SLVS855K July 2008 – March 2021 DRV8800 , DRV8801
PRODUCTION DATA
When the voltage on pin SENSE exceeds VTRP (0.5 V), overcurrent is detected. The RSENSE resistor should be sized to set the desired ITRIP level.
To set ITRIP to 2.5 A, RSENSE = 0.5 V / 2.5 A = 0.2 Ω.
To prevent false trips, ITRIP must be higher than regular operating current. Motor current during startup is typically much higher than steady-state spinning, because the initial load torque is higher, and the absence of back-EMF causes a higher voltage and extra current across the motor windings.
It can be beneficial to limit startup current by using series inductors on the DRV880x output, as that allows ITRIP to be lower, and it may decrease the system’s required bulk capacitance. Startup current can also be limited by ramping the forward drive duty cycle.