Electric vehicles are equipped with numerous electronic components, and the use of reliable electrical components that enhance the safety of the vehicle's electrical system is becoming increasingly important.

STMicroelectronics (ST) announced on the 19th that it has launched the L9918, an automotive alternating current regulator with enhanced functions that ensure the stability of 12V vehicle electrical systems.

The L9918 regulator features a MOSFET that provides the AC excitation current and a freewheeling diode that handles the rotator current when the excitation is turned off. The closed loop, which operates as a Load Response Control (LRC) and return LRC, maintains a constant voltage even as the vehicle's overall power demand continuously fluctuates, ST explains.

The female MOSFET can provide up to 13A to the coil, which is more than a typical equivalent regulator, improving the response to power demand fluctuations. Additionally, this MOSFET utilizes the latest manufacturing process technology to provide excellent RDS(on), increasing efficiency while minimizing power consumption.

ST says the L9918 integrates non-volatile memory, allowing customers to program parameters such as voltage setpoints and alternator characteristics. It can be used with alternators with up to nine pole pairs, providing greater flexibility than other regulators to address a wider range of charging applications.

Additionally, the L9918, equipped with a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus interface, can be easily connected to a vehicle's electrical and electronic infrastructure and managed by an external Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU commands settings, including target voltages, and reads status and diagnostic information.

The L9918's safety and failsafe features include phase-signal-driven self-start, which independently maintains the AC generator voltage setpoint if the LIN connection is interrupted for any reason. The regulator returns the control signal to the ECU when communication is restored. Current limiting, overcurrent protection, and thermal protection are also built in, as well as a thermal compensation function that automatically adjusts the target voltage based on system temperature changes.

The L9918 complies with the VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) LIN alternating current regulator specification, and is AEC-Q 100 certified, ISO26262 compliant, and supports ASIL-B for use in functional safety systems.

ST said, "Samples of this new product are currently being supplied to major customers around the world."