Industry's first high-density analog IC dedicated to motorcycle ABS (anti-lock brake system) launched

Freescale Semiconductor (Korea) announced the industry’s first, highly integrated ICs (SB0400 and SB0401) specifically designed for motorcycles and scooters.

Now, ECU (electronic control unit) manufacturers can integrate this 7 x 7mm device into their designs, eliminating the need to rely on larger ABS ICs developed for automotive applications, and realizing dramatic cost, weight and space savings over advanced analog components designed specifically for motorcycles and scooters.

Cost-effective braking system for motorcycles and scooters possible

Freescale's new two-wheeled SB0400 IC is designed for motorcycles, while the one-wheeled SB0401 IC is targeted at scooters and light motorcycles. Both products are leadless and do not require large heatsinks, reducing system cost and space.

Leveraging Freescale’s SMARTMOS analog mixed-signal technology, the device integrates the wheel-speed sensor interface, valve driver, motor pump driver, safety switches and safety state machine for an ABS system into the smallest package available for motorcycle and scooter designs.

Freescale’s product announcement coincides with the upcoming first implementation of European Commission legislation mandating ABS on new motorcycles 125cc and larger from January 1, 2016.

“Freescale is extending its decades of experience and leadership in automotive safety semiconductors, particularly ABS systems, to the motorcycle and scooter markets where the introduction of advanced ABS technology can dramatically improve driver safety,” said Patrick Morgan, general manager of Freescale’s ADAS radar and safety products.

▲Comparison of distances provided depending on whether or not ABS is present

Additionally, “As braking requirements for two-wheeled vehicles become increasingly stringent, Freescale is responding with highly innovative new designs that enhance driver safety while enabling manufacturers of electronic motor control systems to meet critical safety requirements while saving cost, space and weight,” he said.

Hardware and software compatibility between the two new ICs significantly reduces system design effort and enables easy implementation. Integrated hardware safety features related to protection and diagnostics include overvoltage (OV), undervoltage (UV), overtemperature, short-circuit and open load detection.