STMicroelectronics Unveils Industry-First Car-Door Controller IC with Integrated Window Control

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the leading supplier of car-door electronics, today introduced the market's first multi-functional door-zone driver with an integrated electric-window control. This innovative chip, which reduces bill-of-material costs and offers new levels of passenger comfort, has already been selected for broad adoption at a leading German car manufacturer. Today, equipment manufacturers use relays to drive the electric-window motors. ST's newest door actuator driver redefines the established system topology, removing the need for mechanical relays in car-window control. The innovation slashes component costs and eliminates expensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) countermeasures, associated with the existing solutions, while enabling users to enjoy a smoother and quieter car-window operation. ST's new door-zone driver supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window - soft start and shutdown - and reduces noise levels with the removal of the relay as well. ST's L99DZ80 embeds an SPI-programmable slew-rate[1] control IP that can drive 4 external MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration dedicated to PWM (Pulse Width Mode)-driven electric-window applications. Other features include six bridges for double door-lock control, mirror fold, and mirror-axis control, together with a high-side driver for mirror defroster, bulbs and LEDs. The device also integrates a control block with an external MOS transistor for charging and discharging of electrochromic (dimmable) mirror glasses. ST is the world's largest supplier of car-door electronics, with more than 100 million door-actuator devices shipped over the past ten years. Designed for state-of-the-art automotive door-module applications, ST's market-proven devices are renowned and recognized for their scalability, small size, advanced power-management functionality, and superior thermal performance. The newest addition to ST's family of microcontroller-driven multi-functional car-door actuator drivers, the L99DZ80 is available in volumes. For pricing options, please contact your ST sales office. About STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2011, the Company's net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com