Automotive BCD-on-SOI Platform Optimized for Smart Actuators and Power Management
X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE announced the availability of new medium-voltage transistors - complementing the company's leading 180nm BCD-on-SOI technology platform (XT018). The new medium voltage devices cover voltages from 12V to 32V. With that customers now have access to a complete portfolio of different voltage options - covering a 10V to 200V voltage range.
These new complementary NMOS/PMOS devices support automotive AEC-Q100 grade 0 designs and deliver competitive on-resistance (Rdson) figures combined with robust safe-operating areas for Rdson, Idsat and Vth, for applications ranging from battery management systems and dc-dc converters to dc motor drives.
Designs may be optimized for operational performance and size by selecting the most appropriate transistors. X-FAB's XT018 technology is also the only one that offers a full range of automotive grade-0 qualified memory options, including SONOS-based Flash and embedded EEPROM.
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In addition to the availability of the new medium-voltage devices, X-FAB has also announced the full volume production of the 70V to 125V high-voltage transistors that it first released last summer. These devices are mainly targeted at the growing market for automotive 48V board net and battery management system (BMS) ICs. X-FAB has already received a number of customer designs that utilize the different voltage options in automotive, industrial and consumer applications.
BCD-on-SOI is superior in many aspects when compared to conventional bulk BCD technologies, making it very attractive to design engineers. Key advantages include virtual latch-up free circuits, strong EMC resilience (due to complete isolation with buried oxide/DTI), lowest substrate coupling for fast switching dc-dc converters and simplified handling of below ground transients. Furthermore, through the potential for significant die size reduction along with first-time-right implementation, development periods can be accelerated and lower costs per die can be achieved.
"We are excited to see increasing customer adoption of our 180nm BCD-on-SOI process," states Tilman Metzger, product marketing manager high-voltage at X-FAB. "Closing up the gap on the medium-voltage side in XT018 will enable our customers to design more cost-effective products, such as 100V and 200V high-side gate drivers and smart integrated brushless dc motor drivers."
