Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) has announced a motor pre-driver IC for automotive applications such as electric power steering (EPS) systems where safety is of paramount importance. The TB9052FNG is suitable for use in systems adhering to ASIL-D, the highest automotive safety integrity level prescribed in functional safety standard ISO 26262.

In addition to the main pre-driver circuit, TB9052FNG incorporates various failure detection circuits for functional safety. Elements included are battery under voltage detection, over temperature and driver short detection circuits.

The TB9052FNG pre-driver IC has four channels: two high side and two low side, and includes a charge pump to solely drive N-channel MOSFETs. It is contained in a HTSSOP48-P-300-0.50 package measuring 12.5×6.1×1.2mm. Operating voltage range is +6 to 18V and operating temperature range is from -40 to +125 degrees C.

Sample shipments will start in August, with mass production scheduled to start in March, 2015. Toshiba will also be supplying associated safety analysis documentation.