TI DRV8231ADSGR

The DRV8231A device is an integrated motor driver with an N-channel H-bridge, charge pump, current sense feedback, current regulation, and protection circuits. The charge pump improves efficiency by enabling N-channel MOSFET half-bridges and 100% duty cycle operation. The internal current mirror architecture at the IPROPI pin enables current sensing and regulation. This eliminates the need for large power shunt resistors, saving board space and reducing system cost. With the IPROPI current sense output, the microcontroller can detect motor stall or changes in load conditions. The external voltage reference pin VREF can set the threshold for current regulation during startup and stall events without microcontroller interaction. A low-power sleep mode achieves ultra-low quiescent current consumption by shutting down most of the internal circuits. Internal protection features include power supply undervoltage lockout, output overcurrent, and device overtemperature. The device family to which the DRV8231A belongs offers pin-to-pin, scalable RDS(on), and supply voltage options to support different loads and power rails while minimizing design changes.

The DRV8231A is an 8-pin device for driving brushed DC motors from a 4.5-V to 33-V supply rail. Two logic inputs control the H-bridge driver, which consists of four N-channel MOSFETs that have a typical RDS(on) of 600 mΩ (including one high-side and one low-side FET). A single power input, VM, serves as both device power and the motor winding bias voltage. The integrated charge pump of the device boosts VM internally and fully enhances the high-side FETs. Motor speed can be controlled with pulse-width modulation at frequencies between 0 to 200 kHz. The device enters a low-power sleep mode by bringing both inputs low.

The DRV8231A also integrates current sense feedback to a microcontroller using current mirrors on the low-side power MOSFETs. The IPROPI pin sources a small current that is proportional to the current in the MOSFETs. This current can be converted to a proportional voltage using an external resistor (RIPROPI).

• N-channel H-bridge brushed DC motor driver
• 4.5V to 33V operating supply voltage range
• High output current capability: 3.7A peak
• PWM control interface supporting 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V logic inputs
• Integrated IPROPI current sensing and current regulation for stall detection
• Low-power sleep mode: <1μA at V_VM = 24V, T_J = 25°C
• Small package and footprint: 8-pin WSON with PowerPAD, 2.0mm×2.0mm; 8-pin HSOP with PowerPAD, 4.9mm×6.0mm
• Integrated protection features: VM undervoltage lockout (UVLO); auto-recovery overcurrent protection (OCP); thermal shutdown (TSD)

• Printers
• Robotic vacuum cleaners
• Washing machines and dryers
• Coffee machines
• POS printers
• Electricity meters
• ATM
• Ventilators
• Surgical equipment
• Electric beds and bed controllers
• Fitness equipment