Infineon TLE6251DS: A High-Speed CAN Transceiver for Automotive Network Applications

The evolution of modern vehicles into complex, software-defined systems has necessitated robust and reliable communication networks. At the heart of these in-vehicle networks (IVNs), the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus remains a fundamental backbone for real-time data exchange between electronic control units (ECUs). The Infineon TLE6251DS is a monolithic high-speed CAN transceiver explicitly designed to meet the stringent requirements of these automotive applications, serving as the critical physical interface between a microcontroller's protocol controller and the differential CAN bus.

A primary strength of the TLE6251DS lies in its excellent EMC and ESD performance. Automotive environments are electrically hostile, subject to significant electromagnetic interference (EMI) and sudden electrostatic discharges (ESD). This transceiver is engineered to withstand these challenges, featuring high ESD robustness of up to 8 kV according to the Human Body Model (HBM). Its symmetrical driver output and optimized slew rate control contribute to low electromagnetic emission (EME), ensuring the device does not become a source of interference itself, which is crucial for passing rigorous automotive EMC tests.

Furthermore, the device offers superior immunity against electromagnetic disturbances (EMI), guaranteeing reliable data transmission even in the presence of heavy noise. This is complemented by its compliance with the ISO 11898-2 standard, which defines the characteristics for high-speed CAN physical layers. The TLE6251DS supports data rates up to 1 Mbit/s, making it suitable for real-time critical applications such as engine management, powertrain systems, and active safety features like braking and stability control.

Beyond performance, the TLE6251DS integrates several advanced protection and diagnostic features that enhance system safety and reliability—a key consideration for automotive design. These include:

Undervoltage detection on both the transmitter and receiver sides.

Thermal shutdown protection to prevent damage from excessive junction temperature.

A dominant timeout function that prevents the bus lines from being driven permanently dominant in case of a microcontroller failure.

Its low-power management capabilities are also noteworthy. The device supports multiple modes of operation, including a standby mode with very low current consumption. This allows ECUs to be put into a sleep state when not active, reducing the overall quiescent current and contributing to energy efficiency, which is particularly vital in electric vehicles to extend battery life.

In terms of integration, the TLE6251DS is part of Infineon's proven and trusted semiconductor portfolio for automotive systems. Its high level of reliability and quality is validated for the demanding AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, ensuring long-term performance under extreme temperature conditions and operational stress.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE6251DS stands out as a highly robust and reliable solution for automotive network designers. Its exceptional EMC/ESD performance, integrated safety features, and low-power operation make it an ideal choice for building resilient and efficient high-speed CAN networks in modern vehicles, from conventional cars to the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

Keywords: CAN Transceiver, Automotive EMC, ISO 11898-2, High-Speed Communication, AEC-Q100.