The A4931 is a complete 3-phase brushless DC motor predriver, supplying up to 38 V output for direct, high-current gate drive of an all N-channel power MOSFET 3-phase bridge. The device has three Hall-element inputs, a sequencer for commutation control, fixed off-time pulse width modulation (PWM) current control, and locked-rotor protection.
Output current is scaled by the capacity of the external MOSFETs. Locked rotor detection delay is set by an external capacitor on the CLD terminal. The ENABLE, DIRECTION, and BRAKE inputs can be used to control motor speed, position, and torque. Output speed can be regulated using the FG1 output (using all three Hall elements transitions) or FG2 (using transitions of Hall element A).
The external MOSFETS can be PWMed using an external signal on the ENABLE input, or using the internal PWM current regulator. In either case, the A4931 synchronous rectification feature reduces power dissipation by turning on the appropriate MOSFETs during current decay.
The Hall elements can be inexpensive types when used with noise filtering to prevent false commutation signals. The A4931 provides a regulated 7.5 V supply to power the three Hall elements.
Internal circuit protection includes thermal shutdown with hysteresis, undervoltage lockout, and dead time protection. Special power-up sequencing is not required. Operating temperature range is –20°C to 105°C.