TDK Expands Smart Motor Driver Lineup for Automotive Applications

TDK has recently unveiled a new line of automotive smart motor drivers that boast impressive capabilities. These drivers are equipped to handle 4 x 1A peak current and come with an Arm Cortex-M3 processor core, setting a new standard in the industry.

The two models introduced, HVC 5222D with 32kbyte of flash and HVC 5422D with 64kbyte, are designed to drive a variety of motors including brushless dc, brushed dc (2A), and stepper motors. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of automotive applications.

One of the standout features of these smart motor drivers is their memory capacity. With 4kbyte of RAM, 2kbyte of emulated EEPROM, and 1kbyte of non-volatile registers, they offer ample storage for efficient operation. Additionally, TDK has ensured that the drivers are "SEooC ASIL B ready according to ISO 26262 to support functional safety applications," providing peace of mind for users.

Motor-specific functions integrated into the drivers include current programming for micro-stepping, as well as integrated phase voltage comparators. The inclusion of a virtual star-point and current sense amplification further enhances the capabilities of these drivers, enabling both sensor-based and sensor-less motor control.

Furthermore, the HVC smart motor drivers have received AEC-Q100 certification for temperature Grade 1, ensuring their reliability and durability in automotive environments. Additional details such as the total path resistance being under 3.2Ω, the option for internal or external current measurement, and the compact 5x5mm 24-pad PQFN package with an exposed heat pad highlight the attention to detail in the design.