Automotive PMICs for smarter power design
Simplify complex E/E architectures with efficient, safe, and automotive-qualified solutions
Flexible power management for modern automotive systems
ST automotive PMICs combine regulation, monitoring, sequencing, and safety features in a highly integrated solution that helps reduce BOM, save board space, and accelerate development. Built for a broad range of automotive applications, these devices support multichannel configurable power architectures, scalable MCU compatibility, and direct battery connection without requiring pre-regulators. Integrated NVM enables precise configuration across multiple MCU ecosystems, including ST and third-party families. AEC-Q100 qualified and designed with functional safety support up to ASIL-D, ST PMICs include advanced protection features such as thermal and load dump protection for robust operation in harsh automotive conditions. With SPI programming, internal memory, high switching frequency, and low quiescent current, they deliver the integration and efficiency needed for compact, battery-conscious designs.
ADAS
ECU
Infotainment
OBC
Spotlight on the SPSA068 automotive-qualified buck regulator
Spotlight on the SPSA068 automotive-qualified buck regulator
Designed for efficient power delivery and functional safety support up to ASIL-D, the SPSA068 provides multiple output rails, making it well suited for MCUs and processors in automotive sensors and control units. An internal programmable memory enables selection of key parameters such as output voltage and switching frequency, while the SPI interface supports diagnostics, programming, monitoring, and an external window watchdog.
Use cases and application examples
Key features and benefits
- High-efficiency power conversion
Helps reduce energy loss, improve thermal performance, and support compact, cooling-efficient designs.
- Integrated monitoring and control
Simplifies system management while improving reliability, diagnostics, and overall design robustness.
- Flexible power sequencing
Enables tailored startup and shutdown behavior, helping optimize system stability and support multiple MCU or ECU requirements.
- Robust automotive protection
Improves resilience against demanding operating conditions, helping protect the system from overvoltage, load dump, and thermal stress.
- Functional safety support
Helps designers meet automotive safety targets with greater confidence and reduce development complexity for safety-critical applications.
How to select the right Automotive PMIC?
Start with the system requirements: input voltage range, output rails, current levels, and power budget. Then check the needed safety level, integration, communication interface, and thermal constraints to find the best fit.
- Define system requirements: Identify the input voltage range, output voltages, maximum current, and overall power budget.
- Consider functional safety needs: Select PMICs with the appropriate ASIL support where required.
- Check the integration level: Determine whether you need integrated drivers, sequencing, monitoring, or external support components.
- Evaluate communication interfaces: Consider SPI or I2C control for configuration and diagnostics.
- Assess package and thermal constraints: Ensure compatibility with the PCB layout and thermal design.
- Review efficiency and quiescent current: Especially important for battery-powered systems and standby operation.