Motor drive IC supports low voltage, high current drive

Toshiba Electronics Europe launched a new dual H-bridge driver IC for DC brushed motors and stepping motors. The TC78H651FNG provides performance at a low voltage (down to 1.8V) and high current (up to 1.6A) that is crucial for equipment powered by dry-cell batteries. The new device is ideal for motor applications such as toys and home appliances, smart meters, cameras and compact printers which uses 3.7V lithium-ion batteries, and electronic locks using two 1.5V dry batteries, and devices employing 5V USB power supplies. The new device uses the company's specialised DMOS process that is excellent for low voltage drives to lessen losses and current consumption – ICC is around 0.6mA in operating mode and practically zero when in standby mode. This delivers a longer battery life and solid low voltage operation. The reduced ON resistance of just 0.22Ohm for the high and low sides combined lessens IC losses and increases torque in the motor, even when powered at 1.8V. The device is housed in a 5mm x 6.4mm, 0.65mm pitch TSSOP16 package and supports forward, reverse and stop rotation modes. Inbuilt error detection functions for overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown and undervoltage lockout all go to ensure a safe system.