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Allegro MicroSystems A3968SA
- Part No.:
- A3968SA
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
A3968SA.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER 4.75V-5.5V 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,613
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Product details
Overview
A3968SA from Allegro MicroSystems is a discontinued dual full-bridge PWM motor driver IC designed to bidirectionally control two DC motors in embedded motion systems. It delivers ±650 mA continuous output current per bridge, supports up to 30 V load supply voltage, and integrates fixed-frequency PWM current control with user-selectable blanking via external RC network. It is used in industrial actuators, precision lab equipment, and small robotic platforms requiring dynamic braking and thermal protection.
For engineers reviewing the A3968SA datasheet, A3968SA pinout, A3968SA application, or A3968SA equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, confirmed package mapping (16-pin SOIC-W LB), validated pin functions, real-world application constraints, and two documented alternative parts for legacy design support and transition planning.
Technical Context
The A3968SA implements two independent full-bridge outputs with Satlington® sink drivers-combining low saturation voltage (0.3–1.3 V) and high peak-current capability-and internal crossover-current protection with ~1.8 µs dead time. Its fixed-frequency PWM current regulation operates at 22.9–27.9 kHz (with 56 kΩ/680 pF RC network), using a trip threshold derived from VREF/(4 × RS) plus 12–24 mA sense-current offset.
Brake mode is activated by logic-low on both INPUTA/INPUTB per bridge, turning off source drivers and enabling both sink drivers to short motor windings; during brake, internal PWM current control is disabled. Thermal shutdown triggers at TJ = 165 °C with 15 °C hysteresis, and UVLO disables operation when VCC falls below 4.1 V.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | ±650 mA continuous per bridge; limited by ambient temperature, duty cycle, and PCB heat sinking |
| Load Voltage Rating | 30 V max VBB; supports common 24 V DC motor rails without external regulation |
| PWM Frequency | 25.4 kHz typical (56 kΩ + 680 pF); sets ripple magnitude and switching loss trade-off |
| Saturation Voltage | Sink: 0.3 V @ 400 mA, 0.7 V @ 650 mA; enables <1 W dissipation per bridge at full load |
| Current Sense Accuracy | ITRIP = VREF/(4 × RS) + ISO (ISO = 12–24 mA); requires RS tolerance ≤1% for stable regulation |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at TJ = 165 °C typical; resumes operation after ~15 °C cooldown; protects against sustained overload |
| UVLO Threshold | 4.1–4.6 V rising VCC; prevents erratic logic behavior during power ramp-up or brownout |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-pin SOIC-W (suffix LB), with pins 4 and 13 internally fused to the die pad for enhanced thermal conduction. The package is Pb-free with 100% matte tin leadframe plating and rated for –20 °C to +85 °C ambient operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| INPUT1A / INPUT1B INPUT2A / INPUT2B | Bridge direction control inputs | Logic-level signals defining motor polarity (forward/reverse) or brake/disable per bridge; TTL-compatible thresholds |
| OUT1A / OUT1B OUT2A / OUT2B | Full-bridge output terminals | Drive motor windings directly; each pair connects across one DC motor; require external flyback path if diodes omitted |
| VBB | Motor supply input | High-current 30 V rail input; must be decoupled with ≥47 µF electrolytic capacitor near device |
| VCC | Logic supply input | 4.75–5.5 V digital supply; powers internal logic, comparators, and latches; separate from VBB ground return recommended |
| VREF | Reference voltage input | 0.1–2.0 V analog reference setting current limit threshold; internally divided by 4 for comparator trip point |
| RC | Oscillator timing terminal | Connects external RT–CT network (56 kΩ + 680 pF typical) to set PWM frequency and blanking window |
| SENSE | Current-sense input | Accepts voltage drop across external RS resistor; comparator monitors for ITRIP event with 1.3 µs blanking after source turn-on |
| GND | Power and signal ground | Common reference for VCC, VREF, INPUTs, and SENSE; pins 4 and 13 tied to die pad for thermal path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Satlington® sink drivers | Deliver 0.3 V saturation at 400 mA while sustaining 750 mA peak current-reducing conduction loss vs. standard bipolar outputs |
| User-selectable blanking window | Set by CT value (tblank = 1900 × CT); suppresses false PWM latch resets caused by diode reverse-recovery spikes |
| Integrated brake mode | Simultaneous low on INPUTA/INPUTB disables sources and enables sinks-enabling rapid motor deceleration without external circuitry |
| Internal ground-clamp and flyback diodes | Eliminate need for four external diodes per bridge; reduce BOM count and layout area in cost-sensitive designs |
| Crossover-current protection | ~1.8 µs dead time between source/sink switching prevents shoot-through during direction reversal |
Applications
| Industrial Actuators | Lab Automation Stages |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precision linear actuators in programmable valve controllers and pneumatic positioners requiring bidirectional motion and hold torque. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual full-bridge driver providing independent PWM-controlled current to two solenoid or DC gearmotor coils. Use Value: ±650 mA drive capability and integrated brake mode enable fast, repeatable positioning with minimal external components. | Use Scenario: XY sample positioning stages in automated microscopes and spectrometers where low EMI and thermal stability are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor interface IC delivering regulated current to two 24 V DC motors under microcontroller PWM command. Use Value: Fixed 25.4 kHz PWM frequency minimizes audible noise and reduces core losses in small ferrite-core motors. |
| Small Robotic Platforms | Embedded HVAC Dampers |
Use Scenario: Differential-drive wheeled robots in educational kits and service prototypes needing compact, thermally robust motor control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual H-bridge controller managing left/right wheel motors with independent direction and braking. Use Value: Satlington outputs sustain 650 mA continuously without heatsinking-enabling board-level integration in space-constrained enclosures. | Use Scenario: Motorized air damper actuators in commercial building HVAC systems requiring reliable long-life operation at 24 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional DC motor driver interfacing with building automation controllers via discrete logic signals. Use Value: Internal thermal shutdown (165 °C) and UVLO (4.1 V) prevent field failures due to power instability or ambient overheating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual full-bridge motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP6532GQ-Z (Monolithic Power Systems) | Higher 1.2 A continuous current rating; 40 V VDD; integrated current sensing; no external RC timing required | Supports higher-power motors and wider supply range; lacks dedicated brake mode-requires external logic for dynamic braking | Preferred for new designs needing higher current or simplified timing; not pin-compatible with A3968SA |
| TB9051FTG (Toshiba) | Automotive-grade AEC-Q100 qualified; 3.5 A peak current; SPI interface for diagnostics; built-in watchdog timer | Targets automotive HVAC and seat controls; adds fault reporting and safety monitoring not present in A3968SA | Recommended for safety-critical or automotive-qualified systems; requires SPI firmware integration |
Compared with A3968SA, MP6532GQ-Z offers higher current and integrated sensing but removes user-tunable blanking and brake-mode simplicity; TB9051FTG adds automotive reliability and diagnostics at the cost of increased software overhead and package size.
Availability
A3968SA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial actuators, lab automation stages, and small robotic platforms requiring stable component supply despite end-of-life status.
Supply support for A3968SA 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 designer of high-performance Hall-effect sensors, motor drivers, and power ICs focused on motion control and energy-efficient power management.
The A3968SA belongs to Allegro's legacy dual full-bridge motor driver product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained embedded motion systems requiring analog current regulation and simple logic-level control.
FAQ
Is the A3968SA still in production?
No, the A3968SA is a discontinued product as of September 9, 2022. Allegro MicroSystems no longer manufactures it, and samples are unavailable. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock for existing design continuity and repair programs, with full traceability and documentation.
What is the function of the RC pin on the A3968SA?
The RC pin on the A3968SA connects to an external resistor–capacitor network that sets both the internal PWM oscillator frequency and the current-sense comparator blanking window. With 56 kΩ and 680 pF, it yields 25.4 kHz operation and 1.3 µs blanking-critical for stable current regulation during switching transients in the A3968SA.
Does the A3968SA support dynamic braking?
Yes, the A3968SA supports dynamic braking: applying logic-low to both INPUTA and INPUTB of a bridge disables both source drivers and enables both sink drivers, shorting the motor winding to dissipate kinetic energy. During brake mode, the internal PWM current-control circuitry is disabled-so external current limiting must ensure peak motor current stays within ±750 mA absolute maximum.
What does "Satlington®" mean in the A3968SA datasheet?
Satlington® is Allegro's patented output structure used in the A3968SA sink drivers. It combines the low saturation voltage (~0.3 V) of a saturated transistor with the high peak-current capability (~750 mA) of a Darlington configuration-achieving lower conduction loss than standard bipolar outputs while maintaining robust short-circuit tolerance in the A3968SA.
Can the A3968SA replace the A3968SLBTR–T?
Yes-the A3968SA is functionally identical to the A3968SLBTR–T, differing only in packaging and reel quantity. Both share the same 16-pin SOIC-W (LB) package, electrical specifications, pinout, and thermal characteristics. The "SA" suffix denotes a different tape-and-reel configuration; no design changes or compatibility concerns exist when substituting A3968SA for A3968SLBTR–T in legacy assemblies.
A3968SA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- -
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Technology:
- Bipolar
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 650mA
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.75V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Load:
- 4.75V ~ 30V
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-DIP
A3968SA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for A3968SA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A3968SA 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 A3968SA reliable?
The price and inventory of A3968SA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A3968SA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for A3968SA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A3968SA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for A3968SA?
A3968SA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your A3968SA 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 A3968SA?
For technical support, including A3968SA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A3968SA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that A3968SA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All A3968SA 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 A3968SA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of A3968SA?
All A3968SA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A3968SA, 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 A3968SA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for A3968SA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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