A powertrain control SOI BiCMOS LSI for an automotive application

At present, many new LSIs are about to be launched on the automotive markets. These LSIs combine CMOS digital and bipolar analog circuits to achieve high levels of integration. For automotive powertrain control LSIs used in the engine compartment, in addition to high integration, high voltage (>35 V) and high temperature (>125/spl deg/C) capability characteristics are necessary. From the isolation process aspect, trench-isolation is the most suitable for automotive applications, because this process can handle high temperature and high voltage conditions, and can achieve high integration LSIs. High level ECU (electrical control unit) integration and fast signal processing capabilities achieved by LSIs promoted the integration of different control systems. Integration of circuits in an ECU itself is also key to providing expanded functions without increasing the ECU size or the number of devices. By adopting high performance LSIs, expanded functions can be provided in smaller and more lightweight ECU packages with high reliability.