Motor Basic (Driver IC)
Infineon Technologies Japan K.K.
Takayuki Ebina
November 21, 2024
About This Document
This document is intended to explain the basics of automotive semiconductors. For simplicity in explaining semiconductor basics, some technical content may be presented in a simplified manner. For actual use of semiconductor devices, please refer to the data sheets and application notes of each semiconductor manufacturer. This document is intended for internal use within your company.
Table of Contents
- Overview of 12V Motor Control
- Motor Control with Driver ICs
- Types and Selection of Driver ICs
Examples of Automotive Body Electronics (12V Motor Control Applications)
Thermal Management System
- Cooling fan
- Auxiliary water pumps
- Coolant valve
- HVAC blower
- HVAC Flap
- Oil pump
- Electronic expansion valve
- Grill shutter
Seat Comfort System
- Seat
- Seat memory
- Seat massage
- Heated/Ventilated Seat
Door Control System
- Door Lock
- Mirror Control
- Window Lift
- Lighting
Closure System
- Power Lift Gate
- Sunroof
- Power Sliding Door
Automotive Electrical/Electronic Functions are Realized by ECUs (Electronic Control Units) Mounted Inside the Vehicle
Example of ECU (Electronic Control Unit):
Automotive applications are realized by ECUs (Electronic Control Units) mounted inside the vehicle. These ECUs process information from various sensors and control actuators to perform functions such as:
- Engine/Brake/Steering
- ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems)
- Electrification (Inverters, Battery Management, etc.)
- Body Electronics (Doors, Seats, Thermal Management, etc.)
Semiconductor Devices are Mounted on the Baseboard of ECUs (Electronic Control Units)
ECU Baseboard (PCB: Printed Circuit Board):
The ECU baseboard houses various semiconductor devices, including microcontrollers (MCUs) and power semiconductor MOSFETs. These components are crucial for the ECU's processing and control capabilities.
The Functions of Systems Including ECUs (Electronic Control Units) are Realized by the Functions of Semiconductor Devices
Example of ECU Functions: These functions are realized by semiconductor device functions.
- Sense (Perception): Input from sensor devices like cameras, LiDAR, radar, and microphones.
- Interpret & Decide (Judgment): Processing by microcontrollers and memory, involving central gateways, driving domain controllers, specialized sensor processors, and sensor fusion decision-making.
- Act (Operation): Output to actuators (power devices) such as transmissions, braking systems (ABS), engines, steering systems, active roll stabilization, and Matrix LEDs.
Examples of Semiconductor Devices Mounted in Automotive ECUs
Automotive ECUs utilize a range of semiconductor devices, including:
- Power Supply ICs (PMIC): Manage power distribution and voltage regulation.
- Driver ICs: Control the operation of power devices like MOSFETs.
- Communication ICs (CAN Transceiver): Enable communication between different ECUs and components.
- Microcontrollers (MCUs): Perform the main processing and decision-making.
- Sensor ICs: Interface with sensors to gather data (e.g., Torque Sensor, Angle Sensor).
- MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors): Act as power switches.
- IPDs (Intelligent Power Devices): Integrated power devices offering advanced control and protection.
Example System Configuration of EPS (Electric Power Steering)
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system utilizes sensors to detect steering torque, a power source (battery), an ECU for control, and a power load (electric motor) to provide steering assistance.
- Sensor (Torque): Detects steering torque.
- Power Source (Battery): Provides electrical power.
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit): Contains PMIC, power supply IC, driver IC, communication IC, microcontroller, and sensor ICs to process information and control the motor.
- Power Load (Electric Motor): The motor that provides steering assistance.
- Steering Force Assist (Torque): The output provided by the system.
Power MOSFETs: Semiconductor Switches for Turning Current ON/OFF
Power MOSFETs are semiconductor switches used to control the flow of current, enabling the ON/OFF switching of motor currents.
Switching Configurations:
- High-Side Switch (HSS)
- Low-Side Switch (LSS)
- Half-Bridge (Half-Bride)
- Full-Bridge (H-Bridge)
- 3-Phase Bridge (3-phase BLDC)
These configurations are used to drive motors by controlling the current flow through different switching patterns.
Power MOSFETs: Semiconductor Switches for Turning Current ON/OFF ⇒ Controlling Motor Current ON/OFF
Switching Configurations and Operation:
- High-Side Switch (HSS): Allows unidirectional rotation (clockwise only).
- Low-Side Switch (LSS): Allows unidirectional rotation (clockwise only).
- Half-Bridge (Half-Bride): Allows unidirectional rotation (clockwise only).
- Full-Bridge (H-Bridge): Enables bidirectional rotation (clockwise and counter-clockwise).
- 3-Phase Bridge (3-phase BLDC) 6x MOSFET: Various combinations of MOSFETs are used to control the motor's rotation in different phases.
Driver IC Selection Method - Summary 1
Infineon's driver ICs and MCU-integrated devices offer broad compatibility for 12V motor control:
- MOTIX™ Driver: For external MOSFET driving.
- MOTIX™ Bridge: With integrated MOSFETs.
- MOTIX™ SBC: With integrated Power, CAN/LIN.
- MOTIX™ MCU: With integrated Microcontroller, Power, CAN/LIN.
Product Families:
- Multi MOSFET Driver ICs (e.g., TLE92104/08)
- Single Half-Bridge ICs (e.g., BTN9960/70/90, BTN7030)
- Multi Half-Bridge ICs (e.g., TLE94103/04/06/08/10/12)
- Full-bridge ICs (e.g., BTM9010/11/20/21)
- Motor System ICs (e.g., TLE9560/61/62/63/64)
- Embedded Power ICs (e.g., TLE984x/5x/6x/7x)
Driver IC Selection Method - Summary 2
Selection Example for DC Motor Driver ICs and MOSFETs based on Motor Current:
External MOSFET:
- Multi MOSFET Driver ICs
- Single Half-Bridge ICs
- H-Bridge ICs
- Multi Half-Bridge ICs
Integrated MOSFET:
- Multi MOSFET Driver ICs
- Single Half-Bridge ICs
- H-Bridge ICs
- Multi Half-Bridge ICs
The selection depends on the required motor current and whether external or integrated MOSFETs are preferred.
Driver IC Selection Method
When selecting a driver IC, consider the following factors:
- Motor Type: DC motor / BLDC motor.
- Number of Motors: How many motors need to be driven.
- MOSFET Integration: Whether MOSFETs are integrated (for small current) or external (for large current).
- Microcontroller Integration: Whether the microcontroller is integrated or external.
- Datasheet Parameters: Such as ON-resistance and overcurrent protection values.
MOTIX™ TLE9140EQW BLDC Gate Driver IC
Main Features
- High voltage capability / robustness up to 110V
- Gate driving capability: ~230nC / MOSFET up to 20kHz
- Adaptive MOSFET control
- Active LS freewheeling during VSM OV
- Diagnostics & Protection: Timeout-Watchdog, Drain-Source monitoring, Overvoltage & undervoltage protection, Cross-current & overtemperature protection, Off-state diagnostics, SPI communication, Safe switch off path fulfilling ASIL-B metric.
Key Benefits
- Easy approach & scaling for 24V/48V applications in conjunction with MOTIX™ MCU TLE987x or other MCUs.
- Max junction temp up to 175°C to support challenging mission profiles.
- Maximize re-use in conjunction with MOTIX™ MCU motor control software for faster time-to-market.
- Comprehensive diagnostic & monitoring functions.
- Small packing design TS-DSO-32 saving space & costs (8.65 x 3.9mm).
Target Applications
- Automotive 24V/48V motor applications: Pumps and fans, Wiper, HVAC compressor...
- CAV & truck applications
- Non-automotive applications: eBike, eScooter...
Status: Active & preferred
MOTIX™ BTM90XX Full-Bridge ICs: Monolithic Full-Bridge with Integrated Driver ICs
Main Features
- Supply voltage range 7 – 28 V, for transients 4.5 – 40 V
- BTM901X min current limit 10A, 5.2A for 1sec @85°C
- BTM902X min current limit 20A, 10A for 1sec @85°C
- PWM frequency up to 20kHz
- SPI variants BTM9011/21 supporting daisy chain operation
- Current sense on both high side and low side
- 2 selectable slew rate
- Protections and diagnostics: Over current, under voltage, over temperature, open load detection, cross current protection
- Independent half-bridge mode (more flexibility)
- BTM901X supports half-bridge mode in parallel to extend the current
Key Benefits
- Extensive protections and diagnostics features
- Smallest package with lowest pin count
- Improved thermal performance with exposed pad (11mm²)
- AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1)
- ISO26262-ready documentation
Target Applications
- Automotive brushed DC motors
- Door modules
- Thermal management
- Body control modules
- Zone control modules
- Automotive inductive or resistive loads
MOTIX™ TLE92104 and TLE92108 Multi MOSFET Gate Driver ICs
MOTIX™ multi MOSFET gate driver ICs are designed to control up to eight half-bridges with one packaged device.
Key Features
- 8-fold or 4-fold half-bridge (up to 16 n-channel) MOSFET driver outputs
- AEC-Q100 qualified
- 3 PWM inputs
- Low current consumption in sleep mode (3 μA)
- Configurable motor brake also in sleep mode concept
- Adaptive multi-stage MOSFET gate control
- Integrated dual stage charge pump
- Sophisticated protection
- Flexible current sense amplifiers
Target Applications
- Power seat
- Power lift gate
- Central door lock
Driver ICs: Examples of ON-Resistance
BTN9960
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 6.3 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 25°C |
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 9.0 11.8 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 150°C |
BTN9970
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 6.3 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 25°C |
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 9.0 11.8 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 150°C |
BTN9990
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 3.5 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 25°C |
| ON-state high-side resistance | RON(HS) | 5.0 6.0 | mΩ | IOUT = 15 A; VS = 13.5 V; TJ = 150°C |
Driver ICs: Examples of Overcurrent Protection
Current Limitation
BTN9960
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overcurrent shutdown high-side | IOC(HS) | 35 47 60 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
| Overcurrent detection level low-side | IOC(LO) | 35 47 60 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
BTN9970
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overcurrent shutdown high-side | IOC(HS) | 60 80 98 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
| Overcurrent detection level low-side | IOC(LO) | 60 80 98 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
BTN9990
| Parameter | Symbol | Values (Min. Typ. Max.) | Unit | Note or condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overcurrent detection level high-side | IOC(HS) | 75 95 115 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
| Overcurrent detection level low-side | IOC(LO) | 75 95 115 | A | VS = 13.5 V |
Automotive Motor Control Devices Support Both Smart Motors and Zone Architectures
Smart Motor
- MOTIX™ MCU: Controls motors using integrated MOSFETs, communication interfaces (LIN), and power management.
Zone Architecture
- TRAVEO™ T2G + MOTIX™ SBC + MOTIX™ Driver: This architecture integrates multiple components for advanced control, including the TRAVEO™ T2G microcontroller, MOTIX™ SBC for power and communication, and MOTIX™ Driver for motor control.
Summary of Driver IC Selection Methods
This section provides a summary of how to select driver ICs and MOSFETs based on motor current, categorizing them by whether MOSFETs are external or integrated.
