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High-Performance Power ICs and Hall-Effect Sensors
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. Announces Next Generation
Programmable DMOS Motor Driver IC
New Serial Interface Motor Driver IC 
Worcester, MA - August 27, 2001 - Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. announces the introduction of a new serially programmable dual DC motor driver IC. Designed to independently drive two separate DC motors, the A3974 features 2 DMOS H-bridges, each capable of output currents to ±1.5 A and operating voltages to 50 V. The DMOS output transistors feature a low RDS(ON) rating and are synchronously rectified during pulse-width modulated (PWM) operation for low power dissipation. Synchronous rectification circuitry reduces the power dissipation of the device up to 30%, which allows for faster switching speeds, higher operating currents, and lower die temperatures. The result is an efficient dual DC motor driver IC with high reliability.
The A3974 is programmed and controlled via a 3-wire serial interface. The serial interface allows maximum flexibility in configuring the internal PWM current control circuitry to match the specific driving requirements of each DC motor. Current decay mode (fast, slow, or mixed) and current sense comparator blank time are also set by the serial port. The serial interface reduces the number of external components and control lines necessary to run two DC motors.
When not driving a motor, the A3974 can go into either an idle or sleep mode. Internal circuit protection includes thermal shutdown with hysteresis, crossover-current protection and under-voltage lockout circuitry. The A3974 is manufactured using Allegro's ABCD3 (Allegro Bipolar CMOS DMOS 3rd generation) process, and is supplied in a 44-lead plastic PLCC with four copper batwing tabs for maximum heat dissipation.
This DC motor driver IC is targeted to meet the needs of the office automation and computer peripherals market, as well as the industrial, security, robotics, and medical markets.
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. is a leading supplier of advanced mixed-signal power semiconductors and Hall-effect sensors targeted toward the office automation, automotive, industrial, and portable electronics markets. With over 2,500 employees, Allegro is headquartered in Worcester, MA and operates multiple wafer-fabrication plants worldwide. Further information on Allegro can be found at www.allegromicro.com.
Editorial Contact:
Stephanie Fennelly
Director – Marketing Communications
Tel: (508) 854-5363
sfennelly@allegromicro.com
Technical Contact:
Bob Brodeur
Strategic Marketing Manager
Tel: (508) 854-5558
bbrodeur@allegromicro.com