Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation launched a sensorless control pre-driver IC “TB9062FNG” for brushless DC motors (BLDC motors) used in automotive applications, including electric pumps. Samples are available now, with mass production scheduled for December this year.

The new pre-driver can control BLDC motors by pulse-width modulation (PWM) input only, without any need for high-performance MCUs and software. PWM is a semiconductor-based power control method; output power is controlled by repeated ON/OFF switching.

TB9062FNG 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 output PWM duty. These functions, which were absent from Toshiba’s earlier products, contribute to stable motor control.

TB9062FNG does not require any software development as it is 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. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C, highly suited to automotive applications.