Infineon BTN8960TA: A High-Current Half-Bridge Motor Driver IC

The demand for precise and robust motor control spans countless applications, from automotive systems like throttle control and power windows to industrial automation and robotics. At the heart of many of these systems lies a critical component: the half-bridge driver IC. The Infineon BTN8960TA stands out as a highly integrated, powerful solution designed to drive DC brushed motors and other inductive loads with exceptional efficiency and reliability.

This device is part of Infineon's NovalithIC™ family, which ingeniously integrates a high-current half-bridge and its corresponding control and protection circuits into a single, compact package. The BTN8960TA is built using an advanced SPI™ (Split-Path Island) technology-based MOSFET process, enabling it to handle impressive output currents, typically up to 15A continuous current and even higher peak currents for short durations. This makes it suitable for driving small to medium-sized motors directly without the immediate need for additional external power switches.

A key strength of the BTN8960TA is its high level of integration. It combines a P-channel high-side MOSFET and an N-channel low-side MOSFET in a single chip. This configuration simplifies board design, reduces the component count, and saves valuable PCB space. Furthermore, the IC features a charge pump for easy high-side driving, integrated diagnosis and protection functions, and a serial interface for status reporting.

Comprehensive protection features are integral to its design, ensuring safe operation and enhancing system durability. These include:

Overcurrent protection (IS): Safely limits the output current during a short circuit or overload.

Overtemperature shutdown (TSD): Disables the output stage if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, preventing thermal damage.

Undervoltage shutdown (UVLO): Ensures the logic and driver sections operate only within a valid supply voltage range, preventing malfunction.

Open-load detection: Can identify a disconnected load in the disabled state.

The device is controlled via a standard INH/IN input interface, allowing for straightforward connection to a microcontroller (MCU). By applying Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) signals to these inputs, designers can achieve precise speed control of a DC motor. The BTN8960TA also offers a very low standby current consumption, which is a crucial advantage for battery-powered and always-on automotive applications.

Housed in a robust PDSO-20-39 (DSO-20) exposed pad package, the BTN8960TA exhibits excellent thermal performance, allowing the heat generated by power dissipation to be efficiently transferred to the PCB.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon BTN8960TA is a premier choice for engineers seeking a compact, efficient, and protected high-current motor driver solution. Its exceptional integration of power MOSFETs, driver IC, and protection circuits into a single package simplifies design, reduces system size, and significantly improves reliability, making it an ideal driver for a wide array of 12V or 24V automotive and industrial motor control applications.

Keywords:

1. Half-Bridge Driver

2. High-Current Output

3. Integrated Protection Features

4. Motor Control

5. Automotive Grade