
Flexible automotive high-side switch controller
The STMicroelectronics VNF1048F automotive high-side switch controller combines enhanced system-protection and diagnostic features with based on the company’s I2-t silicon-fuse technology.
As the first in the new STi2Fuse family with integrated I2-t protection, the VNF1048F is compatible with 12-V, 24-V, and 48-V automotive power subsystems (board nets). Its flexibility is ideal for the latest automotive zonal electronic/electrical (E/E) architectures that boost efficiency and reliability while supporting increased electrification and extra functions for smart driving.
STi2Fuse is a new family of intelligent fuse to replace standard melting fuses in automotive power distribution systems. The intelligent fuses enable savings on component and production costs, while extending EV range and reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles. Further, the monitoring, control, and digital interface capabilities of these devices help automotive systems comply with ISO26262 and related Safety Integrity Levels (SIL).
The feature-rich and adaptable VNF1048F has a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for a host microcontroller to configure and monitor system-protection and diagnostic features. These include under-voltage and over-temperature protection, thermal protection for the external high-side MOSFET, desaturation shutdown, and I2-t fuse settings. High-precision digital current sensing is built in. Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for monitoring the temperature-sensing thermistor voltage, output voltage, and MOSFET drain-source voltage are also integrated.
The I2-t fuse from ST, a defining feature of the STi2Fuse product family for automotive applications, provides superior fast-acting, resettable, and reliable over-current protection. Silicon fuses also help simplify vehicle wiring harnesses and reduce weight by eliminating user-accessible fuse boxes and the associated cabling and installation overheads. The savings in weight contribute to improving vehicle performance, including extended driving range and reduced CO2 emissions.
The VNF1048FTR is in production now and available in the QFN 32L 5- x 5-mm 32-lead package.
