Brushed DC Motor Driver ICs for Ultra-Low Standby in Appliances

ROHM has introduced two brushed DC motor driver ICs designed for use with brushed DC motors in home and office equipment. The BD60210FV (20 V, 2-channel) and BD64950EFJ (40 V, 1-channel) are now in mass production, targeting appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, printers, and robotic vacuum cleaners.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this announcement holds significance as brushed DC motor driver ICs are commonly found in high-volume appliance subsystems. Factors such as standby consumption and PCB area are crucial design considerations in these applications. The move also underscores the ongoing demand for flexible motor-drive building blocks in the context of white goods electrification.

Why ROHM Emphasizes Flexibility and Standby Current

ROHM aligns these new devices with the broader electrification trends seen in consumer and industrial equipment, particularly in white goods. Designers are increasingly pressured to create platforms that can be reused across various product variants while meeting stricter standby power requirements.

The company highlights the ultra-low standby current specification of typically 0.0 µA, with a maximum of 1.0 µA. This feature at the system level could aid in meeting stringent standby-power regulations, especially in always-connected appliances.

Two H-Bridge Options Catering to Different Voltage and Current Ranges

The BD60210FV is positioned as a dual H-bridge device with direct PWM control. It is capable of driving two brushed DC motors, a bipolar stepper motor, or a solenoid. The H-bridge architecture may eliminate the need for an external boost circuit in some designs, potentially reducing component count. Operating within the range of 8 V to 18 V, it offers 1 A per phase continuous current and up to 4 A peak.

Addressing higher-voltage and higher-current requirements, the BD64950EFJ features a single H-bridge supporting both direct PWM and constant-current PWM control. With a withstand voltage of 40 V, it provides 3.5 A continuous output and 6 A peak current capability, suitable for 24 V-class brushed motor loads. Low on-resistance helps manage heat dissipation in compact designs.