DRV8870D 3.6A H-bridge Motor Driver IC SOIC-8

DRV8870D 3.6A H-bridge Motor Driver IC SOIC-8 is an integrated circuit designed specifically to drive brushed DC motors, solenoids, or other inductive loads. This chip uses a standard H-bridge configuration to allow both direction control and speed control of a motor, handling continuous output currents up to 3.6A. A highly efficient power MOSFET bridge minimizes heat dissipation, even at high currents. Engineers appreciate the DRV8870D for its simple PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) interface and robust protection features, including overcurrent, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lockout. Housed in a compact SOIC-8 package, this driver provides powerful, reliable motor control in space-constrained applications, making it an excellent choice for robotics, printers, and small automation systems.

Key Features:

• High Current Capability: Delivers a continuous output current of 3.6A (peak up to 5A), effortlessly driving medium-sized DC motors.
• Simple Control Interface: Use two logic inputs (IN1 and IN2) to control direction and a single PWM signal to manage motor speed.
• Integrated Protection: Includes comprehensive fault reporting and protection against overcurrent (OCP), thermal shutdown (TSD), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO).
• Low MOSFET On-Resistance: Minimizes power loss and heat generation, increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for bulky heatsinks in many applications.
• Wide Operating Voltage: Supports a broad range of motor supply voltages, offering flexibility in battery and power supply designs.

Technical Specifications:

• Motor Voltage Range (V_M): 6.5 V to 45 V
• Logic Voltage Range (V_CC): 3.3 V and 5 V compatible
• Continuous Current: 3.6 A (Typical)
• Peak Current: Up to 5 A
• PWM Control: Up to 100 kHz frequency support
• Package: SOIC-8 (Surface Mount) with exposed thermal pad (D-Package)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Mounting: Surface Mount Device (SMD)
• Thermal Pad: The SOIC-8 package includes an exposed pad underneath, which you must solder to a copper pour for optimal heat dissipation.
• Material: Molded plastic body with copper lead frame.

Dimensions (SOIC-8):

• Body Length: ≈ 4.9 mm
• Body Width: ≈ 3.9 mm
• Pitch (Pin Spacing): 1.27 mm (0.05 in)
• Weight: ≈ 0.1 g

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (GND): Ground reference for both logic and power.
• Pin 2 (IN1): Logic input 1 (Controls motor direction with IN2).
• Pin 3 (IN2): Logic input 2 (Controls motor direction with IN1).
• Pin 4 (V_M): Motor power supply input (6.5 V to 45 V).
• Pin 5 (OUT1): H-bridge output 1 (Connects to one motor terminal).
• Pin 6 (OUT2): H-bridge output 2 (Connects to the other motor terminal).
• Pin 7 (V_CC): Logic supply voltage input (3.3 V or 5 V).
• Pin 8 (nFAULT): Active-low open-drain output that signals a fault condition (OCP, TSD, or UVLO).
• Thermal Pad (Exposed Pad): Connect to GND on the PCB for heat sinking.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Desktop Printers and Scanners: Driving paper feed and carriage motors.
• Home and Building Automation: Controlling small blinds, valves, and lock actuators.
• Mobile Robotics: Powering drive wheels in small to medium-sized robotic platforms.

Applications:

• Solenoid and Relay Drive: Providing high-current sink/source for inductive loads.
• Brushed DC Motor Control: Achieving precise speed and reversible direction control in robotics.
• Valve Actuators: Managing the opening and closing of motorized fluid control valves.

Equivalent Models:

• L298N: An older, much bulkier dual H-bridge module with lower efficiency.
• DRV8833: A lower-current (2A) H-bridge driver often used for very small robots or low-voltage applications.

Package Includes:

• 1 x DRV8870D 3.6A H-bridge Motor Driver IC SOIC-8