TOKYO—Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation has launched “TB9120AFTG,” a constant-current 2-phase stepping motor driver for automotive applications. The new IC outputs a sine-wave current using only a simple clock input interface, with no need for an advanced functional MCU or dedicated software.

TB9120AFTG was developed as a successor to TB9120FTG, introduced in 2019 as Toshiba’s first automotive stepping motor driver, and provides improved noise resistance.
TB9120AFTG incorporates DMOS FETs with low on-resistance (upper + lower = 0.8Ω (typ.)), which achieve a maximum current of 1.5A[1]. Both the DMOS FETs and the controller that generates micro-stepping sine waves (supporting up to 1/32 steps) are housed in a small QFN type package (6.0 mmｘ6.0 mm).

The new IC delivers an operating temperature range of -40 to 125℃, and meets AEC-Q100, a certified standard for electronic components for automotive applications.
It is suited to a wide range of automotive general applications using stepping motors, such as adjustment of the projection position of heads-up displays, and in the expansion valves of refrigerant circuits.

Key features

General multipurpose specifications, especially for automotive applications
DMOS FETs with low on-resistance (upper + lower = 0.8Ω (typ.)), which achieve a maximum current of 1.5 A.
Built-in error detections with warning signal output function: Over-current detection, thermal shutdown, and load open.
Housed in a wettable flank VQFN package (6mm×6mm) with excellent solderability
Operating temperature range: -40℃ to 125℃
AEC-Q100 qualified

Micro step drive, supporting up to 1/32 steps.
Less motor noise, smoother and more precise control
Uses only a simple clock input interface, with no need for an advanced functional MCU or dedicated software.
Constant-current PWM control: Mixed decay mode stabilizes current waveforms.

Stall detection function
A stall detection signal is output from SD pin after detecting a stall.
The detection signal can be received by a microcontroller and fed back to the system.

Applications
Mirror adjustment for the projection position of heads-up displays
Expansion valves in refrigerant circuits for automotive air conditioners and battery management systems

Main Specifications

Part number	TB9120AFTG
Driving method	Constant-current PWM control
Excitation mode	Micro step drive, supporting up to 1/32 steps
Number of drive motors	Single 2-phase stepping motor
On resistance	Upper + Lower = 0.8 Ω (typ.) at 25℃
Output current	1.5 A (absolute maximum rating)
Error detections	Stall detection, thermal shutdown, over-current detection, and load open detection
Operating voltage range	7 V to 18 V (Absolute maximum rating = 40 V)
External power supply	Single power supply
Operating temperature range	-40 to 125℃
Package	P-VQFN28-0606-0.65 6.0mmｘ6.0mm Wettable pins with excellent solderability
Reliability test	AEC-Q100 qualified
Mass production	Started in April 2020

Note:
[1] Actual driven motor current depends on the use environment, and such factors as ambient temperature and power supply voltage.

For more information about the new product, please visit:
TB9120AFTG

For more information about Toshiba’s automotive stepping motor driver ICs, please visit:
Automotive Stepping Motor Driver ICs

Source：http://www.semicon.toshiba.co.jp/eng/