Renesas ZSSC3170FA2R

Overview

ZSSC3170FA2R from Integrated Device Technology (IDT) is an AEC-Q100-qualified automotive sensor signal conditioner IC designed to condition resistive bridge sensor outputs with digital LIN or PWM interface output. It delivers ±0.50% FSO accuracy over −40°C to +125°C, supports up to 430 Hz data conversion rate, and integrates 16-bit RISC microcontroller-based compensation for offset, sensitivity, temperature drift (2nd order), and nonlinearity (3rd order). It is used in automotive pressure, force, and level sensing systems requiring end-of-line calibration and robust EMC performance.

For engineers reviewing the ZSSC3170FA2R datasheet, ZSSC3170FA2R pinout, ZSSC3170FA2R application, or ZSSC3170FA2R equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-output interface flexibility (LIN v1.3/2.0/2.1 or PWM high/low-side switch), integrated EEPROM for automotive-grade calibration storage, load-dump protected LIN pin (±40 V), and support for external diode/RTD temperature sensing alongside internal temperature measurement.

Technical Context

The ZSSC3170FA2R implements a two-stage analog front-end with programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offering 12 selectable gains (2× to 420×), enabling precise amplification of bridge signals from 1.8 mV/V to 267 mV/V. Its 14-bit ADC feeds a ROM-resident conditioning algorithm executed by an on-chip 16-bit RISC microcontroller, applying stored coefficients for real-time correction.

Digital outputs are delivered via either a LIN transceiver compliant with specifications 1.3/2.0/2.1 (with configurable frame content and 20 kbit/s channel utilization) or dual PWM outputs (HOUT/LOUT) supporting high-side or low-side switching configurations. The device includes dedicated diagnostic features - sensor connection loss detection (20–100 kΩ threshold), short-circuit check, aging monitoring, and watchdog logic - all managed autonomously without host intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ZSSC3170FA2R is packaged in RoHS-compliant SSOP20 (Small Outline Package, 20-pin, 0.65 mm pitch), with exposed pad for thermal dissipation and mechanical stability in automotive under-hood environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar sensor signal conditioning applications.

Compared with MLX90371 and DPS310, the ZSSC3170FA2R uniquely combines programmable bridge input, dual LIN/PWM output, automotive EEPROM, and comprehensive diagnostics - making it the only option among the three capable of end-of-line calibrated resistive bridge sensing in LIN-based automotive subsystems.

Availability

ZSSC3170FA2R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive pressure sensing, brake fluid level monitoring, and EPS torque measurement requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for ZSSC3170FA2R 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

Integrated Device Technology (IDT), now part of Renesas Electronics, is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in timing, memory interface, RF, and sensor signal conditioning ICs for communications, computing, and automotive markets.

The ZSSC3170 product line was engineered specifically for AEC-Q100-compliant automotive bridge sensor conditioning, emphasizing LIN integration, on-chip diagnostics, and production-calibration efficiency in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range supported by the ZSSC3170FA2R?

The ZSSC3170FA2R supports an extended operating temperature range of −40°C to +150°C, with guaranteed performance at ±1.00% FSO accuracy across this full range. Its standard specification covers −40°C to +125°C at ±0.50% FSO, and the device is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 0. This makes the ZSSC3170FA2R suitable for under-hood applications such as turbocharger pressure sensing or transmission oil monitoring where ambient temperatures exceed 125°C.

Does the ZSSC3170FA2R support both high-side and low-side PWM switching configurations?

Yes, the ZSSC3170FA2R supports both high-side switch (HSS) and low-side switch (LSS) PWM configurations via its HOUT and LOUT pins. Configuration is selected during EEPROM programming and determines whether the device drives the load between VB and HOUT (HSS) or between LOUT and VSSE (LSS). Each output supports 15 mA source (HOUT) or 12 mA sink (LOUT) capability with controlled slew rates to minimize EMI, and both modes enable end-of-line calibration using the sensor output signal.

How does the ZSSC3170FA2R handle temperature compensation for bridge sensors?

The ZSSC3170FA2R performs digital compensation of temperature effects on bridge sensors up to 2nd order for offset and sensitivity, and up to 3rd order for nonlinearity. It uses either its internal temperature diode or external diode/RTD inputs (VTN1/VTN2) to acquire temperature data, then applies stored coefficients in EEPROM within its 16-bit RISC microcontroller. This eliminates need for external thermistors or lookup tables, and the compensation occurs in real time with no host processor involvement - a core feature of the ZSSC3170FA2R architecture.

Can the ZSSC3170FA2R be calibrated without an external microcontroller?

Yes, the ZSSC3170FA2R supports stand-alone end-of-line calibration using only the sensor output and LIN or PWM interface - no external microcontroller is required. During calibration, the device outputs uncorrected raw values via LIN or I²C, allowing test equipment to compute correction coefficients and write them directly into the on-chip EEPROM. The ZSSC3170FA2R then autonomously applies those coefficients in real time, enabling one-pass calibration that reduces production test time and eliminates dependency on host firmware.

What LIN protocol versions does the ZSSC3170FA2R support?

The ZSSC3170FA2R complies with LIN specifications 1.3, 2.0, and 2.1, and supports configurable publisher frame content to match specific ECU requirements. Its LIN transceiver includes integrated driver/receiver with ±40 V load-dump protection, programmable slew rate (0.5–3 V/µs), and automatic synchronization to bus baud rate. Frame timing and duty cycle parameters (D1–D4) are defined per LIN spec version and supply voltage, and all are implemented in hardware - no firmware updates are needed to change LIN compatibility for the ZSSC3170FA2R.