Unterpremstaetten, Austria (November 29, 2010) – austriamicrosystems (SIX: AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high-performance analog ICs, has introduced the AS8223, the industry’s first monolithic FlexRay Standard V2.1 Rev B compliant Active Star Device. The AS8223 manages communication traffic among four FlexRay branches of the network, expandable to more branches through an Interstar interface.
The four branches of the AS8223 operate as a FlexRay receiver and transmitter whereby one of the communication paths is operating as receiver while the others operate as transmitter. Additionally, the AS8223 comes with a Host Controller Interface to achieve active control of the power modes and error diagnosis. An autonomous mode is entered automatically, in which the device operates without the need for a host controller. A Communication Controller interface is also built into the AS8223 to provide standard transceiver functionality on the ECU using the AS8223.
The AS8223 FlexRay Active Star Device is tailored for automotive gateways with embedded FlexRay Active Star functionality. Connecting several devices at its Interstar interface enables extension of the FlexRay branches to suit the needs of applications. Other features of the AS8223 include: very low asymmetric delay contribution; data transfer up to 10 Mbps; enhanced bus error detection with current sensing on FlexRay branches up to 8 m from connector pins, plus very low contribution to the FlexRay network asymmetric delay. In addition, the AS8223 includes automatic thermal shutdown protection and provides internal ESD protection at the bus pins for demanding automotive applications.
“The AS8223 is the world’s first FlexRay Active Star Device that conforms to the FlexRay Electrical Physical Layer Specification V2.1 Rev B”, stated Harald Gall, Product Manager at austriamicrosystems. He continued, “It also features best-in-class EMC immunity, according to approved EMC conformance tests, to provide reliable operation in the harshest automotive environments.”
The AS8223 FlexRay Active Star Device is available in a 9×9 mm 44-pin MLF package and operates over a temperature range of -40 to +125ºC with a wide power supply range of 5.5 V to 40 V.
Price & Availability
The price for the AS8223 FlexRay Active Star Device is $8.00 in 1000 piece quantities.
Technical Support
For technical information on the AS8223 FlexRay Active Star Device with best-in-class EMC immunity, visit www.austriamicrosystems.com/Flexray/AS8223
About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of standard and customized high-performance analog ICs in the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces and mobile infotainment. Complemented by its full service foundry services, the company focuses on the communications, industrial & medical and automotive markets. austriamicrosystems leverages almost 30 years of expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading products, operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, visit www.austriamicrosystems.com
