POWERQUARK Launches New Products to Offer A One-stop Power Solution for ADAS Systems

POWERQUARK announced the launch of the automotive-grade buck-boost converters PQ8748Q/PQ8749Q and high-side switches PQ71420Q/PQ71440Q, providing a one-stop power solution for ADAS systems, from the ECU to the camera modules. The new buck-boost converter integrates four MOSFETs, supports an input voltage range of 3.7V to 36V and an output voltage range of 2.5V to 20V, and can continuously output a maximum current of 3A/5A. It also provides an optional spread-spectrum function to optimize EMI performance, enabling it to pass the CISPR Class 5 standard without the need for a common-mode choke. The new high-side switch complies with the ASIL-B functional safety standard, with each channel independently protected and capable of achieving up to 28V battery short-circuit protection through a back-to-back MOSFET configuration.

With the rapid development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the importance of in-vehicle cameras has become increasingly prominent.

The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in ADAS systems integrates data from various sensors and, based on the perception of the external environment, precisely controls other subsystems. It is the core module of driver-assistance systems. The buck-boost converters and high-side switches inside the ECU module adjust the vehicle voltage to a suitable direct current voltage for cameras and monitor the real-time circuit status. With the increasing number of ADAS functions, the power management chips in ECUs are also facing challenges in miniaturization, energy efficiency, and safety, in order to integrate more electronic devices in the same space, reduce energy dissipation, and enhance system reliability.

POWERQUARK has previously mass-produced two high-performance automotive camera PMIC chips—PQ6201Q & PQ6205Q—which are applied in camera modules to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and noise resistance of individual cameras. As shown in the figure below, the two products launched this time focus on the front end of the power chain, providing more comprehensive protection from the ECU side. In addition to visual cameras, they can also be used for millimeter-wave radar and ultrasonic radar, further strengthening the company's product layout in the ADAS field and providing full-chain solution support for customers.

 

PQ8748Q/PQ8749Q are packaged in a 4mm×5mm Wettable QFN-34 and integrate four MOSFETs, which can serve as the main switch and synchronous rectification switch respectively. This design meets the trend of miniaturization in automotive cameras. The products support a wide input voltage range of 3.7V-36V and can output a voltage of 2.5V-20V, suitable for various application scenarios such as ADAS and automotive lighting.

PQ8748Q/PQ8749Q can achieve a peak conversion efficiency of over 97% and continuously output a maximum current of 3A/5A, providing efficient and stable power support for automotive applications. Users can set parameters such as input voltage, switching frequency, and operating mode via the I2C interface. They can also choose the spread-spectrum function to optimize the system's EMI performance. In addition, the products offer comprehensive safety protection functions, including output overvoltage protection, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, output undervoltage protection, input overvoltage, and thermal shutdown protection.

 

PQ71420Q/PQ71440Q are high-performance four-channel high-side switches designed for automotive cameras, with each channel capable of providing a load current of 1.2A/0.6A. These products are developed strictly in accordance with functional safety processes and comply with the ASIL-B functional safety standard. They offer comprehensive monitoring and diagnostic functions, providing mechanisms such as battery short-circuit protection, ground short-circuit protection, overcurrent protection, and overtemperature shutdown for each output channel to achieve independent protection.

 

PQ71420Q/PQ71440Q use back-to-back MOSFET protection technology, which can achieve up to 28V of battery protection. Compared to single MOSFET solutions, this provides more comprehensive protection and enhances the reliability of the circuit. The products report errors via registers, and the MCU can read the register content through the I2C interface to obtain the diagnostic status of the device. It can also read diagnostic measurement information such as the current of each switch through the ADC to achieve more precise system diagnostics.

The series is available in a 4mm×4mm QFN-20 package and also offers the dual-channel high-side switch PQ71220Q.