The landscape of automotive body electronics is evolving rapidly, demanding faster development cycles and more integrated hardware solutions. MIKROE, a leader in embedded solutions, has addressed this need with the release of the SmartMCD TB9M001FTG development board. Designed to significantly reduce time-to-market, this board provides engineers with a robust platform for proof-of-concept and rapid prototyping of motor control systems.
Advanced Integration for Automotive Systems
At the heart of the board lies the Toshiba TB9M001FTG, an automotive-grade relay driver IC. This component is specifically engineered for high-current automotive loads, integrating an ARM Cortex-M0 core with low-side and high-side drivers. This high level of integration allows for the direct control of actuators and brushed DC motors, which are staples in modern vehicle cabin electronics.
Nebojsa Matic, CEO of MIKROE, highlights the board’s versatility:
“This new motor control board is ideal for controlling high-current automotive loads in systems that require power distribution and load management… It provides a platform for prototyping systems including electric sunroofs, power windows, and adjustable seats.”
Technical Specifications and Connectivity
The SmartMCD TB9M001FTG is built to handle the rigors of automotive environments, boasting AEC-Q100 (Grade 1) qualification and an operating temperature range of -40°C to +90°C.
Core Features Include:
- Processing Power: ARM Cortex-M0 core running at a maximum frequency of 40MHz.
- Memory: 192KB Code Flash, 16KB Data Flash, 16KB SRAM, and 12KB ROM.
- Power Handling: Two high-current brushed DC motor channels via solid-state relays rated up to 20A per channel.
- Onboard Debugging: Integrated debug unit based on Toshiba’s TMPM067FW for immediate out-of-box testing.
The board’s compact 130mm x 73mm footprint does not compromise on connectivity. It features USB Type-C connectors, LIN interface support, USB-to-UART communication, and dedicated terminals for Hall sensor monitoring.
