Full-Bridge Motor Driver works with brushless DC motors.

Press Release Summary:



Designed to drive low-voltage bipolar brushless DC motors, A1442 achieves commutation via one Hall element sensor to detect rotational position of alternating-pole ring magnet. Low-voltage design techniques help achieve device functionality down to 1.8 V VDD, and high-density CMOS semiconductor process allows integration of all necessary electronics. Integrated single chip solution does not require any external support components and employs soft-switching algorithm.



Original Press Release:



Allegro Introduces a New Low-Voltage, Full-Bridge Brushless DC Motor Driver



Integrated Hall Element Commutation Circuitry to Drive Vibration Motors

Worcester, MA, June 27, 2007 - Allegro introduces a new full-bridge motor driver designed to drive low voltage bipolar brushless DC motors. Commutation of the motor is achieved by use of a single Hall element sensor to detect the rotational position of an alternating-pole ring magnet. A high density CMOS semiconductor process allows the integration of all the necessary electronics. This includes the Hall element sensor, the motor control circuitry, and the full output bridge. Low-voltage design techniques
have been employed to achieve device functionality down to 1.8 V VDD. This fully integrated single chip solution provides enhanced reliability (including reverse battery protection and output short circuit protection) and eliminates the need for any external support components.

Allegro's A1442 employs a soft-switching algorithm to reduce audible switching noise and EMI interference. A micro power sleep mode can be enabled by an external signal, to reduce current consumption for battery management in portable electronic devices. This feature allows for the removal of a FET transistor for switching the device on and off. In addition, the device offers an active function for motor braking. Motor braking can be used to improve stop/start cycles for caller ID feature in vibration mode.

The A1442 is optimized for vibration motor applications such as cellular phones, pagers, electronic toothbrushes, hand-held video game controllers, and low power fan motors. The small package outline and low profile make this device ideally suited for use in applications where printed circuit board area and component headroom are at a premium.

It is available in a lead (Pb) free (leadframe plating Nickel Palladium) 6-pin MLP microleadframe package for surface mount, with exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. The 6-pin MLP/DFN (Suffix EW) package, with dimensions 1.5 mm x 2 mm x 0.4 mm, makes it the thinnest MLP currently in the marketplace. It is priced at $0.39 in quantities of 1,000 and has a 6-8 week typical lead-time to market. For more information on this new brushless DC motor driver, please access the following link: http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?516867x1007x21699

About Allegro

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a global leader in developing, manufacturing and marketing of high-performance power integrated circuits and integrated Hall-effect magnetic sensors. Allegro's innovative, system-level solutions serve high-growth applications within the automotive, computer/office automation, industrial, consumer and communications markets. With more than 2,500 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA. Further information about Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com .

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