Toshiba launches sensorless control pre-driver IC for BLDC motors

Toshiba Electronics has announced the launch of a sensorless control pre-driver IC for brushless DC (BLDC) motors used in industrial and automotive applications.

The main applications will include electric pumps for water, oil and fuel as well as electric fans.

The TB9062FNG pre-driver can control BLDC motors using a simple pulse-width modulation (PWM) input, without the need for high-performance MCUs and software.

It has an automatic duty generation function that adjusts the output PWM duty cycle to suit the battery voltage (VBAT) at startup, and a soft speed changing function that prevents stalls by suppressing sudden changes in the output PWM duty cycle. These functions contribute to stable motor control.

The pre-driver IC does not require any software development as it’s controlled by a hard-wired logic circuit. VBAT over voltage detection, VBAT under voltage detection, over current protection, and thermal shutdown circuits are also implemented to ensure safe operation.

The operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C and the device is packaged in a 7.8×7.6mm SSOP24 package.