Toshiba launches sensorless control pre-driver IC for BLDC motors

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH has announced the launch of a sensorless control pre-driver IC for brushless DC motors (BLDC motors) used in industrial and automotive applications. The main applications will include electric pumps for water, oil and fuel as well as electric fans.

The new TB9062FNG pre-driver can control BLDC motors using only a simple pulse-width modulation (PWM) input, without the need for any high-performance microcontrollers (MCUs) and software.

The TB9062FNG has an automatic duty generation function that adjusts the output PWM duty cycle to suit the battery voltage (VBAT) at startup, and a soft speed changing function that prevents stalls by suppressing sudden changes in the output PWM duty cycle. These functions, featured for the first time on Toshiba products, contribute to stable motor control.

The new pre-driver IC does not require any software development as it is controlled by a hard-wired logic circuit. VBAT over voltage detection, VBAT under voltage detection, over current protection, and thermal shutdown circuits are also implemented to ensure safe operation.

The operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C and the device is packaged in a small (7.8mm x 7.6mm) SSOP24 package.