Datasheet
TPS7A16xx
OUT
GND
C
IN
IN
EN
V
IN
V
OUT
V
EN
R
PG
DELAY
C
DELAY
PG
C
OUT
V
PG
mC1
IO1
IO2
IO3
mC2
EN
VCC
12V
60V
t
V
IN
TPS7A16
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SBVS171D –DECEMBER 2011–REVISED JANUARY 2014
APPLICATION INFORMATION
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
The TPS7A16 family maximum input voltage of 60 V makes it ideal for use in automotive applications where
high-voltage transients are present.
Events such as load-dump overvoltage (where the battery is disconnected while the alternator is providing
current to a load) may cause voltage spikes from 25 V to 60 V. In order to prevent any damage to sensitive
circuitry, local transient voltage suppressors can be used to cap voltage spikes to lower, more manageable
voltages.
The TPS7A16 family can be used to simplify and lower costs in such cases. The TPS7A16 very high voltage
range allows this regulator to not only withstand the voltages coming out of these local transient voltage
suppressors, but even replace them, thus lowering system cost and complexity.
Figure 15. Low-Power Microcontroller Rail Sequencing in Automotive Applications Subjected to Load-
Dump Transients
MULTICELL BATTERY PACKS
Currently, battery packs can employ up to a dozen cells in series that, when fully charged, may have voltages of
up to 55 V. Internal circuitry in these battery packs is used to prevent overcurrent and overvoltage conditions that
may degrade battery life or even pose a safety risk; this internal circuitry is often managed by a low-power
microcontroller, such as TI’s MSP430.
The microcontroller continuously monitors the battery itself, whether the battery is in use or not. Although this
microcontroller could be powered by an intermediate voltage taken from the multicell array, this approach
unbalances the battery pack itself, degrading its life or adding cost to implement more complex cell balancing
topologies.
The best approach to power this microcontroller is to regulate down the voltage from the entire array to discharge
every cell equally and prevent any balancing issues. This approach reduces system complexity and cost.
TPS7A16 is the ideal regulator for this application because it can handle very high voltages (from the entire
multicell array) and has very low quiescent current (to maximize battery life).
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