Single-Chip Package Simplifies LIN Applications

Automotive engineers may now have a smaller, less costly solutionfor controlling body electronics systems ranging from door modules to seatcontrols to interior lighting applications.

Known as LIN SiP ATA6614,the new device integrates a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) transceiver, avoltage regulator and an 8-bit microcontroller in a package measuring just 7 X7 mm. Atmel Automotive GmbH, maker of thenew chip, says it enables cost reductions of up to 25 percent and printedcircuit board size reductions of up to 50 percent.

"Wherever you would normally have a controller and a LINtransceiver together, you can now replace it with one chip," notes KeithNicholson, marketing manager for Atmel Automotive. "It's a three-chip solutionin one package."

Targeted at so-called "LIN bus" applications in automobiles,the Atmel product could be used for control of windows, mirrors, door locks,overhead lighting and air conditioning systems in automobiles. LIN, whichmade its debut a decade ago, serves as an inexpensive serial communicationsprotocol for automotive applications that don't require the more powerful CAN (controllerarea network) bus.

Atmel engineers say that the new chip's cost and sizereductions could provide a significant advantage for automotive engineers."Saving real estate is really important in sensor interfaces," Nicholson says."Just saving two or three millimeters provides a big advantage for the designengineer."

Atmel introduced the new component at the recent SAE Convergence 2010 Conferencein Detroit.