Description

Top Features

The A4960 is a three-phase, sensorless, brushless DC (BLDC) motor controller for use with external N-channel power MOSFETs. Allegro offers three versions of the A4960. The A4960KJPTR-T and the A4960KJPTR-A-T are automotive grade ICs that have been fully qualified to AEC-Q100 standards. The original A4960KJPTR-T design was enhanced to improve EMC performance. This device, A4960KJPTR-A-T, is a drop-in replacement. While Allegro continues to support existing designs using the A4960KJPTR-T, it will transition all new designs and customers to the “-A” version. Allegro supports designs that are in progress or designs for those who cannot switch to the “-A” version. In addition to this enhanced automotive version, Allegro offers a commercial grade, “S” temperature range version of the A4960, A4960SJPTR-T.

The A4960 drives a motor 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.

Automotive Applications

  • Hydraulic pump
  • Fuel pump
  • Urea pump
  • Blower fan
  • Fans

Industrial, Commercial and Consumer Applications

  • Fans
  • Blowers
  • Pumps
  • Power tools
  • Lawn and garden tools
  • 3-phase BLDC sensorless start-up and commutation
  • Gate drive for N-channel MOSFETs
  • Integrated PWM current limit
  • 7 to 50 V supply voltage operating range
  • Compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic
  • Cross-conduction protection with adjustable dead time
  • Charge pump for low supply voltage operation
  • Extensive diagnostics output
  • Low current sleep mode

Part Number Specifications and Availability

Part Number Package Type Temperature RoHS
Compliant
Part Composition /
RoHS Data
Comments Samples Check Stock
A4960SJPTR-T 32-lead LQFP -20°C to 85°C Yes View Data Contact your
local sales rep
Check
Distributor Stock
A4960KJPTR-A-T 32-lead LQFP -40°C to 150°C Yes View Data Contact your
local sales rep
Check
Distributor Stock
A4960KJPTR-T 32-lead LQFP -40°C to 150°C Yes View Data Not for new design Contact your
local sales rep
Check
Distributor Stock
APEK4960KJP-01-T DEMO BOARD -40°C to 150°C No -- Contact your
local sales rep
Check
Distributor Stock

Allegro’s products are not to be used in any devices or systems, including but not limited to life support devices or systems, in which a failure of Allegro’s product can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm.

Packaging

The A4960 is supplied in a 32-pin LQFP with exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation (suffix JP). This package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte-tin leadframe plating (suffix –T).

Package

JP Package Documentation

Design Support Tools

Allegro Customer Portal: Gain access to Allegro product software and design tools.

NOTE: When ordering an APEK4960KJP-01-T demo board, please remember to order all three part numbers:

Part Numbers  
APEK4960KJP-01-T Demo Board
APEK-USBCBLE-T Cable
A4960KJPTR-T or
A4960KJPTR-A-T or
A4960SJPTR-T
Sample Parts