TLE9250XLE: A Comprehensive Overview of the High-Speed CAN Transceiver for Automotive Applications
The evolution of modern vehicles into complex, software-defined systems has necessitated robust and reliable communication networks. At the heart of these in-vehicle networks (IVNs), the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol remains a cornerstone technology. The TLE9250XLE from Infineon Technologies is a state-of-the-art high-speed CAN transceiver designed to meet the stringent demands of next-generation automotive applications, providing the critical physical layer interface between a CAN controller and the differential CAN bus.
Core Functionality and Key Features
The primary role of the TLE9250XLE is to convert the digital data streams from a CAN controller into analog differential signals for transmission over the CAN bus, and vice-versa for reception. It is engineered for high-speed operation up to 8 Mbit/s, far exceeding the classic 1 Mbit/s limit of standard high-speed CAN (CAN FD), making it ideal for data-intensive domains like powertrain, chassis, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
A paramount requirement in automotive electronics is operational stability under harsh conditions. The TLE9250XLE excels with its robust electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, exceeding the requirements of the ISO 11898-2 standard. It features a high level of immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and minimizes electromagnetic emissions (EME), ensuring error-free communication in the electrically noisy environment of a car.
Furthermore, the device incorporates advanced power management capabilities, including a very low-current sleep mode with local and remote wake-up functionality. This is crucial for supporting modern energy-saving architectures, such as partial networking, where electronic control units (ECUs) must wake up only when needed, thereby reducing the overall quiescent current and improving fuel efficiency in internal combustion vehicles or extending the range of electric vehicles (EVs).
Integrated Safety and Diagnostics
Functional safety is non-negotiable in automotive design. The TLE9250XLE is developed to support systems aiming for ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) compliance according to the ISO 26262 standard. It includes a comprehensive suite of diagnostic features that monitor internal and external faults, such as overtemperature, undervoltage, short-circuits on the bus lines (to battery or ground), and loss of connection to the CAN controller. This allows the host microcontroller to take appropriate actions, enhancing the overall system's reliability and safety.
Target Applications
The transceiver's feature set makes it perfectly suited for a wide array of automotive applications. Key implementation areas include:
ADAS and Radar/Lidar Systems: Requiring high data throughput for sensor fusion and real-time decision-making.
Powertrain Control Modules (PCM/ECM): Managing engine and transmission functions with high reliability.
Body Control Modules (BCM) and Gateways: Serving as central hubs for coordinating communication between different vehicle networks.
Battery Management Systems (BMS) in EVs: Critical for monitoring and communicating the status of high-voltage battery packs.
ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE9250XLE stands out as a premier solution for designers building the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles. Its combination of high-speed CAN FD support, exceptional robustness, integrated safety diagnostics, and low-power management encapsulates the essential traits required to address the challenges of the modern automotive landscape, ensuring reliable data exchange in the most critical vehicle systems.
Keywords: CAN FD Transceiver, Automotive EMC, Functional Safety (ASIL), Low-Power Management, In-Vehicle Networking (IVN)
