SLVAFZ0 November   2024 DRV8161 , DRV8162

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
  5. 2Three-Phase Gate Driver
    1. 2.1 Architecture
    2. 2.2 Layout Considerations
      1. 2.2.1 Advantages
        1. 2.2.1.1 MCU to DRV Signal Routing
        2. 2.2.1.2 Component Reduction
      2. 2.2.2 Challenges
        1. 2.2.2.1 MOSFET Placement
    3. 2.3 Typical Applications
  6. 3Half-Bridge (Single Phase) Gate Driver
    1. 3.1 Architecture
    2. 3.2 Layout Considerations
      1. 3.2.1 Advantages
        1. 3.2.1.1 MOSFET Placement
        2. 3.2.1.2 Independent Control
        3. 3.2.1.3 Ease of Replacement
      2. 3.2.2 Challenges
        1. 3.2.2.1 Longer Routing Between Gate Driver and Micro Controller
        2. 3.2.2.2 Additional Component Requirements
    3. 3.3 Typical Applications
  7. 4Summary
  8. 5References

4 Summary

The fundamentals of driving a brushless DC motor is well established with a microcontroller sending signals to a driver. And the driver converting those signals to gate voltages of the MOSFETs to spin a motor.

The three-phase gate driver and single half-bridge driver both achieve the same goal, but fundamentally differ from a board design and system size perspective. The implementation differences result in them being better designed for different applications or market demands.

The three-phase gate driver is better designed for applications where a one stop implementation for spinning a BLDC motor is required and there is value in a larger IC but fewer external components needed. For example: Power tools, drones etc.

The three single half-bridges are designed more for applications where MOSFET placement is constrained and reduction in parastics or signal integrity is critical. For example: Robots or cobots, factory automation, and so on.

Each method offers specific advantages for their applications and is recommended to choose one that can maximize benefits while reducing design challenges for your system.

To find the right driver that best fits your system needs, please visit our BLDC portfolio on TI.com