Infineon TLE8108EM: A 16-Channel Low-Side Switch for Automotive and Industrial Applications

The increasing electrification of automotive systems and industrial machinery demands robust, compact, and intelligent power switching solutions. Addressing this need, the Infineon TLE8108EM stands out as a highly integrated 16-channel low-side switch designed to drive resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads with exceptional reliability. This device consolidates what would typically require multiple discrete components into a single package, simplifying design, saving board space, and enhancing system-level performance.

Engineered for harsh environments, the TLE8108EM is a workhorse for controlling a wide array of actuators. Its common applications include driving solenoids, valves, relays, and lamps in systems such as body control modules (BCMs), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, and industrial automation controllers. Each of its 16 channels can sink up to 400 mA of continuous current, with a maximum operating voltage of 40 V, making it suitable for both 12 V and 24 V battery systems.

A key strength of this IC is its advanced diagnostic and protection features, which are critical for functional safety (ISO 26262 compliant) and predictive maintenance. The integrated SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) allows for detailed individual channel control and the readback of comprehensive diagnostic data. The device monitors for critical faults such as open-load conditions, short-to-ground, and overtemperature, flagging them to the host microcontroller. Furthermore, built-in protections including overcurrent limitation (OCL), overtemperature shutdown (TSD), and load dump robustness ensure the switch operates safely even under electrical stress or fault scenarios.

The TLE8108EM also incorporates a charge pump for efficient gate driving, ensuring stable operation even when the battery voltage drops low. Its small PG-VDSON-32 package offers a minimal footprint, which is a significant advantage in space-constrained applications.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon TLE8108EM is a superior, highly integrated solution that empowers designers to build more reliable and compact systems. Its combination of high channel count, robust diagnostic capabilities, and extensive protection mechanisms makes it an ideal choice for demanding automotive and industrial applications where precision control, safety, and durability are paramount.

Keywords: Low-Side Switch, Automotive Grade, Diagnostic Features, SPI Interface, Functional Safety