STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company, has simultaneously enhanced efficiency and safety with its low-cost automotive power management IC.

ST has launched the 'SPSA068', a compact, low-cost power management IC (PMIC) for automotive applications.

The SPSA068 is designed to simplify power management for single-supply microcontroller (MCU)-based applications. It is AEC-Q100 qualified and supports ASIL-B level of ISO 26262 functional safety (FuSa) standards.

The device integrates all key MCU power management features, including a 1A battery-compatible buck voltage regulator, a precision voltage reference (1% error), a watchdog supervisory, diagnostic indicators, MCU reset control, and an SPI interface.

The SPSA068 allows all parameters to be customized through non-volatile memory (NVM).

The buck regulator provides output options of 5V, 3.3V, and 1.2V at 0.5A or 1A load current, and various voltage settings are also possible via external resistors. The switching frequency is adjustable to 0.4MHz or 2.4MHz, and the voltage reference supports the same voltage range based on a 20mA load current.

In addition, it has various built-in protection functions such as overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, and overheat protection, and supports low-power active mode under light load conditions, reducing standby current to 50μA.

The SPSA068, which can be directly connected to a battery, is available in a compact 32-pin QFN package (5 mm x 5 mm x 1 mm), enabling efficient use of PCB space.

Integrated low-power modes and NVM help mitigate system sensitivity and reduce bill of materials (BOM).

It also includes digital and analog Built-In Self-Test (BIST) capabilities, a ground loss monitor, and a dedicated FAULT pin to simplify functional safety-related designs.

ST provides a dedicated evaluation board, 'STEVAL-SPSA068', to help developers quickly implement SPSA068.

Programming, diagnostics and monitoring are possible via the SPI interface, and MCU watchdog signal and regulator status indication functions are also supported in case of a fault.

The SPSA068 is currently available, with unit pricing starting at $1.40. Further information about the product can be found on the ST official website.