Infineon SAK-TC387QP-160F300SAD: A High-Performance 300MHz TriCore Microcontroller for Automotive and Industrial Applications

The demand for robust, high-performance microcontrollers in automotive and industrial sectors continues to surge, driven by the increasing complexity of applications such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, industrial automation, and sophisticated motor control. Addressing these needs, Infineon Technologies introduces the SAK-TC387QP-160F300SAD, a flagship member of its renowned AURIX™ TC3xx family. This microcontroller stands out as a powerful and versatile solution engineered to deliver exceptional computational performance, advanced safety, and security features.

At the heart of this MCU lies the high-performance 300MHz TriCore™ CPU system. This architecture is uniquely designed to combine the real-time capability of a microcontroller, the computational power of a digital signal processor (DSP), and the high-performance features of a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor into a single, cohesive core. This integration enables the efficient handling of complex control algorithms and data processing tasks simultaneously, making it ideal for applications requiring deterministic response and heavy number crunching.

A key attribute of the SAK-TC387QP-160F300SAD is its unmatched commitment to functional safety. Designed to comply with the most stringent automotive safety integrity levels, it seamlessly supports systems requiring ASIL-D certification under the ISO 26262 standard. This is achieved through advanced hardware safety mechanisms, including redundant processing units, built-in self-tests (BIST), and error-correcting code (ECC) on memories. These features are critical for fault detection and ensuring operational integrity in safety-critical applications like braking, steering, and airbag systems.

Furthermore, the microcontroller is built with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. As modern vehicles and industrial networks become more connected, they face growing threats from cyber-attacks. The AURIX™ TC3xx family incorporates a comprehensive Hardware Security Module (HSM) featuring a dedicated cryptographic processor. This module supports a wide array of encryption and authentication algorithms (e.g., AES, SHA, RSA), secure boot, and key management, providing a robust foundation for protecting sensitive data and ensuring secure communication.

Beyond its core processing and safety features, the SAK-TC387QP-160F300SAD is equipped with a rich set of peripherals tailored for its target markets. It includes:

High-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for precise sensor data acquisition.

Advanced PWM timers and capture/compare units for sophisticated motor control.

Multiple CAN FD, LIN, and FlexRay interfaces for robust automotive networking.

Ethernet TSN support for high-bandwidth, time-sensitive industrial communication.

Housed in a thermally enhanced LQFP package, the device is also designed to operate reliably in the harsh environments typical of automotive under-the-hood and industrial settings.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon SAK-TC387QP-160F300SAD AURIX™ microcontroller emerges as a top-tier solution, masterfully balancing raw 300MHz TriCore™ performance with the critical pillars of functional safety (ASIL-D) and robust cybersecurity. Its comprehensive feature set makes it an indispensable component for developers building the next generation of reliable, efficient, and secure automotive and industrial systems.

Keywords: AURIX™ TC3xx, ASIL-D, TriCore™, Hardware Security Module (HSM), Automotive Microcontroller