DC Motor Drivers aim to Reduce Power Consumption in Automotive Applications

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC) today ships its automotive-grade TB9101FNG and TB9102FNG small-size brushed dc motor drivers for in-vehicle applications. The devices are fabricated in a fine pitch BiCD process and offer low on resistance to support the power requirements of small motors used in the electronic systems of new automobiles. The TB9101FNG device has a low 0.6 ohm (Typ.) ON resistance; the TB9102FNG offers 0.5 ohm (Typ.). Additional benefits of the new Toshiba ICs include a small, flat SSOP24 package that reduces the device mounting area to approximately 1/3 that of equivalent products. The smaller package size contributes to the miniaturization of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for a savings in board real estate.

"Automotive applications like air-conditioner valves, door mirrors, and windows need small, power-conscious motors," says Deepak Mithani, director Mixed Signal Business Unit at TAEC. "Toshiba will continue to expand its family of motor drivers to support the specific requirements of electronic systems deployed in next-generation cars."

The devices also integrate circuits to detect faults, such as over-voltage and over-current conditions, and report them to a host microcontroller. Finally, the TB9101FNG can drive two motors, and the TB9102FNG can drive up to six motors to support the motor requirements of various applications. Sample pricing for the TB9101FNG is $1.00 (USD). TheTB9102FNG is priced at $1.30 (USD). Sample shipments and evaluation boards are currently available. Mass production is scheduled to begin February 2014.