Toshiba has introduced a constant-current 2-phase bipolar stepping motor driver, which is designed for automotive use, and is claimed to streamline motor system implementations.

It delivers a sine-wave output signal (with up to 1/32 incremental steps supported) while requiring only a simple clock input.

The need for a sophisticated microcontroller unit (MCU) or dedicated software is thereby avoided.

Each of the AEC-Q100-compliant TB9120AFTG driver ICs incorporates low on-resistance DMFETs, and can deliver a 1.5A (maximum) current.

Thanks to the large number of micro-steps they support, motor noise can be significantly reduced, with smoother operation and more precise control being benefited from.

The built-in mixed decay mode helps to stabilize the current waveforms. Numerous protection mechanisms are incorporated, these include over-current and over-temperature detection, plus thermal shutdown. There is also a stall detection function.

These devices are supplied in VQFN packages (with 6.0 mm x 6.0mm dimensions) featuring wettable flanks to allow the use of automated optical inspection (AOI) for ensuring the quality of solder joints.

They support an operational temperature range covering -40°C to 125°C. Key applications include battery management systems, or refrigeration circuit expansion valves for air conditioning.