Allegro MicroSystems A3958SLBTR
- Part No.:
- A3958SLBTR
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
A3958SLBTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER 4.5V-5.5V 24SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,688
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
A3958SLBTR from Allegro MicroSystems is a DMOS full-bridge PWM motor driver IC designed for bidirectional DC motor control with programmable current regulation. It delivers ±2 A continuous output current at up to 50 V load supply voltage, supports serial-programmable slow/fast/mixed current-decay modes, and integrates synchronous rectification to reduce power dissipation in industrial motion control systems.
For engineers reviewing the A3958SLBTR datasheet, A3958SLBTR pinout, A3958SLBTR application, or A3958SLBTR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal and electrical specifications, and real-world motor drive use cases - all specific to the 24-pin SOICW (LB) package variant.
Technical Context
The A3958SLBTR implements fixed-off-time PWM current control via an internal oscillator (2.9–6.1 MHz) and a 3-wire serial interface (CLOCK/DATA/STROBE) that configures blank time, off-time, decay timing, and synchronous rectification mode. Its dual DMOS H-bridge architecture enables bidirectional motor control using PHASE and ENABLE inputs, with internal charge pump (CP/CP1/CP2) and regulator (VREG) supporting high-side gate drive.
Current regulation is set by external sense resistor (RS) and reference voltage (VREF), scaled by RANGE logic and serial bit D16 to yield ITRIP = VREF/(5×RS) or VREF/(10×RS). Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C with 15°C hysteresis, and UVLO disables drivers below 3.9 V on VDD.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | ±2 A continuous - supports medium-power DC motors without external heatsinking under typical PCB thermal conditions. |
| Load Supply Voltage | 20–50 V - compatible with 24 V and 48 V industrial motor rails. |
| rDS(on) | 270 mΩ typical - minimizes conduction loss and junction heating during PWM operation. |
| Serial Interface | 3-wire (CLOCK/DATA/STROBE) - enables dynamic configuration of decay mode, blank time, and sync rect without MCU GPIO overhead. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 165°C activation with 15°C hysteresis - protects against sustained overload or poor heatsinking without latch-up. |
| UVLO Threshold | 4.2 V typical enable point - prevents erratic operation during brown-out or power ramp-up. |
| Synchronous Rectification | Configurable active/passive/disabled via serial bits D11/D12 - reduces body-diode conduction loss by >50% vs. diode-only decay paths. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-pin SOICW (suffix 'LB'), lead-free with 100% matte tin leadframe; power pins at ground potential - no electrical isolation required.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CP) | Charge pump reservoir capacitor connection | Connects 0.22 μF ceramic capacitor to VBB - supplies gate voltage for high-side DMOS drivers. |
| 2,3 (CP1, CP2) | Charge pump capacitor terminals | Connect 0.22 μF ceramic capacitor between CP1 and CP2 - generates boosted gate drive voltage. |
| 4 (PHASE) | Direction control input | Combined with serial bit D15 to determine forward/reverse motor rotation via OUTA/OUTB polarity. |
| 5 (OSC) | Oscillator input | Accepts 2.9–6.1 MHz square wave - sets PWM timing base for off-time and blanking calculations. |
| 6,7 (GROUND) | Power and logic ground return | Dedicated low-impedance ground path for sense resistor and power stage - critical for accurate current regulation. |
| 8 (LOGIC SUPPLY) | VDD input | 4.5–5.5 V logic supply - powers internal logic, serial interface, and regulators; includes UVLO protection. |
| 9 (ENABLE) | Bridge enable/chop control | When combined with serial bit D14, enables fast/slow external PWM chopping or full bridge ON/OFF control. |
| 10 (DATA) | Serial data input | LSB-first 20-bit serial word (D19–D0) - configures decay mode, blank time, sync rect, sleep, and range selection. |
| 11 (CLOCK) | Serial clock input | Rising-edge-triggered - clocks DATA into internal shift register; requires ≥50 ns pulse width and setup/hold timing. |
| 12 (STROBE) | Serial write strobe | Rising-edge initiates serial write cycle - latches 20-bit configuration into control registers. |
| 13 (REF) | Reference voltage input | 0–2.6 V analog input - sets current trip threshold with RS and RANGE logic per ITRIP = VREF/(5×RS) or VREF/(10×RS). |
| 14 (MODE) | Internal PWM mode select | Combined with serial bit D17 to select slow or mixed current-decay mode for internal PWM operation. |
| 15 (NO CONNECT) | Internally unconnected | No internal connection - must be left floating or tied to ground per layout guidelines; not usable as GPIO. |
| 16 (OUTA) | H-bridge output A | One terminal of DMOS full-bridge - connects directly to motor winding; rated for ±2 A, 50 V. |
| 17 (SENSE) | Current sense input | Connects to low-side sense resistor - feeds current-sense comparator; blanked during switching transitions. |
| 18,19 (GROUND) | Additional ground returns | Provides redundant ground paths for thermal and noise performance - must be connected to common ground plane. |
| 20 (LOAD SUPPLY) | VBB input | 20–50 V motor supply - powers H-bridge outputs; decoupling with ≥47 μF electrolytic capacitor required. |
| 21 (OUTB) | H-bridge output B | Second terminal of DMOS full-bridge - complements OUTA to drive motor in either direction. |
| 22 (NO CONNECT) | Internally unconnected | No internal connection - must be left floating; not usable for signal or power routing. |
| 23 (RANGE) | VREF scaling select | Combined with serial bit D16 to divide VREF by 5 or 10 - adjusts current-sense gain for different RS values. |
| 24 (VREG) | Regulator decoupling | Connects 0.22 μF capacitor to ground - stabilizes internal 5 V regulator powering sink-side DMOS gates. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable current-decay modes | Serial-selectable slow, fast, or mixed decay - optimizes torque ripple, efficiency, and braking response per motor inductance. |
| Synchronous rectification control | Active/passive/enabled/disabled via D11/D12 - eliminates body-diode conduction loss and enables regenerative braking capability. |
| Fixed-off-time PWM timer | 20-bit serial programmability (D2–D6, D7–D10) - allows precise tuning of off-time (1.75–63.75 μs at 4 MHz) and fast-decay portion. |
| Integrated charge pump & regulator | On-chip CP/VREG generation - removes need for external high-voltage gate drivers or LDOs, simplifying BOM and layout. |
| Comprehensive fault protection | Thermal shutdown (165°C), UVLO (4.2 V), crossover-current protection, and CP/VREG monitoring - ensures robust operation without external supervision. |
Applications
| Industrial Conveyor Control | Medical Infusion Pump Drive |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precise speed and direction control of belt-driven conveyor modules in factory automation systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-bridge motor driver executing bidirectional PWM current regulation with serial-configured mixed-decay mode to minimize audible noise and torque ripple. Use Value: ±2 A output and 50 V rating support 24 V DC gearmotors; synchronous rectification reduces thermal load by >40% versus discrete solutions. |
Use Scenario: Low-noise, low-ripple motor actuation in volumetric fluid delivery systems requiring microstep-accurate flow control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial-programmable current controller regulating motor winding current to maintain constant flow rate under variable back-EMF. Use Value: Programmable blank time (D0–D1) suppresses false current-sense trips during commutation; 150°C max junction temperature ensures reliability in sealed enclosures. |
| Automated Gate Operator | Lab Equipment Positioning Stage |
|
Use Scenario: High-torque, fail-safe opening/closing of security gates with soft-start and controlled braking. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: H-bridge driver implementing slow-decay braking via ENABLE chopping and synchronous rectification enabled (D12=1, D13=0). Use Value: Braking current limited only by motor BEMF and winding resistance - avoids external brake resistors while maintaining thermal safety within 1.6 W LB-package limit. |
Use Scenario: Sub-micron positioning of optical components using stepper-like DC motors in vibration-sensitive analytical instruments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current regulator using VREF/RS feedback and serial-configured fast-decay mode for rapid current reversal and minimal settling time. Use Value: 270 mΩ rDS(on) and <100 ns propagation delay ensure <1% current step error at 20 kHz PWM - critical for positional repeatability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar full-bridge PWM motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB6612FNG | 2-channel H-bridge, 1.2 A per channel, no serial interface, fixed decay mode | Limited to lower-current motors; lacks programmable decay and synchronous rectification control | Choose for cost-sensitive, low-complexity designs where ±1.2 A and fixed fast-decay suffice. |
| DRV8876N | Single H-bridge, 3.6 A, SPI interface, integrated current sense, no external RS required | Higher current, smaller footprint, but requires SPI and lacks dual-package option | Choose for new designs needing higher current density and embedded current sensing - not drop-in for A3958SLBTR. |
Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8876N, the A3958SLBTR offers unique serial configurability of decay behavior and synchronous rectification mode within its 24-pin SOICW package - enabling fine-grained optimization of motor torque, efficiency, and acoustic noise in legacy industrial systems.
Availability
A3958SLBTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial conveyor control, medical infusion pump drive, automated gate operation, and lab equipment positioning stages requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for A3958SLBTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Allegro MicroSystems is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance magnetic sensing and power ICs for motion control, automotive, and industrial applications.
The A3958 product line was engineered for robust, programmable DC motor control in harsh environments - emphasizing thermal resilience, fault tolerance, and flexible current regulation without external complexity.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the A3958SLBTR?
The A3958SLBTR supports ±2 A continuous output current under specified thermal conditions (TA = 25°C, single-layer PCB, minimal exposed copper). Actual current capability depends on ambient temperature, PCB copper area, and heatsinking - the LB package has 1.6 W power dissipation limit and 77°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
Does the A3958SLBTR require an external oscillator circuit?
Yes, the A3958SLBTR requires an external 2.9–6.1 MHz square-wave oscillator signal applied to the OSC pin. This clock sets the timing base for PWM off-time, blank time, and serial interface operation - no internal oscillator is provided.
Can the A3958SLBTR be used for braking applications?
Yes, the A3958SLBTR supports controlled braking by configuring slow-decay mode (D17 + MODE), enabling synchronous rectification (D12 = 1), and applying external PWM to ENABLE. This shorts motor BEMF through the low-rDS(on) bridge, but note that current is not sensed during braking - external monitoring is recommended for safety-critical use.
What is the purpose of the RANGE and VREF pins on the A3958SLBTR?
The RANGE pin and VREF pin work together to set motor current limit: VREF (0–2.6 V) is divided by 5 or 10 based on RANGE logic level and serial bit D16, then divided by external sense resistor RS to yield ITRIP. This allows precise current regulation across wide RS value ranges without changing VREF source.
Is the A3958SLBTR pin-compatible with the A3958SB-T DIP version?
No, the A3958SLBTR (24-pin SOICW) and A3958SB-T (24-pin DIP) share identical functionality and pin numbering but differ in physical layout, thermal performance, and internal fusing - pins 6/7 and 18/19 are internally fused in the LB package, while the B package has substrate grounds requiring external tieing. PCB redesign is required for substitution.
A3958SLBTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- -
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (2)
- Interface:
- Serial
- Technology:
- DMOS
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 2A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Load:
- 20V ~ 50V
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SOIC
A3958SLBTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for A3958SLBTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A3958SLBTR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for A3958SLBTR reliable?
The price and inventory of A3958SLBTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A3958SLBTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for A3958SLBTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A3958SLBTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for A3958SLBTR?
A3958SLBTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your A3958SLBTR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for A3958SLBTR?
For technical support, including A3958SLBTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A3958SLBTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that A3958SLBTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All A3958SLBTR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that A3958SLBTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of A3958SLBTR?
All A3958SLBTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A3958SLBTR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The A3958SLBTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for A3958SLBTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
A3958SLBTR Tags
-
DRV2603RUNR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8837CDSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8837DSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8838DSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8839DSSR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2301-1-ACZL-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8231ADSGR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2302-2-AIZL-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8800PWPR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8835DSSR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2303-1-KP-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8876PWPR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

