Southchip officially launched SC8708Q/SC8709Q, a high-performance buck-boost DC-DC converter family designed for 48V automotive systems. The series has passed AEC-Q100 certification and supports bidirectional high-efficiency energy conversion under 80V/60V conditions, with configurable current limits and output voltage parameters. The devices are suitable for multiple modules in 48V automotive systems, including ADAS, in-vehicle infotainment, and chassis control, providing a versatile power solution that combines high performance, high flexibility, and high cost-effectiveness for the transition of electric vehicles to 48V systems.

Vehicle power systems are constantly evolving. By introducing a 48V low-voltage architecture in electric vehicles, the wiring harness specifications of the entire vehicle can be effectively reduced, along with lower current requirements for semiconductor components such as power switches and motor drivers. Compared to 12V systems, 48V systems offer a higher voltage level, greater power handling capability, higher system efficiency, and better flexibility and scalability. They serve as an important bridge connecting the traditional 12V network with high-voltage pure electric platforms, driving intelligent upgrades of the entire vehicle and further enhancing the driving experience. According to forecasts, the global automotive 48V system market is expected to reach $8.6 billion by 2026, with accelerating penetration from hybrid to pure electric vehicles.

As a core component of 48V systems, DC-DC converter is responsible for voltage control and management within the system and serves as the foundation for improving overall vehicle power efficiency. Southchip's SC8708Q/SC8709Q are specifically designed for 48V automotive systems, delivering exceptional performance to help bring 48V systems into mass production.

SC8708Q supports a wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 80V and a maximum withstand voltage of 88V. Its output voltage range is 5V to 80V (set via external registers), with an output current limit of up to 50A and a shutdown quiescent current as low as 5μA. It achieves seamless transitions between buck, buck-boost and boost operating modes. Compared to similar products, SC8708Q offers superior electrical performance and supports a wider range of load types.

SC8708Q achieves seamless transitions between buck, buck-boost and boost (VBAT=40V, VOTG=5V->48V)

Additionally, SC8708Q offers high flexibility. The chip supports power supply from VCC or an external source, is compatible with both register-based voltage adjustment and FB (feedback pin) voltage adjustment, and features an adjustable voltage slew rate. Users can adjust the soft-start time and select from eight dead-time options ranging from 40ns to 145ns via external capacitors and resistors. The IC's enable pin can also be used to monitor input/output status. In addition to I2C control mode, SC8708Q supports standalone mode for simple, power-up-and-go operation.

The switching frequency of SC8708Q is adjustable from 80kHz to 480kHz, and it supports PFM/PWM and FPWM operating modes. To address EMI challenges in 48V systems, users can enable spread-spectrum (frequency hopping) functionality in FPWM mode to optimize EMI performance. This mode also supports synchronization, capable of recognizing sync pulses as short as 100ns.

SC8708Q comes in a 5mm x 6mm QFN-36 package, enabling high power density designs in space-constrained automotive electronics modules.