Infineon IFX24401TEV50ATMA1: Powering the Next Generation of Automotive Electronics
The relentless drive towards vehicle electrification, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and in-cabin infotainment is placing unprecedented demands on automotive power systems. These sophisticated electronic control units (ECUs) require robust, efficient, and compact power management solutions capable of delivering high currents with exceptional reliability. Addressing this critical need, Infineon Technologies has developed the IFX24401TEV50ATMA1, a high-current DC-DC converter engineered to set a new benchmark for performance in the automotive sector.
This monolithic step-down (buck) converter is a powerhouse, designed to deliver a continuous output current of up to 4 A from an input voltage range of 3.0 V to 40 V. Its ability to handle load-dump pulses of up to 45 V makes it exceptionally resilient to the harsh electrical transients typical in automotive environments. The device integrates both high-side and low-side MOSFETs, minimizing the external component count and simplifying board design, which is crucial for space-constrained applications.
A key strength of the IFX24401TEV50ATMA1 lies in its exceptional power conversion efficiency, which peaks at over 95%. This high efficiency is paramount for reducing power losses and heat generation, a critical factor under the hood or in other high-ambient-temperature locations. The converter operates at a fixed switching frequency of 2.1 MHz, allowing for the use of smaller inductors and capacitors. This high switching frequency, combined with its ability to enter a pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) mode at light loads, ensures optimal efficiency across the entire load spectrum.
Beyond raw power, the device is built with functional safety and robustness as a core design principle. It features a comprehensive suite of protection functions, including over-current protection (OCP), over-voltage protection (OVP), over-temperature protection (OTP), and under-voltage lockout (UVLO). These integrated safeguards ensure system integrity and enhance reliability, which is non-negotiable for safety-critical automotive applications. Furthermore, its AEC-Q100 qualification guarantees its performance under the extreme temperature and operational stresses found in vehicles.
Typical applications are vast and critical to modern vehicles:
Powering high-performance sensors, radars, and cameras for ADAS and autonomous driving platforms.
Supplying power to high-resolution digital clusters and advanced infotainment systems.
Acting as a primary point-of-load (POL) converter for domain controllers and telematic control units (TCUs).
ICGOO
The Infineon IFX24401TEV50ATMA1 stands out as a premier solution for automotive power design. By masterfully combining high-current delivery, superior efficiency, and a robust integrated feature set, it provides engineers with a reliable and compact building block. It effectively simplifies the design-in process while meeting the stringent requirements for performance, size, and reliability demanded by next-generation automotive electronics, paving the way for more advanced and powerful vehicle systems.
Keywords:
1. Automotive-Grade
2. High-Current (4A)
3. DC-DC Buck Converter
4. High Efficiency
5. AEC-Q100 Qualified
