The A4960 is a three-phase, sensorless, brushless DC (BLDC) motor controller for use with external N-channel power MOSFETs and is specifically designed for automotive applications.
The motor is driven using block commutation (trapezoidal drive) where phase commutation is determined, without the need for independent position sensors, by monitoring the motor back-EMF. A programmable motor start-up scheme allows the A4960 to be adjusted for a wide range of motor and load combinations.
An external bootstrap capacitor is used to provide the above battery supply voltage required for N-channel MOSFETs. An automatic internal bootstrap charge management scheme ensures that the bootstrap capacitor is always sufficiently charged for safe operation of the power MOSFETs. The power MOSFETs are protected from shoot-through by integrated crossover control and adjustable dead time.
Integrated diagnostics provide indication of undervoltage, overtemperature, and power bridge faults and can be configured to protect the power MOSFETs under most short circuit conditions. Detailed diagnostics are available as a serial data word.
Applications
- Hydraulic pump
- Fuel pump
- Urea pump
- Blower fan