Amplifier IC Drives Larger Fractional Motors

Feb 8, 2006 1:32 PM
David Morrison, Editor, PETech

With the introduction of the SA56 PWM amplifier IC, Apex Microtechnology (www.apexmicrotech.com) offers a monolithic device capable of driving dc and stepper motors up to 1/3-hp. Operating from a 12-V to 60-V single supply, the SA56 delivers 5 A continuous or 10 A peak for a total output power of 250 W continuous or 500 W peak. This performance represents an increase in power output as well as operating voltage range when compared with other available PWM chips. The SA56 is further distinguished by its ability to operate using either analog or digital input.

With this device, system-level designers can integrate sophisticated motion control into their designs without being experienced analog or power designers. The potential for overall savings on system size, weight and design, is provided by the efficiency of the SA56’s PWM operation. And because it switches at frequencies of up to 100 kHz, the SA56 uses small filter components. In addition, no bootstrap capacitors are required.

The SA56 is fabricated in a process that combines bipolar and CMOS control circuitry with DMOS power devices within the same monolithic structure. This chip also incorporates circuit protection including short circuit, output current monitoring and programmable current limit. The amplifier exhibits no shoot-through current.

The SA56 is offered in a 23-pin staggered lead IC package where the heat tab on the package is tied to –VS. The device is priced at $8.90 per unit in quantities of 10,000. Samples are available now with the full-qualified release scheduled for the second quarter of 2006. For a preliminary datasheet, click here.

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