Infineon TLE9180D-32QK: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Features and Applications

The Infineon TLE9180D-32QK is a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) designed specifically for advanced automotive applications, particularly in the domain of DC brush motor control. As a member of Infineon’s renowned AURIX™ microcontroller family, this device combines a powerful 32-bit TriCore™ CPU with a rich set of peripheral modules to create a compact, efficient, and robust solution for modern vehicle systems.

At the heart of the TLE9180D-32QK lies a high-performance 200 MHz AURIX™ TC3x core, delivering the computational power necessary for complex real-time control algorithms. This processing capability is crucial for executing field-oriented control (FOC) and other advanced techniques that maximize motor efficiency, minimize acoustic noise, and ensure smooth operation. The chip is further enhanced by a programmable generic timer module (GTM), which provides unparalleled flexibility in generating complex PWM signals required for precise motor driving.

A key feature of this SoC is its high level of integration. It incorporates two full-integrated NFET pre-drivers capable of driving external power stages, significantly reducing the external component count and the overall system footprint. This integration is vital for space-constrained automotive environments. The device also includes a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for accurate sampling of motor phase currents and other critical analog signals, alongside multiple communication interfaces such as CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate), LIN, and SPI. These interfaces ensure seamless connectivity within the broader vehicle network, enabling features like diagnostics and firmware updates over-the-air (FOTA).

Safety and reliability are paramount in automotive design, and the TLE9180D-32QK is built with these priorities in mind. It features advanced safety mechanisms including memory protection units, built-in self-test (BIST) logic, and support for ASIL-D compliance according to the ISO 26262 standard. This makes it an ideal choice for safety-critical applications where functional safety is non-negotiable.

The primary application for the TLE9180D-32QK is in the control of brushed DC (BDC) motors in various automotive body and convenience systems. Its robust design and integrated features make it perfectly suited for:

Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems: Providing the precise control needed for assist motors.

Thermal Management: Driving fans and pumps in engine cooling and HVAC systems.

Body Control Modules (BCMs): Operating actuators for power windows, sunroofs, sliding doors, and liftgates.

Engine Management: Controlling throttle valves and other auxiliary actuators.

By offering a single-chip solution that combines processing, driving, and communication, the TLE9180D-32QK simplifies design complexity, accelerates time-to-market, and enhances the overall performance and reliability of automotive motor control systems.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE9180D-32QK stands out as a highly integrated and safety-certified SoC that consolidates control, driving, and communication functionalities into a single package. It empowers engineers to develop more compact, efficient, and reliable automotive motor control systems, particularly for DC brush motors, while meeting the stringent requirements of functional safety standards.

Keywords: AURIX™ TC3x, Motor Control, Functional Safety (ASIL-D), System-on-Chip (SoC), CAN FD