STMicroelectronics has introduced the market’s first multi-functional door-zone driver with an integrated electric-window control. This chip, which reduces bill-of-material costs and offers new levels of passenger comfort, has been chosen for broad adoption at a leading German car manufacturer.

ST’s newest door actuator driver redefines the established system topology, removing the need for mechanical relays in car-window control. The innovation slashes component costs and eliminates expensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) countermeasures, associated with the existing solutions, while enabling users to enjoy a smoother and quieter car-window operation.

ST’s new door-zone driver supports adjustable window speeds related to the position of the window - soft start and shutdown - and reduces noise levels with the removal of the relay as well.

ST’s L99DZ80 embeds an SPI-programmable slew-rate[1] control IP that can drive 4 external MOSFETs in a half-bridge configuration dedicated to PWM (Pulse Width Mode)-driven electric-window applications. Other features include six bridges for double door-lock control, mirror fold, and mirror-axis control, together with a high-side driver for mirror defroster, bulbs and LEDs. The device also integrates a control block with an external MOS transistor for charging and discharging of electrochromic (dimmable) mirror glasses.

ST is the world’s largest supplier of car-door electronics, with more than 100 million door-actuator devices shipped over the past ten years.  The newest addition to ST’s family of microcontroller-driven multi-functional car-door actuator drivers, the L99DZ80 is available in volumes.