Modern cars are full of small electric actuators. They control airflow through HVAC vents, open and close grille shutters, and manage coolant flow for thermal systems. Traditionally, each of these actuators needed its own set of components: a microcontroller to run the code, drivers to power the motor, communications ICs to talk to the car network, and protection circuits to keep everything safe. The result is a PCB with multiple devices, lots of solder joints, and plenty of potential failure points.
The NSUC1612 from NOVOSENSE takes that complexity and packs it into a single piece of silicon. At its heart is a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M3 MCU, tied together with half-bridge drivers, LIN and CAN interfaces, a 12-bit ADC, and on-chip temperature sensors. Because the signals are routed internally rather than across a busy PCB, EMI is easier to manage and compliance testing becomes much less painful.
A Single-Chip Solution for Actuators
Using a single device instead of multiple ICs shortens development cycles and frees up board space. It also improves reliability since there are fewer soldered connections to go wrong. NOVOSENSE backs this up with reference circuits and suggested layouts that give engineers a head start on meeting CISPR 25 Class 5 EMC requirements.
Performance Options for Different Loads
Two versions of the device are available. The NSUC1612B includes four half-bridge outputs that can source up to 500 mA peak, while the NSUC1612E offers three half-bridge outputs with up to 2.1 A peak. Both can drive brushed DC, BLDC, or stepper motors and feature a low-power sleep mode that draws under 50 µA, ideal for systems that need to stay ready without draining the car battery.
Automotive-Grade Reliability
The device is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 1, supports junction temperatures up to 150 °C, and is designed to survive the wide temperature swings found in engine compartments. The LIN interface can handle ±40 V transients, and integrated protection circuits guard against voltage spikes and overheating. These features make the NSUC1612 a solid fit for thermal management modules, seat ventilation, and other body electronics where space, cost, and reliability are all critical.
Learn more and read the original article on www.novosns.com
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