TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced the launch of "TB9044FNG", a general-purpose system power IC with multiple outputs achieving functional safety^[1] for automotive applications. Sample shipments start today, with the mass production scheduled to start in October, 2017.

More and more safety-critical automotive systems, such as electric power steering (EPS) and braking, are required to meet the requirements of ASIL-D^[2], the highest automotive safety integrity level prescribed in the ISO 26262 functional safety standards.

The new IC integrates various failure detection functions, such as high-voltage and low-voltage detection and overheat detection of power supply circuit, to monitor against the IC’s own failure, and a watchdog timer to monitor failure detection of the external microcomputer. An initial diagnosis circuit to detect latent faults in the failure detection circuits is also incorporated to secure higher functional safety.

Toshiba has also carried out a range of functional safety analyses to simulate system failures and will provide customers with documentation, such as functional safety FMEDA^[3], to support overall safety analysis and design.

Key Features

1. Various built-in monitoring circuits for functional safety
   Low-voltage detection circuit for battery power supply
   High-voltage detection circuit for DC-DC converter (6V)
   High-voltage / low-voltage detection circuit for series power supply (5V)
   Overheat detection circuit
   Oscillator frequency monitoring circuit
   Watchdog timer circuit monitoring the external MCU
2. Diagnostic circuit for failure detection circuits for functional safety
   A built-in diagnostic circuit in the failure-detection circuit detects any latent faults.
3. Built-in buck-boost DC-DC converter
   The IC generates 6V output from a high efficiency buck-boost DC-DC converter.
   In consideration of voltage drop after idling reduction, the low side operating voltage range is improved down to 2.7V (min.) with battery operation.
4. Built-in 4 series power supply^[4] circuits (4 outputs)
   The IC incorporates four series power supply circuits receiving the 6V input generated by the DC-DC converter.
   It also incorporates a circuit with a 5V constant voltage (current capacity is 400mA) for the microcomputer, and three circuits with 5V constant voltage output (current capacity is 100mA) for sensors and other interfaces. Each of them can output a voltage independently.
5. Selectable operation for failure detections
   Customers can set the system to respond to detected failures in one of two ways, using the SPI ^[5] communication input setting. One setting outputs a reset signal to the system; the other provides notification of the abnormal operation to the system. Selection can be made according to the customer’s application or system.

Note1: Functional-safety-based standards seek to minimize risk resulting from system failures. ISO26262 certification recognizes that a company's processes or products for electrical and electronic (E/E) systems for car applications meet the stringent criteria specified in the standard and provides third parties with an independent means of assessing the capabilities of a potential supplier.
Note2: ASIL: Automotive Safety Integrity Level
Note3: FMEDA: Failure Modes Effects and Diagnostics Analysis
Note4: Series power supply: The DC power supply circuit in which a voltage control element was connected to a load in series.
Note5: SPI: Serial Peripheral Interface

For further information about Toshiba's System Power Supply ICs, please visit:
http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/product/automotive/powersupply.html

Customer Inquiries
Automotive Sales and Marketing Department
Tel: +81-3-3457-3428
http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/contact.html

*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.

About Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company, channels world-class capabilities in advanced electronic and electrical product and systems into five strategic business domains: Energy & Infrastructure, Community Solutions, Healthcare Systems & Services, Electronic Devices & Components, and Lifestyles Products & Services. Guided by the principles of The Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future”, Toshiba promotes global operations and is contributing to the realization of a world where generations to come can live better lives.

Founded in Tokyo in 1875, today’s Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 580 consolidated companies employing 199,000 people worldwide, with annual sales surpassing 6.6 trillion yen (US$55 billion).
To find out more about Toshiba, visit www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

Toshiba: "TB9044FNG", a general-purpose system power IC with multiple outputs achieving functional safety for automotive applications. (Photo: Business Wire)