6 The Role of Texas Instruments (TI) in Automotive Functional Safety

Semiconductor manufacturers play a critical role to make sure that their semiconductor components are safe and reliable. This requires a deep understanding of the automotive industry and the specific requirements for Functional Safety. TI works very closely with automotive manufacturers to make sure that their components are compatible with the latest systems and technologies.

To make sure that their components meet the required standards, TI follows a rigorous process for the development of safety-critical components. TI’s Functional Safety development flow is derived from ISO 26262 and IEC 61508. This development flow is certified by Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) SÜD. This certification helps to make sure that products in this category were developed following specifications prescribed by the Functional Safety standards, ISO 26262 and IEC 61508. To find these certifications, see Functional safety.

For example, consider the following complex Functional Safety-Compliant devices which were developed using the above-mentioned development flow:

TMAG5170-Q1 - TI’s most accurate 3D Hall-effect sensor is designed for real-time measurement and data conversion for precision electromechanical and safety-critical applications. With the help of numerous built-in safety mechanisms, this sensor is able to achieve ASIL B level safety rating for safety critical applications like Electric Power Steering column control modules or e-shifters.

TMAG6181-Q1 - Automotive high-precision analog AMR angle sensor is developed for safety critical motor applications. This product supports several device and system-level diagnostics features to detect, monitor, and report failures during the device operation. With the help of built-in safety mechanisms, this sensor is able to achieve ASIL B level safety ratings for applications like Belt Starter Generator or steering angle sensor modules.

LDC5072-Q1 - Inductive Position Sensor Front-End with Sin/Cos Interface. This inductive sensor with SIN/ COS outputs is designed for safety-critical high-speed motor position sensing. The device can also be used for linear, partial rotation, and torque-sensing applications. The device employs over 25 diagnostic and safety mechanisms and can be used in ASIL C rated safety systems or with two devices the device satisfies the demands of ASIL D applications.

TI has a growing Functional Safety portfolio with the most precise Hall and Inductive Sensors. This list also includes the TMAG5173-Q1, TMAG6180-Q1 devices which are developed for different automotive and industrial safety-critical applications with ASIL B to ASIL D safety ratings.