STMicroelectronics AEK-POW-SPSB081

Overview

AEK-POW-SPSB081 from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade power management IC evaluation board based on the SPSB0815-TR system IC, integrating dual LDOs (V1: 5 V/250 mA fixed; V2: SPI-configurable 3.3 V or 5 V/100 mA), ISO 17987-4 LIN and ISO 11898-2/SAE J2284 CAN-FD transceivers, four programmable high-side drivers (0.14 A, 7 Ω R_ON), and diagnostics including open-load detection, current monitoring, and overvoltage protection - used for validating power distribution and communication interfaces in automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the AEK-POW-SPSB081 datasheet, AEK-POW-SPSB081 pinout, AEK-POW-SPSB081 application, or AEK-POW-SPSB081 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of SPI-configurable power sequencing, LIN/CAN-FD bridging, high-side driver timing modes (OFF/ON/TIMED/PWM), and fault-aware wake-up behavior in AEC-Q100-compliant vehicle subsystems.

Technical Context

The board implements the SPSB0815-TR IC's full functional stack: V1 supplies MCU core logic with overvoltage protection; V2 operates either as a voltage tracker of V1 or as an independent SPI-programmable regulator. The integrated LIN and CAN-FD transceivers support concurrent bus diagnosis (local/bus failure) and are electrically compliant per ISO 17987-4 and ISO 11898-2/SAE J2284.

All four high-side drivers feature configurable output modes via SPI registers or manual DIR pin override, with real-time current monitoring and open-load detection per channel. System-level supervision includes a window watchdog (refreshable via SPI), programmable cyclic wake-up (WU1), and DIAGN pin assertion for consolidated error reporting.

Key Specifications

Availability

AEK-POW-SPSB081 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control unit development, LIN/CAN-FD gateway prototyping, and AEC-Q100-compliant power architecture validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for AEK-POW-SPSB081 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, analog ICs, power management devices, and automotive-grade silicon for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The SPSB081 product line delivers integrated power management solutions for automotive ECUs, combining regulated power delivery, communication transceivers, and intelligent high-side switching to reduce external component count and improve system-level safety and diagnostics.

FAQ

What microcontrollers is the AEK-POW-SPSB081 designed to interface with?

The board is natively optimized for ST's SPC58 32-bit automotive MCUs (e.g., AEK-MCU-C1MLIT1), using SPI for register access and TRIG bit refresh. It supports any SPI-capable microcontroller with 3.3 V logic levels and compatible timing; LIN/CAN-FD signals are routed to standard headers for direct connection to host MCU transceiver pins.

Does the board support simultaneous LIN and CAN-FD operation?

Yes - the SPSB0815-TR IC integrates independent LIN and CAN-FD transceivers that operate concurrently. CN1 provides LIN physical layer access (LIN pin), while CN2 exposes CAN_H/CAN_L. Both buses can be active simultaneously with separate diagnostic reporting via DIAGN and NINT pins.

How is high-side driver PWM configured and controlled?

PWM mode is set per driver (OUT1–OUT4) via SPI register writes to configure frequency, duty cycle, and enable state. Alternatively, the DIR pin allows external PWM signal injection to override SPI control - enabling custom timing waveforms without MCU register updates during runtime.

Is debug mode accessible without soldering or hardware modification?

Yes - placing a jumper on JP1 disables the window watchdog and enables debug mode, allowing uninterrupted SPI access and register inspection without periodic TRIG bit refresh. No rework or firmware changes are required; the mode is purely hardware-selected and visible via Debug pin (U1 pin 9).