Allegro Introduces New Low Voltage, Bi-Directional DC Motor Driver

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. introduced a new low voltage bi-directional dc motor driver with an input voltage range of 3.0 to 5.5V and output currents up to 500mA. The unique output full-bridge incorporates source side linear operation to allow a constant voltage supply across the motor coil. This regulated output minimizes motor voltage change due to I Rdson variation and battery voltage tolerance. Allegro’s new motor driver is targeted at the portable and instrumentation markets.

Logic input pins are provided to control the motor direction of rotation, brake and standby (< 500 nA supply current) modes and to allow optional PWM of the sink drivers. Internal protection circuitry includes thermal shut down, under voltage lockout, and crossover (shoot through) protection.

Allegro’s A3903 is supplied in a 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm x 0.575 mm nominal, 8-lead DFN package, with exposed thermal pad (package suffix "EE"). This small footprint package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating. It is priced at $0.45 in quantities of 1,000 and has a 12-week typical lead-time to market.