Infineon TLF50281EL: High-Performance System Basis Chip for Automotive Safety Applications

The relentless drive towards higher levels of automotive automation and electrification places unprecedented demands on a vehicle's electronic systems, particularly those responsible for functional safety. At the heart of these critical systems lies the System Basis Chip (SBC), a component that consolidates vital functions into a single, reliable package. The Infineon TLF50281EL stands out as a premier solution engineered specifically to meet the rigorous requirements of safety-relevant applications, such as electric power steering, braking systems, airbag control units, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

This high-performance SBC is designed as a fail-operational power supply and communication interface, a fundamental requirement for systems that must remain functional even after a single point of failure. It integrates a rich set of features that traditionally required multiple discrete components. Central to its architecture are two independent voltage regulators (one primary and one fail-safe) that provide a stable and clean power supply to a connected microcontroller and other logic circuits. This redundancy is paramount for ensuring continuous operation.

Beyond power management, the TLF50281EL excels in communication capabilities. It features two high-speed CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) transceivers that are compliant with the latest automotive standards. These interfaces facilitate robust and high-bandwidth data exchange between electronic control units (ECUs) within the safety-critical network. Furthermore, the chip includes a local interconnect network (LIN) transceiver, providing a cost-effective solution for communication with peripheral sensors and actuators.

A defining characteristic of the TLF50281EL is its built-in safety and monitoring features. It incorporates a window watchdog, a voltage supervisor, and a fail-safe output stage that can be configured to put the system into a safe state upon detection of a fault. Its design is meticulously aligned with the principles of functional safety according to ISO 26262, supporting system development for ASIL D, the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level. This is achieved through advanced error detection, diagnosis, and reporting mechanisms, including a dedicated SPI interface for detailed status monitoring by the host microcontroller.

In essence, the Infineon TLF50281EL provides a robust, integrated, and space-saving foundation for building the next generation of automotive safety systems. It reduces system complexity, minimizes board space, and accelerates time-to-market for developers while guaranteeing the highest levels of reliability and performance.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLF50281EL is an ASIL D compliant System Basis Chip that integrates fail-operational power supplies, CAN FD transceivers, and extensive safety monitoring functions, making it an indispensable component for designing resilient and high-performance automotive safety applications.

Keywords:

1. System Basis Chip (SBC)

2. Functional Safety (ASIL D)

3. Fail-Operational

4. CAN FD Transceiver

5. Automotive Safety