AMI Semiconductor Introduces Two New Transceivers for Automotive Applications.

POCATELLO, Idaho -- Low-Speed, Fault Tolerant CAN Transceivers Include Industry's First 3.3V I/O Part, Combine Low-Power Operation with Excellent EMC Performance

AMI Semiconductor (Nasdaq:AMIS), a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal and structured digital products, today announced that it has expanded its family of compact, integrated controller area network (CAN) transceivers with two new low-speed, fault tolerant integrated circuits (ICs), including the industry's first 3.3V I/O part. Designed for existing and emerging automotive applications, the transceivers combine very low power operation with high tolerance to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Fully compliant with the ISO 11898-3 CAN standard, the AMIS-41682 and AMIS-41683 transceivers provide the interface between the protocol controller and the physical wires of the bus lines in a CAN. The devices are optimized for in-vehicle, low-speed communications at speeds up to 125kBaud. The 5V I/O AMIS-41682 is pin-and function-compatible with existing standard parts such as the Philips TJA1054AT, making it ideal for new applications and for use as a drop-in replacement in existing designs. The 3.3V I/O AMIS-41683 is suited to the latest automotive applications that require direct interface with a 3.3V I/O microcontroller such as engine control modules, body controllers or safety related applications.

Designed to minimize power consumption, both the AMIS-41682 and AMIS-41683 operate with typical supply currents of just 3.7mA. Each device also features three low-power modes -- sleep, standby and power-on standby -- that further reduce power consumption when the transceivers are inactive. In sleep mode the total power consumption is typically 35 micro Amps. Wake-up can be controlled via bus lines, power-on reset flag outputs and edge-sensitive wake-up input.

The new devices combine a built-in slope control function with excellent differential output matching drivers to realize very low electromagnetic emissions. A fully integrated differential receiver filters with a wide common-mode range ensures high tolerance to EMI. Use of AMI Semiconductor's advanced high-power, mixed-signal semiconductor processes results in ESD ratings of +/-8 kV HBM (human body model) on all high-voltage pins, as well as providing protection against short circuit and reverse battery conditions.

Compliant with all relevant automotive specifications, the AMIS-41682 and AMIS-41683 transceivers operate across the full automotive temperature range. Up to 32 nodes may be connected on the bus. In the event of bus failures, the transceivers' bus failure management capability automatically switches operation to single-wire mode, even when the CANH bus wire is short circuited to VCC. Additional in-built functionality includes protection against short circuits, thermal overload and transients found in the automotive environment.

Both of the new devices are available in 'green' SOIC 150 14 packages and are priced at $0.93 per unit at quantities of 5,000 units.

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 products, mixed-signal foundry services 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 the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.