TRINAMIC Introduces Smart Drive IC for Battery Powered DC Motors

Trinamic’s TMC7300 is the company’s second IC for low-voltage applications. The power driver with UART-based control for torque and velocity can drive up to two DC motors from 2 (1.8)…11V DC.

Hamburg, 06 January 2020 – TRINAMIC Motion Control GmbH & Co. KG announces the TMC7300, a low-voltage driver for one DC motor up to 2A peak, or two DC motors up to 2.4A peak. Operating on a single or dual Li-Ion cell or at least 2 AA batteries, the TMC7300 is optimal for battery-operated equipment such as IoT and handheld devices, printers and POS applications, toys, cameras, and mobile medical devices.

 

 

Thanks to an integrated direct bridge, the chip can also be used to control solenoids, relays, and other actuators. Despite the small form factor – a QFN of 3x3 mm² with 20 pins in total, the TMC7300 scores with a high power density using integrated power MOSFETs and a complete integrated DC motor control logic. As such, it can control velocity and limit torque, or be used in torque-controlled operation.

Michael Randt, Founder, and CEO of the Hamburg, Germany based company, explains: “By rolling out our new family of driver ICs for battery-powered applications, we want to stimulate innovation. We want to fuel the imagination of engineers around the world by giving them the tools needed to develop new applications and turn proven concepts into portable devices that are convenient to use for both consumers and professionals.”

For ease of use, the TMC7300 comes with a single-wire UART interface. Up to two DC motors can be controlled through it for direction, velocity, and torque. Together with Trinamic’s development environment, including open-source hardware and software, the new chip allows for rapid prototyping at reduced overhead cost.

Protection and diagnostic features support robust and reliable operation, including PWM control for smooth acceleration and deceleration, an internal current limiter to protect both the DC motor and power source and mechanical load sensing. Part of the diagnostic features, the chip detects errors including short detection and overtemperature. Once detected, the TMC7300 can disable the power stage and report the error via the interface or DIAG output.

Together with the breakout board TMC7300-BOB and the evaluation board TMC7300-EVAL, the TMC7300-LA will be available from end of January 2020 through Trinamic’s distribution channels.

 

Features and Benefits

• Voltage range of 2 (1.8)…11V DC

• Driver for 1 DC motor up to 2A, or 2 DC motors up to 2.4A

• Battery operation with 1 or 2 Li-Ion cells, or at least 2 AA batteries

• Single-wire UART with velocity control, torque control, and direction

• Standby current draw of <50nA (typ.)

• Low RDSon with LS 170mΩ & HS 170mΩ (typ.)

• Full protection and diagnostics, including motor load feedback

• PWM control of LEDs

• Suited for solenoids

• QFN20 package (3x3 mm)

 

About Trinamic

At Trinamic, we’ve always been fascinated with physical motion. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to transforming digital information into perfect physical motion.

Robots, drones, 3D printers, motorized skateboards and electric bicycles, medical devices - our headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, is filled with applications. Located in the center of the city, close to Sternschanze, it's a true wonderland for engineers. We even have a special 'nuts & bolts' workplace for those who want to experience firsthand how design decisions play out mechanically!

Founded in 2017, the Estonian office of Trinamic is dedicated to developing hardware solutions based on the proven building blocks – both for development and direct use. Located in the historic center, TRINAMIC OÜ looks out over the rich startup community and ongoing innovation of Tallinn. From day one, the small team has already built up a portfolio spanning from innovative miniature solutions to robust modules for mass production.

Our Chicago office is focussed on driving innovation in America. From the Silicon Valley in the West to the Boston area in the East, our Field Application Engineers support companies all through the country. Working closely together with Distribution Partners and Sales Reps, the US team is always up for a new challenge.

Work is a major part of life, so it has to be fun. But in the end, we keep our deadlines, we work hard. If you share our love for hardware and physical things, Trinamic may be a great place for you.