Allegro MicroSystems 4x4mm 50 V full-bridge gate drivers

Allegro MicroSystems have announced two new full-bridge gate drivers for automotive and industrial applications. Available with direct control (A89505) and pulse-width modulation (A89506) options, these devices up-integrate critical features to make system design easier, replacing mechanical relays with solid-state drivers to improve performance and reliability. With built-in capabilities including flexible interface logic, EMI mitigation with programmable gate drive, motor current feedback and multiple diagnostic features, these devices require very few external components and are available in a 4x4 mm QFN package, 36% smaller than comparable 5x5 mm devices.

The A89505 and A89506 are ideal for vehicle applications such as window and door actuators, EV charger locks, electronic parking brakes, and folding mirrors. Their solid-state design also makes them ideal for battery-powered applications that incorporate brushed DC motors such as building automation and robotics, improving reliability and battery life while facilitating smaller design footprints.

Both drivers include built-in current sensing capabilities, eliminating the need for external current sense resistors and reducing external component requirements to as few as seven. Integrated diagnostics further obviate the need for additional microprocessor programming and addition circuitry. Designers can fit the functionality they need into smaller system footprints, reducing bills of materials (BOMs) and printed circuit board (PCB) sizes while increasing performance and improving the consumer experience.

The A89505 and A89506 build on Allegro’s decades of motor control expertise. Both are capable of 50V absolute maximum supply voltages and offer higher gate drive voltage at low VBB and better efficiency when running on battery power, allowing designers to specify lower-cost FETs. They even enable lower current draw in standby states to reduce total battery load.

“As cars continue down a path toward full electrification, designers are looking for motor drivers that increase performance and battery life without adding size to system designs. The same goes for people designing for Internet of Things and industrial applications,” says Steve Lutz, Business Line Director for Motor Drivers at Allegro. “In addition to being 36% smaller than other drivers on the market, the A89505 and A89506 include advanced features and capabilities that help designers shrink overall PCB sizes and fit everything into more compact modules. Both drivers are easier to use and implement than relays or discrete systems, and increase overall reliability while reducing power consumption.”