Compact 50 V full-bridge gate drivers for industrial applications
Allegro MicroSystems has launched a two full-bridge gate drivers for industrial and automotive applications that measure 4 x 4mm.
Available with direct control (A89505) and pulse-width modulation (A89506) options, the gate drivers integrate critical features to make system design easier, replacing mechanical relays with solid-state drivers to improve performance and reliability.
Flexible interface logic, EMI mitigation with programmable gate drive, motor current feedback and multiple diagnostic features means the gate drivers require very few external components and are available in a 4×4 mm QFN package, 36% smaller than current 5 x 5 mm packages..
The A89505 and A89506 are aimed at vehicle applications such as window and door actuators, EV charger locks, electronic parking brakes, and folding mirrors. The solid-state design also makes them ideal for battery-powered applications that incorporate brushed DC motors such as building automation and robotics, improving reliability and battery life while facilitating smaller design footprints.
Both drivers include built-in current sensing capabilities, eliminating the need for external current sense resistors and reducing external component requirements to as few as seven. Integrated diagnostics further obviate the need for additional microprocessor programming and addition circuitry.
Both are capable of 50V absolute maximum supply voltages and offer higher gate drive voltage at low VBB and better efficiency when running on battery power, allowing designers to specify lower-cost FETs. They even enable lower current draw in standby states to reduce total battery load.
“As cars continue down a path toward full electrification, designers are looking for motor drivers that increase performance and battery life without adding size to system designs. The same goes for people designing for Internet of Things and industrial applications,” says Steve Lutz, Business Line Director for Motor Drivers at Allegro. “In addition to being 36% smaller than other drivers on the market, the A89505 and A89506 include advanced features and capabilities that help designers shrink overall PCB sizes and fit everything into more compact modules. Both drivers are easier to use and implement than relays or discrete systems, and increase overall reliability while reducing power consumption.”
Both devices include current limit detection flags, which are triggered when the programmable current limit is reached. This feature allows a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) to detect pinches or stalls, with the ability to overdrive a motor in case of ice or freezing.
The A89505 and A89506 are available in a low-profile 4 × 4 mm, 20-contact QFN package (suffix “ES”) and a 20-lead eTSSOP (suffix “LP”), both with exposed thermal pad.
Other articles on eeNews Power
- TI moves into solid state relays
- EPC cuts 100 V GaN FET on resistance to 1.7 mΩ
- 2kV SiC MOSFET in TO-247 package boosts 1500V DC link designs
- 15kW data centre power shelf has 97% efficiency
- World’s first leadless 650V SiC MOSFET
