SLVA505A February   2012  – July 2024 DRV8800 , DRV8801 , DRV8802 , DRV8803 , DRV8804 , DRV8805 , DRV8806 , DRV8811 , DRV8812 , DRV8813 , DRV8814 , DRV8818 , DRV8821 , DRV8823 , DRV8824 , DRV8828 , DRV8829 , DRV8830 , DRV8832 , DRV8832-Q1 , DRV8833 , DRV8834 , DRV8835 , DRV8836 , DRV8837 , DRV8840 , DRV8841 , DRV8842 , DRV8843 , DRV8844 , DRV8870 , DRV8871 , DRV8872

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Factors Limiting the Maximum Output Current of a Motor Driver
    1. 1.1 Thermal Limitations
    2. 1.2 Overcurrent Protection (OCP) Limitations
    3. 1.3 Silicon and Package Limitations
    4. 1.4 PCB Limitations and Thermal Management Techniques
      1. 1.4.1 Exposed Pad Packages
      2. 1.4.2 Continuous Copper Planes
      3. 1.4.3 Copper Thickness
      4. 1.4.4 Thermal Vias
      5. 1.4.5 Summary of Thermal Management Techniques
    5. 1.5 Thermal Estimations
  5. 2TI Motor Driver OCP Operation
  6. 3TI Motor Driver Data Sheet Ratings
    1. 3.1 Description
    2. 3.2 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    3. 3.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 3.4 Thermal Information
    5. 3.5 Electrical Characteristics
  7. 4References
  8. 5Revision History

1.3 Silicon and Package Limitations

The output FETs, signal routing, and IC package of a motor driver are designed to support a finite amount of current. The limitations include:

  • Safe operating area (SOA) of the output devices
  • IC layout considerations such as the maximum current-carrying capability of metal routing, vias, and contacts on the die
  • Maximum current-carrying capability of the bond wires that connect the die to the package

A device with OCP takes care of each of these limitations; therefore, the designer does not need to be concerned about damaging the device by applying too much load current.

If a motor driver does not have OCP, do not exceed any absolute maximum current ratings, or the device may be destroyed.