AT8837 Low voltage H bridge motor drive chip

Motor Control Performance

• AT8837: The AT8837 is a dual H-Bridge motor driver that operates with a supply voltage range of 2.5V to 10.8V and can provide a peak output current of 2A per channel. The driver features advanced PWM control for precise motor speed regulation, direction control, and braking. With its flexible motor control options, the AT8837 ensures smooth motor operation and high efficiency, even under variable load conditions.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR also operates within a similar voltage range of 2.5V to 10.8V and provides a peak output current of 1.5A per channel. While it is a capable motor driver, the AT8837 offers higher current handling capabilities and greater flexibility in motor control, making it better suited for driving higher current motors or applications that require more power.

Efficiency and Power Consumption

• AT8837: The AT8837 is designed with low R_DS(on) MOSFETs, which minimize conduction losses and reduce power dissipation. This design ensures the driver remains highly energy-efficient, especially in battery-powered applications where power conservation is critical. Additionally, the AT8837 includes adaptive PWM control, which adjusts the duty cycle to optimize power consumption based on the load, improving overall energy efficiency.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR similarly uses low R_DS(on) MOSFETs to achieve power efficiency. However, it does not feature adaptive PWM control, which means that its energy optimization may not be as effective under varying motor loads. The AT8837 provides a more dynamic and energy-efficient solution for applications requiring extended battery life or lower operational costs.

Integration and External Components

• AT8837: The AT8837 integrates several advanced features such as current sensing, thermal protection, and overcurrent protection in a compact QFN package. This integration reduces the need for external components, simplifying the overall design and lowering the bill of materials (BOM). The AT8837 offers high system integration, which makes it ideal for space-constrained designs while keeping the system cost low.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR also integrates basic motor driver features but typically requires external current sensing resistors or other components to achieve optimal performance. In comparison, the AT8837's higher level of integration reduces the need for additional external components, leading to a simplified design and lower overall system complexity.

Protection Features

• AT8837: The AT8837 offers comprehensive protection features, including overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, under-voltage lockout, and over-voltage protection. These built-in features ensure that the device operates safely under all conditions, protecting both the motor driver and the motor itself. Additionally, the AT8837 includes a soft-start mechanism that minimizes inrush currents, preventing excessive stress during power-up.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR provides thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection. However, it lacks under-voltage lockout and over-voltage protection, which are critical for preventing damage in case of unstable power supply conditions. The AT8837 offers a more robust protection suite, ensuring better reliability and system stability in fluctuating power environments.

Thermal Management

• AT8837: The AT8837 is designed with excellent thermal management, featuring low thermal resistance and a compact package for effective heat dissipation. This is particularly advantageous in high-current applications or environments where thermal performance is critical. The AT8837 can operate continuously under heavy loads without overheating, making it a reliable solution for demanding applications.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR has thermal protection and a thermal shutdown feature, but it does not feature the same level of thermal optimization as the AT8837. For applications with higher power dissipation, the DRV8837CDSGR may require additional external cooling solutions, such as heat sinks or fans, to maintain reliable operation under load.

Size and Packaging

• AT8837: The AT8837 comes in a compact QFN package, which provides a small footprint while maintaining high current capabilities and good thermal performance. The small package size is advantageous in space-constrained applications, such as portable electronics and automotive systems, where size and efficiency are important factors.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR is available in a similar QFN package, but its overall design may require more external components to optimize performance, making it less compact than the AT8837. The AT8837's higher integration means it can achieve better space utilization in the overall system design.

Cost-Effectiveness

• AT8837: The AT8837 provides a cost-effective solution by integrating a wide range of features into a single package, reducing the need for additional components. This results in a lower BOM and overall system cost. The AT8837 also provides high performance and efficiency, delivering excellent value for manufacturers.

• DRV8837CDSGR: The DRV8837CDSGR is competitively priced but may require additional external components, such as current sensing resistors and capacitors, to optimize motor control. These added components can increase the total system cost. The AT8837 offers better overall value, combining high integration and superior features at a competitive price point.

Key Advantages of AT8837

1. Higher Current Handling: The AT8837 supports up to 2A per channel, offering better performance in high-current applications compared to the DRV8837CDSGR, which is limited to 1.5A per channel.

2. Advanced Integration: The AT8837 integrates features such as current sensing, thermal protection, overvoltage protection, and under-voltage lockout, which simplifies the design and reduces the need for external components.

3. Superior Protection: With comprehensive protection mechanisms, including soft-start and overcurrent protection, the AT8837 ensures reliable and safe operation, even in challenging environments.

4. Better Thermal Performance: The AT8837 has superior thermal management capabilities, allowing for higher current handling and more efficient heat dissipation compared to the DRV8837CDSGR.

5. Cost-Effective: The AT8837 offers a more cost-effective solution with its high level of integration, resulting in lower system costs without sacrificing performance or reliability.

Conclusion

The AT8837 outperforms the DRV8837CDSGR in several key areas, including current handling, efficiency, protection features, and integration. Its ability to handle higher currents, combined with advanced protection mechanisms and better thermal management, makes it a superior choice for applications requiring reliable, energy-efficient motor control. The AT8837's compact packaging and cost-effective design further enhance its appeal, providing an excellent solution for a variety of motor control applications, from consumer electronics to automotive systems.