The dual H-bridge driver IC for DC brushed motors and stepping motors operates at a low voltage, down to 1.8V, and high current, up to 1.6A, deemed essential for equipment powered by dry-cell batteries. The driver IC is suitable for motor applications such as cameras and compact printers using 3.7V lithium-ion batteries, smart meters, and electronic locks using two 1.5V dry batteries, devices using 5V USB power supplies and toys and home appliances.

As more applications use IoT and wireless technologies, remotely controlled by smartphones and tablets, there has been an increase in demand for battery-powered motor control. Existing H-bridge driver ICs use bipolar technology which is stable at low voltage, however, the associated high levels of current consumption shorten battery life and increase losses leading to reduced motor torque, says Toshiba.

Toshiba’s DMOS process is suitable for low voltage drives to reduce losses and current consumption. ICC is around 0.6mA in operating mode and virtually zero when in standby mode, according to the company. This achieves a longer battery life and stable low voltage operation. The reduced on resistance is just 0.22Ω for the high and low sides combined reduces IC losses and improves torque in the motor, even when powered at 1.8V, says Toshiba.

The device is housed in a 5.0 x 6.4mm, 0.65mm pitch TSSOP16 and supports forward, reverse and stop rotation modes. There are inbuilt error detection functions for over-current protection, thermal shutdown and under-voltage lockout.