Motor Driver ICs

A motor driver IC provides the drive function between a controller and the motor. It switches and controls the electrical power applied to the motor so the system can manage functions such as rotation, speed, direction, or position. Toshiba provides different driver families for brushed DC, brushless DC, stepping motors, and gate-driver applications.

Start with the motor type, then match the driver to the required supply voltage and motor current. Next, compare control method, channel or phase requirements, package, and protection functions.

The required driver depends on how the motor is constructed and controlled. Brushed DC drivers control brushed motors, brushless DC drivers support electronically commutated brushless motors, and stepper drivers control motor phases in discrete steps for position or motion control. Toshiba maintains dedicated driver lineups for each motor type.

The driver must support the motor’s required supply voltage and current while meeting the design’s thermal and protection requirements. Toshiba’s selection guide lists voltage and current ratings by device, along with control and protection features. Final device selection should be validated against the latest product datasheet and application conditions.

An H-bridge is a driver topology commonly used with brushed DC motors that allows the voltage across the motor to be reversed, enabling bidirectional motor control. Toshiba offers H-bridge motor-driver devices, including products with functions such as current monitoring for consumer and industrial motor-control applications.