Car camera power protector IC ensures safety
The MAX20087 dual/quad camera protector IC is designed to help protect the multiple cameras found on today’s vehicles that support safety features like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Given that these car cameras play such a critical role in safety, says the company, it’s imperative to ensure that they are powered properly, operate reliably, and comply with the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL).
Automotive cameras can be supported by various power management schemes, covering the path that spans from the car battery providing the power source to the remote cameras themselves. The MAX20087 ASIL-grade camera protector (complying with ASIL B through ASIL D) with integrated I2C-based diagnostics offers the following:
- Provides two or four 600mA protection switches in a 4mm x 4mm, 20-pin TQFN package
- Supports four cameras simultaneously; two of the devices in parallel on the same bus support eight cameras
- Protects each output individually from short-to-battery, short-to-ground, and overcurrent conditions
With the functionality integrated into the device, says the company, the MAX20087 minimizes the need for discrete components. For example, since the device blocks short-to-battery from backfeeding to the supply rail, a reverse blocking diode isn’t needed for each channel. An integrated 8-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) monitors current, voltage, and supply readings as required for ASIL compliance.
An evaluation kit – the MAX20087EVKIT – can operate as a stand-alone protector or be connected to a controller through an I2C interface for advanced control and diagnostics, and is the starting point for assessing the MAX20087.
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