Toshiba Unveils 5 Amp, Two Channel H-Bridge Motor Drivers

The Bi-CMOS devices are controllable via an SPI bus, allowing vehicles to conform to On-Board Diagnostic II (OBDII), the new on-board self-diagnostic equipment requirement that will become mandatory in 2022.

 

The TB9054FTG. Image courtesy of Toshiba

 

The TB9053FTG and the TB9054FTG differ largely in that the former is available in a power QFN package while the latter comes in a wettable flank VQFN package. 

It must be noted that Toshiba explicitly points out that data for both devices are, at this point, preliminary. Samples of the TB9053FTG will be offered in February 2021, and mass production is slated for May 2022.

The company notes that deployments of H-bridge motor drivers are becoming more and more common in automobiles, and the watchword in automotive electronics is miniaturization. The high functionality and small size of these units contribute to the realization of that goal.

 

What is an H-Bridge Motor Driver?

An H-bridge is a circuit proposed to drive current through a load. The usual target is an inductive load, such as a motor. The heart of an individual H-bridge circuit consists of four FETs, with two turned on at the same time. 

 

Diagram of an H-bridge driver. Image courtesy of All About Circuits

 

If, in the image above, Q2 and Q3 are turned on, the right terminal of the motor is connected to the battery, and the left terminal is grounded. If, on the other hand, Q1 And Q4 are energized, the motor’s left terminal is connected to the battery and the right terminal is grounded.

 

Device Basics 

There are two PWM pins for both of the separate motor channels which can determine the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction for each motor, or to effect breaking. Speed can be controlled via the PWM duty cycle. There is also a sleep mode.

Alternatively, control can also be effected through the SPI bus.

R_ON is 142mΩ. Maximum output current is typically 6.5 amps

 

Fault detection

• Over-current (chopper type)
• Over-temperature
• Undervoltage for VBAT and VCC

 

Block diagram of the TB9053FTG and the TB9054FTG. Image courtesy of the TB9053FTG data sheet

 

Bi-directional SPI communication

Fault reporting is achieved via the SPI bus. In the other direction, the SPI bus controls device settings, and can be used to control the motor.

 

Voltage Requirements

• VBAT = 4.5 to 28 volts. It can also take 40 volts for 0.5 seconds
• VCC = 4.5 to 5.5 V
• VDDIO = 3.0 to 5.5 V

 

Applications

• Automotive applications for the two devices include:
• Auto body systems such as the electric door latch
• Throttle valve control
• Retractable door mirrors
• Engine valves
• Vehicle throttles

 

Physical Considerations

• The TB9053FTG is available in a 6 x 6 x 1.7 mm power QFN package and weighs 0.19 grams (typ)
• The TB9054FTG is available in a 6 x 6 x 1.0 mm wettable flank VQFN package and weighs 0.10 grams (typ)
• Operating temperature range is -40 to 125°C

 

Regulatory Concerns

The units are AEC-Q100 qualified