EPN Automotive Electronics Blog

Dual-core microcontroller for car safety systems

Freescale Semiconductor and STMicroelectronics have jointly introduced a dual-core microcontroller family under different brand names, aimed at functional safety applications for car electronics. The SPC56EL (STMicroelectronics) and the MPC564xL (Freescale) dual-core devices are based on 32bit  Power Architecture technology and are for use in automotive safety applications such as electric power steering, active suspension, anit-lock braking systems or radar for adaptive cruise control.

Automotive ceramic LEDs for front-light clusters

Osram Opto Semiconductors has added a low-cost, high-power ceramic version to its range of LEDs intended for the front-light clusters of mid-range vehicles as daytime lighting. the high-power ceramic component is available in two versions: the MX ECE and the less powerful SX ECE. Both are tailor-made to meet the demands of the aut

Active AM/FM Antenna ICs offer highly integrated features

Atmel has introduced an active-antenna IC designed for AM/FM car-antenna applications. The ATR4252 provides high integration and AGC (automatic gain control). It features a supply-voltage regulator with overvoltage protection and an antenna sensor.