Full-bridge ICs for smart brushed DC motor applications enable comfort in vehicles

Automotive manufacturers seek more reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective semiconductor solutions that work effectively even under harsh conditions. To meet this demand, Infineon Technologies AG has expanded its portfolio with the MOTIX Bridge BTM90xx family, a product family of full-bridge/H-bridge ICs specifically designed for brushed DC motor applications. The new BTM90xx full-bridge ICs complement the MOTIX low-voltage motor control IC portfolio spanning from driver ICs to highly integrated SoC solutions. The devices are not limited to but, in particular, optimised for automotive applications such as door, mirror, seat, body and zone control modules. Accompanying safety documentation is available to permit use in safety-relevant applications.

The family is characterised by a high functionality that enables intelligent and tiny motor control solutions. The devices, with a supply voltage range for normal operation of 7V to 18V (extended 4.5V to 40V), provide extensive protection and diagnostic functions such as overtemperature, undervoltage, overcurrent, cross-current, or short-circuit detection. Currents are measured for the high-side and low-side switches and the devices are suited to automotive applications with a current limit of at least 10A (BTM901x) or 20A (BTM902x). PWM operation is attainable for frequencies up to 20kHz. The BTM9011EP and BTM9021EP are SPI variants and support pin-saving daisy chain function to help lower overall system costs. BTM9021, in addition, features an integrated watchdog. The BTM90xx's tiny TSDSO-14 (4.9mm x 6mm) package lowers the overall PCB board space needed and features a large exposed pad that simultaneously improves the device's thermal performance.

To simplify the evaluation and design-in process for MOTIX BTM90xx, the company also supplies a comprehensive support package, including technical product documentation, simulation models, a tool for calculating power dissipation, evaluation boards and Arduino example code. Also, software (MOTIX BTM90xx Device Driver) and the MOTIX Full Bridge IC Configuration Wizard are free at the Infineon Developer Center (IDC).