2-Phase Stepping Motor Driver IC from Toshiba Addresses Automotive Sector Requirements

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (“Toshiba”) has introduced the TB9120AFTG. This constant-current 2-phase bipolar stepping motor driver, which is designed for automotive use, can significantly streamline motor system implementations. It delivers a sine-wave output signal (with up to 1/32 incremental steps supported) while requiring only a simple clock input. The need for a sophisticated microcontroller unit (MCU) or dedicated software is thereby avoided.

Each of the AEC-Q100-compliant TB9120AFTG driver ICs incorporates low on-resistance DMOS FETs, and can deliver a 1.5A (maximum) current. Thanks to the large number of micro-steps they support, motor noise can be significantly reduced, with smoother operation and more precise control being benefited from. The built-in mixed decay mode helps to stabilize the current waveforms. Numerous protection mechanisms are incorporated, these include over-current and over-temperature detection, plus thermal shutdown. There is also a stall detection function.

These devices are supplied in compact VQFN packages (with 6.0 mm x 6.0mm dimensions) featuring wettable flanks to allow the use of automated optical inspection (AOI) for ensuring the quality of solder joints. They support an operational temperature range covering -40°C to 125°C. Key applications include battery management systems, or refrigeration circuit expansion valves for air conditioning.

About Toshiba Electronics Europe

Toshiba Electronics Europe (TEE) is the European electronic components business of Toshiba Corporation, which is ranked among the world’s largest semiconductor vendors. TEE offers one of the industry‘s broadest IC and discrete product lines including high-end memory, microcontrollers, ASICs and ASSPs for automotive, multimedia, industrial, telecoms and networking applications. The company also has a wide range of power semiconductor solutions as well as storage products like HDDs, SSDs, SD Cards and USB sticks.

TEE was formed in 1973 in Neuss, Germany, providing design, manufacturing, marketing and sales and now has headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, with branch offices in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. TEE employs approximately 300 people in Europe. Company president is Mr. Takashi Nagasawa.

Toshiba Corporation is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing US$61 billion.