TI introduces a highly integrated Level 0 brushless DC motor driver

Texas Instruments has introduced a highly integrated Level 0 brushless direct current (BLDC) motor driver for 48-V high-power motor control systems such as traction inverters and starter generators for light-hybrid electric vehicles. The DRV3255-Q1 helps designers reduce the size of motor systems by up to 30% while providing higher gate drive currents for better protection and higher output power. The new motor drive was designed in accordance with Texas Instruments' TUV SUD certified functional safety development process to meet more stringent safety requirements and meet ASILD-level automotive safety integrity levels.

To help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, automakers are increasing the volume production of light hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Light hybrid electric vehicles use a 48V motor drive system, which helps reduce gas emissions from the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Manufacturers can use Texas Instruments' functional safety compliant DRV3255-Q1 to design motor drive systems for ASILD-compliant light-hybrid electric vehicle systems that deliver up to 30kW of motor power, reducing response times for 48V motor drive systems in heavy-duty vehicles.

"The 48V system is a transformative technology that helps original equipment manufacturers (Oems) meet emission reduction targets, deliver more power to advanced driver assistance systems, and manage power-hungry loads such as HVAC systems." Asif Anwar, head of Powertrain, Body, Chassis and safety services at Strategy Analytics, said, "Combining advanced performance features with functional safety and the AEC-Q100's Level 0 standard can help Oems achieve these goals by providing system-level operational benefits in practice."

Reduce layout space by up to 30%

The DRV3255-Q1 is an advanced three-phase 48V BLDC motor driver that integrates high - and low-side active short-circuiting logic, eliminating the need for external transistors and control logic. By integrating active short-circuit logic and dynamic fault response, this new motor driver not only helps designers simplify their designs, but also delivers up to 30kW of motor power while reducing the layout space and bill of material costs of 48V motor drive systems.

With active short-circuit logic, system designers can flexibly lay out metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) connections according to system requirements and prevent catastrophic system failures due to overvoltage. In the case of overvoltage, dynamic fault response automatically switches the motor driver to active short-circuit mode, thereby protecting the vehicle's motor and electrical components from overvoltage stress while optimizing system performance.

Reduce response time while protecting the 48V motor drive system from harsh conditions

The DRV3255-Q1 has an ultra-high output power level that reduces the response time of the 48V motor drive system, so that even for heavy vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, the driver can accelerate faster after stopping. For motors requiring up to 600A current, the DRV3255-Q1 provides higher gate drive currents to directly drive MOSFETs with gate charges up to 1,000nC.

In addition, the motor driver, which meets the Automotive Electronics Council AEC-Q100's Class 0 standard, protects the 48V powertrain system from switching transients and load drops of up to 95V over a wide temperature range (-40°C to 150°C), eliminating the need for protection circuits.

Simplify ISO 26262 ASIL Level D compliance certification

With functional safety in mind, the DRV3255-Q1 is designed using Texas Instruments' certified functional safety hardware development process and includes built-in safety mechanisms and documentation (such as failure modes, impact and diagnostic analyses, and functional safety manuals). In addition to the safety mechanism for the internal fault mode of the device, the digital input/output pins can withstand an absolute maximum rating of 75V, protecting the DRV3255-Q1 from overvoltages of external 12V power supplies.