Allegro MicroSystems Intros Sanken SLA7051M

Allegro MicroSystems Inc. (Worcester, MA) announced the release of the first part in a family of constant-current, two-phase, unipolar, stepper-motor driver ICs with built-in translators for easy operation. By inputting one pulse on the step input, the motor will take one step. There are no phase sequence tables, high-frequency control lines or complex interfaces to program. The new motor driver interface is suitable for applications where a complex microprocessor is unavailable or over-burdened, because the critical stepping control is up-integrated providing a motor driver IC that can run independently of a microprocessor.

The new motor driver is capable of output currents of ±2A with future products capable of output currents of ±1A and ±3A. The translator/driver combines low power CMOS logic with high-current and high-voltage power FET outputs targeted to meet the needs of high-current (high-torque) and fast-stepping applications in the office automation and industrial markets.

The SLA7051M is supplied in an 18-pin, dual in-line, power-tab package. The tab is at ground potential and needs no insulation. For high-current or high-frequency applications, external heatsinking may be required. The device is rated for continuous operation between -20°C and +85°C. It has a 10-week lead time to market and is priced at $3.20 per part for quantities of 10,000.