface between a LIN protocol controller and the physical bus, the AMIS-40615 and AMIS-40616 are compact devices offering 3.3V and 5.0V voltage regulation respectively. The integrated LIN transceiver delivers transmission rates to 20kbaud, is fully compliant with LIN v.2.0, and backwards compatible with previous versions of the LIN specification. Target applications for the new ICs will include remote keyless entry, electronic steering locks, alarms, window controls, mirror positioning, seat movement and other automotive systems requiring low-cost, reliable, low-power LIN slave implementation.

The new AMIS ICs achieve high performance results on a standard sub-micron CMOS 0.35 micron mixed-signal SmartPower technology. This technology enables both high-voltage analog circuitry and a dense digital functionality to co-exist in a single chip. As well as allowing the integration of LIN transceiver and voltage regulator, the Smart Power technology ensures that the devices are fully protected against load dump (to 45V), high ESD protection to +/-8kV, and other transients that occur in the automotive environment. Indefinite short circuit protection between supply and ground, a thermal shutdown capability and an integrated slope control function to ensure low electromagnetic emission (EME) are also standard features.

Both the 3.3V and 5V regulator functions are capable of supplying an external current up to 30mA. Enable inputs for standby and sleep modes ensure minimum power consumption when device operation is not required. Wake-up input commands can be via either the LIN bus or a dedicated wake-up pin. An INH output is provided for control of auxiliary functions such as external regulators or the switching of external pull-up resistors.

Supplied in 14-pin SOIC packages, the AMIS-40615 and AMIS-40616 are designed to work in harsh automotive environments in accordance with the TS16949 automotive qualification. Rated operating temperature for the devices is -40ae to 105aeC.

Unit pricing for the AMIS-40615 and AMIS-40616 is $0.73 in volumes up to 5000.

About AMI Semiconductor

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centers located in the key markets of North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.