Infineon TLE7259-3LE LIN Transceiver: Features, Applications, and Design Considerations

The Infineon TLE7259-3LE is a highly integrated LIN (Local Interconnect Network) transceiver designed to interface between a LIN protocol controller and the physical bus in automotive networks. As a cornerstone for in-vehicle communication, this IC provides a robust, reliable, and cost-effective solution for sub-network applications where low data rate and simplicity are key.

Key Features

The TLE7259-3LE is packed with features that make it a preferred choice for automotive designers. It is fully compliant with the LIN 2.2/2.1/2.0 and SAE J2602 standards, ensuring broad compatibility. A standout feature is its extremely low power consumption in sleep mode, typically drawing just 5 µA, which is critical for preserving battery life in always-connected automotive systems. The device incorporates robust ESD protection up to ±6 kV (according to IEC 61000-4-2) on the LIN bus pin, safeguarding it against electrostatic discharges common in automotive environments.

Furthermore, it supports battery-related operation with a wide supply voltage range from 5.5 V to 27 V and can handle transients up to 40 V. The integrated waveform shaping feature minimizes electromagnetic emissions (EME), a critical factor in meeting stringent automotive EMC requirements. The TLE7259-3LE also includes comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, such as thermal shutdown and overvoltage detection, enhancing system reliability.

Primary Applications

The primary domain of the TLE7259-3LE is the automotive industry, where it enables simple, low-cost communication for various distributed electronic control units (ECUs). Typical applications include:

Body Control Modules: For controlling windows, mirrors, seats, and interior lighting.

Steering Wheel Modules: Managing buttons for cruise control, audio, and infotainment systems.

Sensor and Actuator Nodes: Connecting smart sensors (e.g., rain/light sensors) and actuators to a central LIN master.

Comfort and Convenience Systems: Operating sunroofs, windshield wipers, and climate control subsystems.

Its reliability and diagnostic features make it suitable for any application requiring a dependable local sub-network within a vehicle's broader CAN-based architecture.

Crucial Design Considerations

Successful implementation of the TLE7259-3LE requires careful attention to several design aspects:

1. PCB Layout: Proper layout is essential for EMC performance. The LIN bus line should be routed as a daisy-chain, and the use of series resistors (e.g., 1 kΩ) is recommended to dampen reflections. Decoupling capacitors must be placed as close as possible to the VBat and VSUP pins.

2. ESD and Transient Protection: While the IC has built-in ESD protection, additional external protection components, like a transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode, may be necessary in harsh electrical environments to clamp high-energy transients.

3. Termination and Biasing: A pull-up resistor (typically 1 kΩ) and a series resistor (typically 470 Ω) are required on the LIN bus line at the master node. Slave nodes do not require termination resistors. The bus must be biased correctly to ensure proper recessive and dominant states.

4. Thermal Management: Although the device features thermal shutdown, ensuring adequate PCB copper area for the exposed ground pad (EP) is vital for efficient heat dissipation, especially under high load conditions.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE7259-3LE stands out as an industry-standard LIN transceiver, offering an optimal blend of ultra-low power consumption, robust protection, and compliance with automotive-grade requirements. Its integration of diagnostic and EMC-reduction features simplifies design and accelerates time-to-market for a wide array of in-vehicle networking applications, making it a fundamental component for modern automotive electronics.

Keywords:

LIN Transceiver

Automotive Networking

Low Power Consumption

ESD Protection

EMC Performance