LIN-controlled Automotive Alternator Regulator Improves Car Fuel Efficiency

Freescale Semiconductor has expanded its alternator regulator portfolio with the release of the TC80310, a single-chip alternator regulator integrated circuit (IC) that integrates local interconnect network (LIN) to provide increased control for automotive alternators.

With a single-wire LIN connection to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU), the ECU can control energy management modes and contribute to energy savings, which is particularly important as regional CO2 targets are established. Designed to provide the alternator voltage regulator function with limited use of additional components, the TC80310 system-on-a-chip also optimizes the alternator charging system phase.

Developed in conjunction with automotive alternator manufacturers, the TC80310 uses Freescale’s versatile SMARTMOS mixed-signal processing technology that combines analog, digital and power circuitry to provide an application-specific standard product with a high degree of programmability. Twenty one-time programmable memory functions allow alternator developers to optimize the chip for improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Among the IC’s programmable features is default regulation voltage from 10.6V up to 16V that is set during final test. This is the value the alternator manufacturer uses to control the battery regulation voltage to optimize overall performance as well as battery life during the lifetime of the vehicle. At the same time, the charging system achieves faster response time once the load response control (LRC) disable frequency is achieved. LRC eliminates engine speed hunting and vibration resulting from sudden increases in electrical loads that cause abrupt torque loading of the engine at low RPM. In addition, LIN commands vary the LRC rate and disable frequency for optimum performance.

Freescale Semiconductor