Semiconductor devices for low standby current in automotive electronics

In many automotive electronic systems there is a need to maintain a permanent battery fed connection: vehicle supervisory systems which may be activated upon entering the car, or the retention of data acquired during the operation of a system are examples. In such systems, the total current flow through any device left connected to the power supply of the vehicle must be kept to an absolute minimum. The author examines how the use of some semiconductor devices can reduce standby current in various automotive systems. He discusses CMOS technology, microcontrollers, data storage, voltage regulators, remote locking systems and intelligent power switches