Dual Half-Bridge DC Motor Driver IC Competes With Discrete Solutions

The Allegro MicroSystems Europe A3910 dual half-bridge motor driver IC is designed for the unidirectional drive of two dc motors in low-cost, low-voltage, battery-operated applications. It offers thermal shutdown and sleep functionality in a small 2- by 2-mm, eight-lead dual flat no-lead (DFN) package that is competitive in size and price with equivalent discrete-component solutions. The outputs of the A3910 are rated for operation at up to 500 mA. Direct control of high-side and low-side drivers is implemented to allow either high-side or low-side pulse-width modulation. The motor can be connected to either supply or ground. The use of MOS switches results in improved braking action for the motor, compared to implementation with a simple clamp diode. The A3910 can also be used to drive a single bidirectional dc motor. The new device is targeted at the consumer market for applications such as game controllers and home entertainment systems featuring haptic feedback.
ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS EUROPE