Microchip ATA6612C-PLQW-1: System Basis Chip for Automotive CAN Networks

The increasing complexity of modern automotive electronic architectures demands highly integrated and robust components. At the heart of many such systems lies the System Basis Chip (SBC), a pivotal device that consolidates multiple critical functions into a single package. The Microchip ATA6612C-PLQW-1 stands as a premier example, engineered specifically to serve as the foundational power and communication backbone for electronic control units (ECUs) within automotive Controller Area Network (CAN) applications.

This SBC is designed to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive environment, operating within a wide supply voltage range and capable of withstanding the electrical transients and harsh conditions typical in vehicles. Its core functionality is built around a highly efficient voltage regulator system, which provides a stable and clean power supply for the host microcontroller and other peripheral components. This includes a primary voltage regulator, typically for the MCU core, and auxiliary regulators for additional system components, ensuring reliable operation across all power modes.

A key feature of the ATA6612C-PLQW-1 is its integrated CAN FD (Flexible Data-Rate) physical layer transceiver. This transceiver is compliant with the latest ISO 11898-2:2016 standard, supporting both classic CAN and the higher-speed CAN FD protocol, which allows for faster data throughput and larger payloads. This is critical for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), body control modules, and gateway applications where data volume is continuously increasing. The transceiver includes advanced electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection features, enhancing the network's resilience against interference and improving overall system reliability.

Beyond power management and communication, the device incorporates several diagnostic and protection features essential for functional safety, potentially supporting systems aiming for compliance with ISO 26262. These include overtemperature and overvoltage protection, undervoltage detection on supply inputs, and comprehensive failure mode monitoring. Such features allow the ECU to manage faults proactively, contributing to a safer and more dependable vehicle network.

Housed in a space-efficient 32-pin QFN package, the ATA6612C-PLQW-1 offers a compact yet powerful solution that simplifies board design, reduces the overall component count, and enhances system reliability—a crucial combination for space-constrained automotive applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip ATA6612C-PLQW-1 is a highly integrated System Basis Chip that provides a complete power supply, CAN FD communication, and robust protective functions for automotive ECUs. It is an optimal solution for designers building reliable and efficient network nodes for the next generation of vehicles.

Keywords: System Basis Chip, Automotive CAN FD, Voltage Regulator, Physical Layer Transceiver, Functional Safety