Multifunction Voltage Regulator for the automotive environment

This paper presents a new multifunction voltage regulator specially designed for use in adverse automotive environment. A mixed technology has been utilized to exploit the flexibility and the advantages coming from the combination of bipolar and MOS components. The device includes four 5V low dropout tracking regulators, one is able to supply current in excess of 600mA, for the μP, two are tracked with the previous one for sensor ratiometric operation, the fourth is intended for systems requiring memory data retention. The device also includes the reset and the power latch functions and is fully working under positive and negative transients of the supply voltage.