AMI Semiconductor (AMIS), has expanded its family of high-side driver ASSPs (application specific standard products) with a device designed specifically for the control of LEDs, relays, solenoids, transistor gates, valves and other loads in industrial systems. Qualified for operation up to 28V and suited to designs with nominal system supply voltages of 24V, the new AMIS-39101 integrates into a single SO28 package eight high-side (HS) output drivers and a range of functions and features. Built-in functionality includes a serial-to-parallel interface (SPI) for direct connection to a microcontroller, an integrated diagnostic circuit and short circuit and thermal overload protection. Each of the new device’s HS drivers will drive a continuous current of 275mA when connected to an inductive load of 300mH. Higher individual output currents are possible by limiting device current to the total maximum. The drivers will withstand short circuits to the power supply or to ground, respectively, even in situations where the device itself has lost its ground connection.

The drivers also provide over-current limitation and in the case of a fault condition are switched off. The AMIS-39101 features over-temperature protection circuitry and is self protected against thermal runaway, even at low power supply voltages. Compatible with 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers, the SPI interface is used to control each of the individual output drivers and to provide a route for the integrated diagnostic circuit to feedback error signals. The interface can also be used to read back the status of the built-in thermal shutdown protection function. The AMIS-39101 ASSP incorporates a power down mode to reduce power consumption during non-active periods and uses an integrated slope control function that ensures low electromagnetic emission (EME). Operating temperature is rated at -40°C to 80°C. The AMIS-39101 is available now at a cost of $2.07 each for 1000 pieces.