The S32 microcontroller is a series of microcontrollers (MCUs) from NXP designed for automotive applications.
An automotive power management IC (PMIC) or system basis chip (SBC) suitable for the S32 microcontroller must have a wide range of functions beyond simply supplying power supply voltage, including supporting functional safety, power sequence control, and low-power operation.
Here, we will explain four benefits of using NXP's power management IC (PMIC/SBC) using the example of connecting to an NXP S32 microcontroller.
Benefit 1: Support for functional safety design
Automotive MCUs and PMIC/SBCs must transition to a safe state when a system failure occurs. For this purpose, we support functional safety design as a system.
ISO 26262 compliant
ISO 26262 is an international standard for ensuring functional safety in automotive electronic control systems. This standard defines processes to reduce risks to drivers and passengers in the event of a system failure. Automotive electronic controls that require functional safety compliance are required to comply with ISO 26262.
ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level)
This is a risk classification system defined in ISO 26262, and is an index for evaluating the safety of systems and components. It is classified into four levels, from ASIL-A to ASIL-D, with ASIL-D being the highest risk level. The higher the risk level, the greater the demands on functional safety.
・Reference article: Why are microcontrollers considered functional safety compliant? (Japanese blog)
Safety goals required for PMIC/SBC
To achieve safety goals, the PMIC/SBC must have the following functions:
- Monitoring of power supply voltages related to safety functions (such as the MCU core power supply) [Voltage Supervisor function in the diagram]
- Monitoring the MCU operating status using a watchdog timer [Window Watchdog function in the diagram]
- Monitoring signals that indicate abnormal MCU operation [MCU Hardware Failure Monitor function in the diagram]
- Control signals (such as reset signals) to transition the system to a safe state [Safety Outputs function in the diagram]
NXP's PMIC/SBC supports safety designs with the above features.
Advantage 2: Provides optimal power supply voltage and power supply startup sequence control
S32 microcontrollers have multiple power supply inputs (VCORE, VDDIO, VREF, etc.), and each needs to be supplied with the required voltage at the required timing. NXP's PMIC/SBC is equipped with OTP (One Time Programming) memory, which not only allows the on-board DCDC and LDO to supply the optimal output voltage and current to the S32 microcontroller's power input, but also allows you to set the power startup sequence (power-on order and timing) required for the S32 microcontroller.
This feature reduces the time and effort required for power supply design, shortening development time and helping to bring products to market quickly.
Advantage 3: Low power consumption mode for efficient use of power
NXP's PMIC/SBC is equipped with a low-power consumption mode that is linked to the operating mode of the S32 microcontroller.
The PMIC/SBC can be transitioned from normal mode to low power consumption mode ( standby or low power mode ) by a control signal (via I²C/SPI ) from the S32 microcontroller, and the PMIC/SBC can be returned from low power consumption mode to normal mode by a wakeup signal.
By utilizing the PMIC/SBC's low-power modes, device standby current can be minimized, extending vehicle battery life.
Benefit 4: NXP 's support for interoperability between microcontrollers and PMIC/SBCs
NXP's PMIC/SBC is included in the S32 microcontroller reference design and supports interoperability between the microcontroller and the PMIC/SBC .
Additionally, various documents are available to help you design a system that will work optimally.
Furthermore, with technical support from NXP and our distributors, we work with you to reduce development risks, including power supply design, software, and overall system support, allowing you to proceed with product development with peace of mind and contributing to early resolution of any problems that may arise.
summary
As such, using NXP's PMIC/SBC together with an automotive microcontroller (S32 series ) offers many benefits. In particular, interoperability with NXP's S32 microcontrollers has been verified, enabling high-quality product development in a short period of time while minimizing the risks in power supply design.
Reference materials
- Safety System Basis Chip for Domain Controllers, ASIL B and D Compliant FS86
- Low-power safety system basis chip for ASIL D systems FS26
- FS23 Safety System Basis Chip (SBC) Family with Power Management, CAN, and LIN
- [Product Brief]FS26, Safety System Basis Chip with Low Power for ASIL D /ASIL B [FS26_PB]
- S32K31XEVB-Q100 General-purpose automotive evaluation board
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We will explain four benefits of using NXP's power management ICs (PMIC/SBC) with automotive microcontrollers (S32 series).