Infineon TLE9471-3ES: A System Basis Chip for Automotive Body Domain Applications

The rapid evolution of automotive electronics demands highly integrated, robust, and efficient solutions to manage the growing complexity of body control modules (BCMs), door control units, and other convenience and control systems. Addressing this need, the Infineon TLE9471-3ES emerges as a highly advanced System Basis Chip (SBC) specifically engineered for the challenges of the automotive body domain. This device consolidates multiple critical functions into a single package, simplifying design, enhancing reliability, and reducing the overall system footprint.

At its core, the TLE9471-3ES is built around a high-efficiency embedded voltage regulator that provides a stable 5V or 3.3V supply to an external microcontroller and other logic components. This regulator is designed for exceptional low-quiescent current performance, a critical feature for modern vehicles requiring always-on functionality for features like keyless entry while minimizing battery drain during standby modes.

A key strength of this SBC lies in its comprehensive suite of communication interfaces. It features two high-speed CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) transceivers, which are essential for high-bandwidth, robust communication networks within the vehicle. These interfaces support the complex data exchange required between various electronic control units (ECUs) in the body domain. Additionally, it includes a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) transceiver system basis chip, ideal for managing communication with simpler sub-nodes like sensors or actuators, providing a cost-effective network solution.

Beyond power and communication, the TLE9471-3ES integrates robust protective features that are paramount for the harsh automotive environment. It offers multiple high-side and low-side switches for direct control of loads such as lamps, motors, and LEDs. These outputs are protected against overload, short-circuit, and overtemperature conditions. The chip also incorporates a window watchdog and a fail-safe output stage to ensure system safety and stability, even in the event of a microcontroller malfunction.

Furthermore, the device is designed to withstand the electrical stresses common in automotive applications. It is AEC-Q100 qualified and offers excellent electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection and high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring reliable operation over the vehicle's lifetime.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon TLE9471-3ES is a quintessential solution for automotive body electronics, masterfully integrating power management, communication transceivers (CAN FD, LIN), and intelligent drivers into a single, robust chip. It significantly reduces system complexity and cost while enhancing reliability, making it an ideal choice for next-generation body domain controllers and other convenience applications.

Keywords: System Basis Chip (SBC), Automotive Body Domain, CAN FD, Low-Quiescent Current, AEC-Q100.