AN820 APPLICATION NOTE INPUT/OUTPUT PROTECTION FOR AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER INTRODUCTION In cars, the number of functions carried out by electronic components has greatly increased during the last 10 years. These functions require ever more complex calculations obliging car module designers to use µC. The sensitivity of µC input/output (linked to the high reliability required by the automotive market), forces the computer to be efficiently protected. PROTECTION: AGAINST WHAT? In the car electrical network overvoltages may occur in two ways. – Firstly on the battery supply rail which can be solved by a good load dump protection. – Secondly by various computer inputs/outputs. In this case the energy involved is not as high as on the supply rail side but the characteristics of the sensor and the µC port have to be taken into account (notably when filtering is needed). PROTECTION BY CLAMPING DEVICES Figure 1 shows both the symbol and the electrical characteristics of a clamping device. This kind of devices suppresses positive overvoltages when they exceed the breakdown voltage VBR. For negative voltages the suppressor clamps at 0.6V (as a rectifier diode VF). Figure 1. Clamping device - Symbol and characteristics I VF V VBR REV. 2 May 2004 1/5 AN820 APPLICATION NOTE Figure 2 shows a circuit using an input/output clamping protection array. Two types of clamping array devices are today available depending on the energy involved. – If only ESD can occur the ESDA series is required. – If EOS strikes (1) occur, a component from the ITA series is needed. Note: 1. ,More energetic than the ESD surges. Figure 2. Input / Output protection by clamping device INPUT or µC OUTPUT PROTECTION BY DIODE ARRAY Figure 3 shows the topology of the protection by diodes to the ground and to the supply rail. The result of this protection circuit when positive or negative surges occur is similar to the previous one. The only difference is where the surge energy is absorbed. Figure 3. Circuit of protection by diodes and characteristics I SUPPLY RAIL VF V SUPPLY Figure 4 shows an input/output protection by diode array circuit of the DA series. 2/5 V AN820 APPLICATION NOTE Figure 4. Input / Output protection by diode array circuit of the DA series +V +V INPUT or µC OUTPUT PROTECTION AND FILTERING The circuit of Figure 5 assumes both overvoltage protection and filtering functions. The protection is carried out by the clamping device while the filtering is made by coupling resistor R and the parasitic capacitance of the clamping device. Figure 5. Input / Output protection and filtering SENSOR R R µC INPUT PROTECTION SUMMARY The input/output protection and even the filtering can be carried out by the ESDA, ITA and DA protector series of STMicroelectronics. Developed using the ASDTM concept, and available in surface mount packages, these devices offer both space saving and layout optimization. 3/5 AN820 APPLICATION NOTE REVISION HISTORY Table 1. Revision History 4/5 Date Revision Description of Changes June-1995 1 First Issue 10-May-2004 2 Stylesheet update. No content change. AN820 APPLICATION NOTE Information furnished is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, STMicroelectronics assumes no responsibility for the consequences of use of such information nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of STMicroelectronics. Specifications mentioned in this publication are subject to change without notice. This publication supersedes and replaces all information previously supplied. STMicroelectronics products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems without express written approval of STMicroelectronics. The ST logo is a registered trademark of STMicroelectronics. All other names are the property of their respective owners © 2004 STMicroelectronics - All rights reserved STMicroelectronics GROUP OF COMPANIES Australia - Belgium - Brazil - Canada - China - Czech Republic - Finland - France - Germany - Hong Kong - India - Israel - Italy - Japan Malaysia - Malta - Morocco - Singapore - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - United Kingdom - United States www.st.com 5/5