Low-voltage motor drivers target battery-powered applications

Texas Instruments Inc. has expanded its DRV8x motor driver series with three new low-voltage devices for brushed DC and stepper motors.

The DRV8834, DRV8835 and DRV8836 motor drivers provide a wide, low-voltage operating range, low RDS(ON) and ultra-low sleep currents, slashing power consumption as much as 80 percent compared to the nearest competitor, according to TI. This helps extend battery life, improve thermal performance and increase system reliability. The devices are also highly integrated in an ultra-small package, reducing board space by as much as 95 percent compared to discrete implementations. 

Key highlights:

• Ultra-smooth motion profiles: On-chip 32-step microstepping indexer and advanced motion control features on the DRV8834 minimize torque ripple for quiet, ultra-smooth motion in applications such as security video cameras, medical and office automation equipment.
• Extended battery life: Low RDS(ON) of 305 milliohms and an ultra-low sleep current as low as 10 nA improves thermal performance and extends battery life in applications, such as toys, e-locks, cameras, point-of-sale printers and smart meters.
• Drop in and spin: High level of integration, such as an on-chip indexer and current control loops, provides greater intelligence to reduce design complexity while minimizing microcontroller (MCU) MIPS requirements and software development, speeding time to market compared to discrete solutions.
• Reduced board space: Tiny 2-mm x 3-mm package option for the DRV8835 and DRV8836.
• Advanced on-chip protection: Over-current, over-temperature, shoot-though and under-voltage lock-out increase system reliability and manufacturing yields.

Package, availability and pricing

The DRV8x devices are all available to sample and purchase today. Package, availability and suggested retail pricing in 1K unit quantities are as follows:

• DRV8834 stepper motor driver, 2.5-V to 10.8-V operating range, up to 2.2-A peak output current; on-chip 32 step microstepping indexer:

o   Package and availability: 8-mm x 6-mm HTSSOP package available today; 4-mm x 4-mm QFN package will be available in 2Q12.

o   Price: US$1.15 for the HTSSOP or QFN option.

• DRV8835 stepper or brushed DC motor driver, 2-V to 11-V operating range, up to 1.5-A output current per bridge; includes separate logic and motor power supplies:

o   Package and availability: 2-mm x 3-mm WSON package available today.

o   Price: US$0.70.

• DRV8836 stepper or brushed DC motor driver, 2-V to 7-V operating range, up to 1.5-A output current per bridge; includes dedicated sleep pin:

o   Package and availability: 2-mm x 3-mm WSON package available today.

o   Price: US$0.70.

DRV8834, DRV8835 and DRV8836