STMicroelectronics First-to-market STPM801 Automotive Integrated Hot Swap Ideal Diode Controller

STMicroelectronics' STPM801 is the first to market an ideal diode controller with integrated thermal switching for automotive applications, suitable for automotive functional safety applications.

This ideal diode controller drives an external MOSFET switch, replacing the Schottky diodes commonly used in input reverse protection and output voltage hold circuits. The voltage drop across the MOSFET is lower than the forward voltage of the Schottky diode, therefore, the power dissipated during normal operation is also lower than that of the diode. When a fault such as power failure, brownout, or input short circuit causes a reverse voltage event, turning off the power MOSFET prevents the associated reverse current transient event.

The ideal diode control circuit also provides an ORing controller for main power and backup battery power switching, ensuring uninterrupted power supply for safety-critical equipment such as autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

A built-in hot-swap controller drives a second external N-channel MOSFET to protect the load during main power and battery backup switching. The soft-start function charges a capacitor of known value connected to the gate with a constant current to control the turn-on transient event of the second MOSFET and avoid high inrush currents. The overvoltage and undervoltage pins cut off the output voltage as long as the input voltage is not within the specified threshold.

The STPM801 also has protection and monitoring functions and is suitable for systems with functional safety requirements up to ISO 26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) D. These functions are integrated in a 5mm x 5mm VFQFN-32 package, saving PCB board area and minimizing external component count.

With an operating voltage range of 4V-65V, the STPM801 is tolerant to automotive electrical hazards, and its 25µA quiescent current minimizes battery drain when the vehicle is off. Target applications include zone/body ECUs, ADAS ECUs, high performance computing ECUs, infotainment ECUs, redundant power supply systems, and dual battery systems.

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