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Reference design for emergency call systems in cars

Date: 20/03/2013
Texas Instruments has introduced a reference design for fast-designing automotive emergency call (eCall) systems. This reference solution comprised of AEC-Q100 qualified analog ICs from TI, which includes TPA3111D1-Q1 high efficiency mono Class D audio amplifier and the TPS43330-Q1, single-boost, dual synchronous buck controller with ultra low quiescent current, TI's automotive eCall reference design is claimed by TI as a robust and yet low-cost design that is scalable for other automotive applications, such as telematics, stolen vehicle tracking and HEV/EV sound generation. It also incorporates the TLV70033-Q1 voltage regulator with low quiescent current and the MSP430F2232 16-bit ultra-low power microcontroller.

Key features and benefits of this automotive eCall reference design as per TI:

Loud and clear audio quality: The TPA3111D1-Q1 delivers 10-W output power at 8 Ohm with greater than 90 percent efficiency, and offers enhanced EMI suppression to improve sound immunity. This ensures loud and clear audio quality; which is imperative in an eCall system where external conditions can sometimes overwhelm the emergency call.

Emergency operation: The TPS43330-Q1 pre-boost circuit supports automotive start/stop and boosts back-up battery supply voltage, allowing operation down to 2 V at the input. Combined with the Class D amplifier's wide supply voltage range of 8 V to 26 V, the components in this reference design can be powered by a single-cell LiFePO4 battery, in case the car battery connection is severed in an accident.
System protection: The components offered in this system provide over-voltage and load dump protection against input transients of up to 40 V. The Class D amplifier also supports power cycling and speaker open-load detection during initial power-up. These features ensure robust operation in harsh automotive environments and simplify failure analysis.

Availability, packaging and pricing: TI's automotive eCall reference design schematics and supporting software are available for immediate download from www.ti.com/autoecallrefdesign-pr. The featured components are also available for immediate order.

The TPA3111D1-Q1 is available in a 28-pin HTSSOP package, and is priced at US$0.90 in 1,000-unit quantities. The TPA3111D1-Q1 evaluation module (EVM) is available for immediate orders and priced at US$149.00. Order samples, the EVM and download the simulation model at www.ti.com/tpa3111d1-q1-pr.

The TPS43330-Q1 is available in a 38-pin HTSSOP package and is priced at US$3.00 in 1,000-unit quantities. The TPS43330-Q1 evaluation module (EVM) is available for immediate orders and priced at US$99.00. Order samples, the EVM and download the simulation model at www.ti.com/tps43330-q1-pr.

The TLV70033-Q1 is available in a 5-pin SOT package and is priced at US$0.15 in 1,000-unit quantities. Order samples, the EVM and download the simulation model at www.ti.com/tlv70033-q1-pr.

The commercial grade MSP430F2232 is available in a 40-pin VQFN package or a 38-pin TSSOP package and is available upon request at www.ti.com/msp430f2232-pr.