Standard Microsystems Corporation (Standard Microsystems), a US-based semiconductor company, has introduced a new TrueAuto single-chip, 4-port USB 2.0 hub controller, USB82514. The USB82514 is designed to meet the high reliability requirements of the automotive industry. The USB82514 is a high-performance, low-power, small footprint controller IC with 4 downstream ports that is fully compatible with the USB 2.0 specifications.
The USB82514 features the company’s technologies such as MultiTRAK, PortSwap, PortMap and PhyBoost that improve performance and simplify the design process.
The TrueAuto devices are designed, validated, characterized, qualified, fabricated and supported specifically for use in automotive applications.
TrueAuto is Standard Microsystems’ automotive quality process. It has demonstrated its capability to deliver quality and services to fulfill the needs of the automotive customers. If integrated circuits (ICs) that have been designed for consumer applications are intended for use in automotive applications, they are usually qualified according to the Automotive Electronics Council’s (AEC-Q100) qualification requirements. AEC-Q100 covers minimum common requirements for the qualification of an automotive IC. Many car companies and tier one automotive suppliers require extensive additional qualification tests, as AEC-Q100 alone does not lead to the ultra low defect rates that they require. In addition, AEC-Q100 primarily focuses on the qualification phase of the product cycle of an IC. Other phases such as the design and production of the IC, customer support and the handling and investigation of returns are not covered in detail. In order to reach the automotive goal of near zero defect rates, all phases of the IC product cycle need to be addressed thoroughly.
TrueAuto is Standard Microsystems’ total approach to automotive-grade quality. TrueAuto begins with Standard Microsystems’ design for reliability techniques within the silicon IC itself. Automotive-grade excellence and testability are designed into the IC. The IC is fully characterized over many operating parameters to prove the quality of the design under various conditions. Also, product qualification is focused on the most demanding customer expectations. It meets or exceeds automotive reliability standards and customer specific requirements. Standard Microsystems’ TrueAuto approach goes far beyond the stress tests prescribed by the AEC-Q100 specifications. In addition, extensive technologies and processes, such as enhanced monitors are used in fabrication of TrueAuto products in order to continuously drive improvements in accordance with Standard Microsystems’ zero Defects per Million (DPM) goals.
“USB has become a ubiquitous interface to transfer data to and from, charge, and control the operation of portable consumer devices,” said Christian Thiel, Vice president and general manager of Standard Microsystems’ Automotive Information Systems product line. “USB connectivity is increasingly being integrated in vehicles to allow them to connect with an ever growing number of portable consumer devices. USB comes from the consumer world and the IC products that support it typically do not provide automotive-grade reliability. With the USB82514 Standard Microsystems is offering its first USB IC product with its TrueAuto quality process. It allows car makers to design compelling information and entertainment systems into their vehicles that seamlessly integrate into consumers’ digital lifestyles while not having to compromise on quality.”