H-bridge motor driver IC meets demand for low voltage, high current drive
For DC brushed motors and stepping motors, the TC78H651FNG is a dual H-bridge driver IC announced by Toshiba Electronics Europe.
The TC78H651FNG delivers performance at a low voltage (down to 1.8V) and high current (up to 1.6A) for equipment powered by dry-cell batteries. It is suitable for motor applications such as cameras and compact printers using 3.7V lithium-ion batteries, toys and home appliances, smart meters, and electronic locks using two 1.5V dry batteries, and devices using 5V USB power supplies.
IoT advances and wireless technologies are driving demand for applications that can be remotely controlled by smartphones and tablets, in turn stimulating demand for battery-powered motor control, argues Toshiba. Existing H-bridge driver ICs use bipolar technology which is stable at low voltage. However, the associated high levels of current consumption shorten battery life and increase losses leading to reduced motor torque.
The TC78H651FNG uses Toshiba’s DMOS process that is suitable for low voltage drives to reduce losses and current consumption, ICC is around 0.6mA in operating mode and virtually zero when in standby mode, claims Toshiba. This achieves a longer battery life and stable low voltage operation. The reduced on resistance of 0.22 Ohm for the high and low sides combined reduces IC losses and improves torque in the motor, even when powered at 1.8V.
The device is housed in a 5.0 x 6.4mm, 0.65mm pitch TSSOP16 package and supports forward, reverse and stop rotation modes. Inbuilt error detection functions for over-current protection, thermal shutdown and under-voltage lockout all contribute to ensuring a safe system.
