Allegro MicroSystems Announces 4x4mm 50 V Full-Bridge Gate Drivers –

New drivers allow fewer external components and fewer fingerprints, while improving productivity

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc. (Allegro) (Nasdaq: ALGM), a world leader in sensor and power solutions for traffic control and energy efficient systems, today announced two new full bridge drivers for automotive and industrial applications. Available with direct control options (A89505) and pulse width modulation (A89506), these devices integrate critical features to facilitate system design by replacing mechanical relays with solid state drivers to improve performance and reliability. With built-in capabilities, including flexible interface logic, EMI reduction with programmable gate drive, motor current feedback and multiple diagnostic functions, these devices require very few external components and are available in a 4 × 4 mm QFN package, 36% more smaller than comparable 5 × 5 mm devices.

The A89505 and A89506 are ideal for vehicle applications such as window and door operators, EV charger locks, electronic parking brakes and folding mirrors. Their solid-state design also makes them ideal for battery-powered applications that include brush DC motors, such as building automation and robotics, improving battery reliability and life while making the smaller design easier.

Both drivers include built-in current metering capabilities, eliminating the need for external current resistors and reducing the requirements for external components to just seven. Integrated diagnostics further eliminates the need for additional microprocessor programming and additional circuits. Designers can fit the functionality they need into smaller system prints, reducing material bills (BOM) and PCB sizes, while increasing productivity and improving the user experience.

The A89505 and A89506 are based on Allegro’s decades of experience in engine management. Both are capable of 50V absolutely maximum supply voltages and offer higher gate drive voltages at low VBB and better battery efficiency, allowing designers to define cheaper FETs. They even allow lower standby current to reduce overall battery load.

“As cars continue on their path to full electrification, designers are looking for engines that increase productivity and battery life without adding size to the system design. The same goes for people who design for the Internet of Things and industrial applications, ”said Steve Lutz, Allegro’s director of motoring. “As well as being 36% smaller than other drivers on the market, the A89505 and A89506 include advanced features and capabilities that help designers shrink overall PCB sizes and fit everything into more compact modules. Both drivers are easier to use and implement than relays or discrete systems and increase overall reliability while reducing power consumption.

Integrated features increase design flexibility

The A89505 and A89506 gate drivers help provide better motor control than mechanical relays and reduce the need for external components. The programmable gate drive reduces EMI and transients caused by fast switching, and both drivers can adjust the gate current to better control the tilt speed of the external MOSFETs.

Both devices include flags for detecting the current limit, which are activated when the programmable current limit is reached. This function allows the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) to detect pinching or stopping, with the possibility of overloading the engine in the event of ice or frost.

Prices and availability

The A89505 and A89506 are available in a 4 × 4 mm low profile, 20-pin QFN package (“ES” suffix) and 20-pin eTSSOP (“LP” extension), both with an open thermal pad. For product and sample prices, contact an Allegro sales office or an authorized distributor. For datasheets and more information on Allegro’s comprehensive family of driver drivers, including the A89505 and A89506, please visit the Allegro website.