
In summary, the main IC design challenges facing an automotive infotainment system architect include the following:
• Changes in design requirements (voltage & current levels) over the project development time
• Many systems need numerous <5V rails
• The current requirements for each rail are frequently unknown until the end of development (e.g. FPGA’s have software dependent Icc)
• Similar applications can have big differences in DC/DC current requirements from revision to revision
• ISO26262 specification, aimed at reducing risks associated with software for safety functions in automobiles
• Balancing power dissipation with the high level of integration of multiple switching regulators
• Immunity to harsh voltage changes from transients and cold crank conditions
• Monitoring power supply IC die temperature
• Minimizing solution size and footprint
• Minimizing EMI and noise emissions
A simple solution
Historically, many of the existing multi-output PMICs have not possessed the necessary flexibility to handle these modern systems. Any solution to satisfy the automotive power management IC design constraints outlined above must combine a high level of integration, including moderate-current buck switching regulators with low voltage capability, wide temperature range of operation, and a high degree of flexibility. What’s needed is a multi-channel, configurable DC/DC converter to address all of these issues - one device - which can provide high levels of integration and configurability, while simultaneously satisfying the needs of numerous applications.
Flexible octal buck regulator
The LTC3375 is an integrated general-purpose power management solution for systems requiring multiple