Infineon TLE9255WLC: A High-Speed CAN Transceiver for Automotive Networking

The evolution of modern vehicles into complex, software-defined systems has dramatically increased the demand for robust and reliable in-vehicle networking. At the heart of this communication lies the Controller Area Network (CAN), a proven standard for real-time data exchange between electronic control units (ECUs). The Infineon TLE9255WLC emerges as a pivotal component in this domain, a high-speed CAN transceiver designed to meet the stringent requirements of next-generation automotive applications.

This transceiver serves as the critical interface between a microcontroller's CAN protocol controller and the physical CAN bus lines. Its primary function is to convert the digital data signals from the controller into differential analog signals for transmission over the bus, and vice-versa for reception. The TLE9255WLC is engineered for high-speed data rates up to 8 Mbit/s, far exceeding the classic CAN FD (Flexible Data-rate) limit of 5 Mbit/s, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), electrification control units, and high-performance gateways.

A key hallmark of the TLE9255WLC is its robustness and commitment to functional safety. It is designed in compliance with the ISO 11898-2:2016 standard and incorporates a wide suite of protection and diagnostic features. These include advanced bus fault protection against short circuits to battery voltage or ground, overtemperature detection, and undervoltage monitoring. Such comprehensive diagnostics are crucial for supporting system designs that aim to achieve ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level)

compliance as defined by the ISO 26262 standard, a critical requirement for safety-relevant systems in a vehicle.

Furthermore, the device features a very low-current sleep mode with remote wake-up capability via bus activity. This is essential for modern electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures, where energy efficiency is paramount, especially in electric vehicles to minimize quiescent current and extend battery life. The ability to be woken up by a message on the bus allows ECUs to remain dormant until needed, significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the vehicle's network.

Housed in a compact and space-saving WLCSP (Wafer Level Chip Scale Package), the TLE9255WLC is optimized for applications where PCB real estate is limited. This small footprint, combined with its high performance, makes it a perfect fit for densely populated control modules.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE9255WLC stands out as a highly integrated, safety-focused, and efficient solution for automotive networking. Its combination of high-speed CAN FD support, extensive diagnostic capabilities, ultra-low power management, and a miniature package positions it as an enabling technology for the development of more connected, autonomous, and electrified vehicles.

Keywords: CAN FD Transceiver, Automotive Networking, Functional Safety (ASIL), Low Power Management, ISO 11898-2