Infineon TLE9853QX: An Integrated Arm® Cortex®-M3-Based Single-Chip Motor Controller for Automotive Applications

The rapid evolution of automotive systems demands higher efficiency, reliability, and integration in electronic control units. Addressing these needs, the Infineon TLE9853QX emerges as a highly integrated single-chip motor controller designed specifically for automotive applications. Combining an Arm® Cortex®-M3 core with advanced peripherals, this system-on-chip (SoC) solution simplifies design while enhancing performance for a wide range of motor types, including DC, BLDC, and stepper motors.

At the heart of the TLE9853QX lies the powerful 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 processor, delivering the computational performance required for sophisticated motor control algorithms such as field-oriented control (FOC). This processing capability is essential for achieving smooth operation, high efficiency, and low acoustic noise in applications like electric water pumps, cooling fans, window lifters, and sunroofs. The integration of the microcontroller with dedicated motor control peripherals significantly reduces both the component count and the physical footprint of the PCB, which is critical in space-constrained automotive environments.

A key feature of this device is its integrated NFET driver capable of controlling up to six MOSFETs in a three-phase bridge configuration. This eliminates the need for external driver ICs, streamlining the design and improving system reliability. Furthermore, the chip incorporates a charge pump for low-voltage operation and a voltage regulator, enhancing its resilience against the fluctuating voltage conditions typical in automotive electrical systems.

The TLE9853QX is built with functional safety in mind, supporting requirements up to ASIL-B according to the ISO 26262 standard. It includes a comprehensive set of on-chip protection features such as over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature monitoring. These safeguards are crucial for preventing damage to the motor and the control unit itself, ensuring robust operation under the harsh conditions of an automotive environment.

Development and prototyping are accelerated by Infineon’s comprehensive ecosystem, including evaluation boards and the DAVE™ IDE, which provides a platform for code generation and debugging. This support reduces time-to-market for manufacturers developing next-generation automotive systems.

ICGOOFIND: The Infineon TLE9853QX represents a significant leap in motor control integration for the automotive industry. By merging a high-performance processor, NFET drivers, and critical system functions into a single package, it offers designers a compact, reliable, and safety-compliant solution that meets the stringent demands of modern vehicles.

Keywords:

Integrated Motor Controller

Arm Cortex-M3

Automotive Applications

Functional Safety (ASIL-B)

NFET Driver