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

1 Introduction

A three-phase BLDC driver can commutate three half-bridges (six MOSFETs) and a single Half-Bridge driver as the name implies drives one half-bridge (two MOSFETs).

There are unique advantages to both systems which makes them desirable for their intended applications. Knowing the system level benefits can make the decision easier for which method can be beneficial for your application.

Note: Either implementation can have integrated MOSFETs or have them external. This document focuses on external MOSFET drivers also referred to as gate drivers.

TI’s current Brushless DC (BLDC) motor drivers’ portfolio contains predominantly three-phase BLDC drivers serving as a one unit package to spin a brushless motor. However, with the addition of drivers such as DRV8161 and DRV8162 we are expanding our portfolio to include single half-bridge drivers (Figure 1-1). These single half-bridge drivers offer key advantages in reducing driver to power stage distance. This results in greatly improving efficiency and decreasing the effects of parasitic.

Architecture Outline: Three-Phase vs Single Half Bridge DriverFigure 1-1 Architecture Outline: Three-Phase vs Single Half Bridge Driver