ST Brings New Car-Door Controller with IWC
Supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window
Feb 03, 2012
STMicroelectronics has introduced the market’s first multi-functional door-zone driver with an integrated electric-window control. This innovative chip, which reduces bill-of-material costs and offers new levels of passenger comfort, has already been selected for broad adoption at a leading German car manufacturer.
ST’s newest door actuator driver redefines the established system topology, removing the need for mechanical relays in car-window control. The innovation slashes component costs and eliminates expensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) countermeasures, associated with the existing solutions, while enabling users to enjoy a smoother and quieter car-window operation. ST’s new door-zone driver supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window - soft start and shutdown - and reduces noise levels with the removal of the relay as well.
ST’s L99DZ80 embeds an SPI-programmable slew-rate control IP that can drive 4 external MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration dedicated to PWM (Pulse Width Mode)-driven electric-window applications. Other features include six bridges for double door-lock control, mirror fold, and mirror-axis control, together with a high-side driver for mirror defroster, bulbs and LEDs.