Infineon TLE9461ESV33: A Comprehensive System Basis Chip for Automotive Applications

The increasing complexity of automotive electronic control units (ECUs) demands highly integrated, robust, and reliable power management solutions. Addressing this need, Infineon Technologies has developed the TLE9461ESV33, a state-of-the-art System Basis Chip (SBC) designed specifically for the harsh environment of automotive applications. This device combines multiple critical functions into a single package, simplifying system design, enhancing reliability, and reducing the overall footprint on the PCB.

At its core, the TLE9461ESV33 is engineered to serve as the central power and communication hub for microcontrollers, particularly those in body control modules, gateways, and sensor integration nodes. Its primary voltage regulator provides a stable 3.3 V or 5.0 V supply for the host microcontroller, capable of delivering currents up to 150 mA. This is complemented by a suite of secondary low-dropout (LDO) regulators to power peripheral circuits and sensors, ensuring clean and reliable power throughout the system.

A key feature of this SBC is its integrated high-speed CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) transceiver. This interface is essential for modern vehicle networking, enabling high-bandwidth and robust communication between ECUs. The transceiver is fully compliant with the latest ISO 11898-2:2016 standard and features excellent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, which is critical for maintaining data integrity in the electrically noisy automotive environment.

Beyond power and communication, the TLE9461ESV33 excels in system monitoring and safety. It includes a windowed watchdog timer and a voltage monitoring circuit that continuously checks the supply levels for the microcontroller and the SBC itself. If any parameter falls outside predefined safe windows, the device can trigger a system reset to prevent malfunctions, thereby enhancing functional safety. Furthermore, its advanced fail-safe and diagnosis capabilities contribute to systems designed to meet ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) requirements.

The device is also designed for resilience. It operates over a wide supply voltage range from 3.0 V to 40 V, making it capable of handling automotive load dump and jump-start scenarios. Its very low quiescent current in standby modes is a critical advantage for applications requiring always-on functionality, as it minimizes battery drain when the vehicle is parked.

In summary, the Infineon TLE9461ESV33 is a highly integrated solution that encapsulates the essential building blocks for modern automotive ECUs. By providing regulated power, secure communication, and robust monitoring in a single chip, it significantly reduces design complexity and bill-of-materials (BOM) costs while improving system reliability and performance.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE9461ESV33 stands out as a premier System Basis Chip that masterfully integrates power management, a CAN FD transceiver, and comprehensive safety and monitoring features, making it an indispensable component for designing efficient and reliable next-generation automotive electronic systems.

Keywords: System Basis Chip, Automotive Applications, CAN FD Transceiver, Power Management, Functional Safety.