New Industry Products

Allegro MicroSystems Introduces New Full-Bridge DMOS PWM Motor Driver IC

August 02, 2012 by Jeff Shepard

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. introduced an automotive version of their existing A4950 full-bridge motor driver IC. Allegro’s A4950 was designed for pulse width modulated (PWM) control of dc motors and is now capable of peak output currents to ±3.5 A and operating voltages to 40V. These design updates were implemented to accommodate high ambient operating temperature applications within the automotive market. The new device is tested across extended temperature and voltage ranges to ensure compliance in both automotive and industrial applications.

Simple logic interface is available to control the speed and direction of a dc motor with externally applied PWM control signals. Internal synchronous rectification control circuitry is provided to lower power dissipation during PWM operation. Internal circuit protection includes overcurrent protection, motor lead short to ground or supply, thermal shutdown with hysteresis, undervoltage monitoring of VBB, and crossover current protection.

The A4950 is provided in a low-profile 8-pin SOICN package with exposed thermal pad (suffix LJ) that is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating. It is priced at $1.70 in quantities of 1,000.