VDA Compliant LIN Alternator Regulators
STMicroelectronics has introduced the L9918 automotive-grade alternator regulator with enhanced features to ensure the stability of 12V automotive electrical systems. The regulator has a built-in MOSFET and a continuity diode. The MOSFET provides the alternator excitation current, and the continuity diode is responsible for supplying the rotor current when the excitation is switched off. The generator's closed-loop operation features Load Response Control (LRC) and Loop LRC control to stabilize the output voltage as the vehicle's overall electrical demand changes.
The excitation MOSFETs can deliver up to 13A of current to the coil, which is higher than the current handling capability of conventional regulators, thus speeding up the system's response to fluctuations in power demand. In addition, the new MOSFETs feature a very low RDS(on) on-resistance due to the latest manufacturing process, which improves performance while minimizing power dissipation.
The on-chip integrated non-volatile memory (NVM) allows customers to set the L9918's parameters, including voltage set point, alternator characteristics and more. The regulator can be used with alternators with up to nine pole pairs, providing more design flexibility than other regulators for a variety of charging applications.
The L9918 also incorporates a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus interface, which allows easy connection to the vehicle electrical/electronic infrastructure and control of the regulator using an external electronic control unit (ECU) with ECU commands for target voltage, read status and diagnostic information.
The L9918's safety and fail-safe features include phase signal self-start activation, which independently maintains the alternator voltage setpoint if the LIN bus is disconnected for any reason. When communication is restored, the regulator returns control to the ECU Other built-in safety features include current limiting, overcurrent protection and thermal protection, as well as thermal compensation that automatically adjusts the target voltage as the system temperature changes.
The L9918 meets the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) LIN alternator regulator specification, is certified to AEC-Q 100 automotive electronics standards, is ISO26262 compliant, and achieves an ASIL-B automotive safety integrity rating for use in functional safety systems.
If you like this article, may wish to continue to pay attention to our website Oh, later will bring more exciting content. If you have product needs, please contact us
