Toshiba Launches Constant-Current 2-Phase Stepping Motor Driver for Automotive Applications

July 16, 2020

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation

TOKYO—Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation ("Toshiba") has launched “TB9120AFTG,” a constant-current 2-phase stepping motor driver for automotive applications. The new IC outputs a sine-wave current using only a simple clock input interface, with no need for an advanced functional MCU or dedicated software.

TB9120AFTG was developed as a successor to TB9120FTG, introduced in 2019 as Toshiba’s first automotive stepping motor driver, and provides improved noise resistance.
TB9120AFTG incorporates DMOS FETs with low on-resistance (upper + lower = 0.8Ω (typ.)), which achieve a maximum current of 1.5A[1]. Both the DMOS FETs and the controller that generates micro-stepping sine waves (supporting up to 1/32 steps) are housed in a small QFN type package (6.0 mmx6.0 mm).

The new IC delivers an operating temperature range of -40 to 125℃, and meets AEC-Q100, a certified standard for electronic components for automotive applications.
It is suited to a wide range of automotive general applications using stepping motors, such as adjustment of the projection position of heads-up displays, and in the expansion valves of refrigerant circuits.

Click above for the introduction video.

VQFN28

Key features

General multipurpose specifications, especially for automotive applications

  • DMOS FETs with low on-resistance (upper + lower = 0.8Ω (typ.)), which achieve a maximum current of 1.5 A.
  • Built-in error detections with warning signal output function: Over-current detection, thermal shutdown, and load open.
  • Housed in a wettable flank VQFN package (6mm×6mm) with excellent solderability
  • Operating temperature range: -40℃ to 125℃
  • AEC-Q100 qualified

Micro step drive, supporting up to 1/32 steps.

  • Less motor noise, smoother and more precise control
  • Uses only a simple clock input interface, with no need for an advanced functional MCU or dedicated software.
  • Constant-current PWM control: Mixed decay mode stabilizes current waveforms.

Stall detection function

  • A stall detection signal is output from SD pin after detecting a stall.
  • The detection signal can be received by a microcontroller and fed back to the system.

Applications

  • Mirror adjustment for the projection position of heads-up displays
  • Expansion valves in refrigerant circuits for automotive air conditioners and battery management systems 

Main Specifications

Part number

TB9120AFTG

Driving method

Constant-current PWM control

Excitation mode

Micro step drive, supporting up to 1/32 steps

Number of drive motors

Single 2-phase stepping motor

On resistance

Upper + Lower = 0.8 Ω (typ.) at 25℃

Output current

1.5 A (absolute maximum rating)

Error detections

Stall detection, thermal shutdown, over-current detection, and load open detection

Operating voltage range

7 V to 18 V (Absolute maximum rating = 40 V)

External power supply

Single power supply

Operating temperature range

-40 to 125℃

Package

P-VQFN28-0606-0.65
6.0mmx6.0mm
Wettable pins with excellent solderability

Reliability test

AEC-Q100 qualified

Mass production

Started in April 2020

Note:
[1] Actual driven motor current depends on the use environment, and such factors as ambient temperature and power supply voltage.

For more information about the new product, please visit:

For more information about Toshiba’s automotive stepping motor driver ICs, please visit:

Automotive Stepping Motor Driver ICs

Customer Inquiries

System Devices Marketing Dept.III
Automotive Marketing Group II

Tel: +81-3-3457-3440

*Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies.
*Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.