Stepper Motor Driver IC suits automotive applications.
Press Release Summary:
Model A3980 features fault diagnostics and reporting and has integrated DMOS outputs, which are protected against short-to-battery and short-to-ground. STEP and DIRECTION interface allows for up to 1/16th microstepping without complex system controller. Output drivers operate between 7-35 V and will typically run up to 1 A of output current. Offered over junction temperature range of -40 to +150°C, unit is housed in thermally-enhanced TSSOP package.
Original Press Release:
Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Announces Automotive Addition to Family of Stepper Motor Driver ICs
New Automotive Stepper Motor Driver IC (A3980)
Worcester, MA - July 28, 2004 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announces the release of the A3980, an automotive-friendly addition to Allegro's line of stepper motor driver ICs. The A3980, which is capable of up to 1/16th microstepping, features fault diagnostics and reporting and has integrated DMOS outputs, which are protected against short-to-battery and short-to-ground. Offered over a junction temperature range (Tj) of -40C to +150C and packaged in a very small footprint TSSOP (thermally enhanced), the A3980 is an excellent choice for driving automotive stepper motors.
A key feature of the A3980 is the integration of Allegro's unique two-wire STEP and DIRECTION interface. This unique interface allows for up to 1/16th microstepping without the need for a complex system controller. By simply inputting a pulse on the STEP pin, the A3980 will take one microstep in the direction, which is set by the DIR pin. To enhance the microstepping performance, the A3980 also includes mixed-mode current decay which further reduces audible noise and minimizes motor heating and torque ripple.
The A3980 output drivers are capable of operation between 7V and 35V and depending on thermal considerations will typically run up to 1A of output current. Battery over-voltage sensing allows the IC to stand-off up to 50V, allowing the chip to meet automotive IC load-dump requirements.
Two fault output pins (open drain) report faults for over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temperature, and short circuits to battery or ground. The integrated DMOS outputs of the A3980 self-protect themselves during any short-circuit events.
The A3980 is manufactured using Allegro's ABCD3 (Allegro Bipolar CMOS DMOS 3rd generation) process, and is supplied in a 28-lead thermally enhanced TSSOP package (suffix 'LP'). Pricing is $2.55 per part for quantities of 5,000.
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a supplier of advanced mixed-signal power semiconductors and Hall-effect sensors targeted toward the automotive, communications, computer/office automation, consumer and industrial markets. It maintains a leadership position in the integrated magnetic sensor and integrated motor driver product segments. With over 2,000 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA. Further information about Allegro, as well as free samples on our products, can be found at www.allegromicro.com.
