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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Motor Drivers, Controllers

Allegro MicroSystems A3968SLBTR

Name: A3968SLBTR
Brand: Allegro MicroSystems
SKU: A3968SLBTR
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: A3968SLBTR

Manufacturer:: Allegro MicroSystems

Category:: Motor Drivers, Controllers

Package:: 16-PowerSOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Datasheet:: A3968SLBTR.pdf

Description:: IC MOTOR DRVR 4.75V-5.5V 16SOIC

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Product details

Overview

A3968SLBTR from Allegro MicroSystems is a 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 timing network. It is used in industrial actuators, precision lab equipment, and small robotic platforms requiring dynamic braking and thermal protection.

For engineers reviewing the A3968SLBTR datasheet, A3968SLBTR pinout, A3968SLBTR application, or A3968SLBTR equivalent, key selection considerations include its Satlington® sink drivers, brake-mode operation, internal crossover-current and UVLO protection, and SOIC-16W (LB) package with fused thermal pads - all critical for motor-control reliability under intermittent load and thermal stress.

Technical Context

The A3968SLBTR implements two independent full-bridge outputs with source/sink driver pairs controlled by INPUTA/INPUTB logic states. Each bridge features internal PWM current regulation using a fixed-frequency oscillator (22.9–27.9 kHz, set by RT/CT), trip-point sensing referenced to VREF (0.1–2.0 V), and blanking window generation (t_blank = 1900 × C_T) to suppress false triggering during switching transients.

Its Satlington® sink drivers combine low saturation voltage (0.3–1.3 V at ±650 mA) with high peak-current capability, while source drivers exhibit V_CE(SAT) of 1.7–2.1 V. Thermal shutdown activates at T_J = 165 °C with 15 °C hysteresis, and UVLO disables operation below V_CC = 4.1 V.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Current	±650 mA continuous per bridge - defines maximum sustained motor winding current without external heatsinking
Load Voltage Rating	30 V - sets absolute max DC bus voltage for motor power stage compatibility
PWM Frequency Range	22.9–27.9 kHz (with 56 kΩ/680 pF RC) - determines current ripple magnitude and EMI profile
Saturation Voltage (Sink)	0.3–1.3 V at +650 mA - directly impacts conduction loss and thermal rise in brake/forward modes
Blanking Window	1.3 µs nominal (via 680 pF CT) - prevents false current-limit trips during MOSFET turn-on recovery
Thermal Shutdown Threshold	165 °C junction temperature - protects die integrity during overload or poor PCB thermal design
UVLO Threshold	4.1–4.6 V on VCC - ensures logic circuitry remains functional only within stable 5 V supply range

Pinout & Package

Package: 16-pin SOICW (suffix LB), with pins 4 and 13 internally fused to the die pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. Pins are at ground potential and require no electrical isolation.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
VBB	Motor power supply input	Connects to 30 V DC bus; must be decoupled with ≥47 µF electrolytic capacitor near pin
VCC	Logic supply input	5 V ±5% digital supply; powers internal logic, reference, and PWM circuitry
INPUT1A / INPUT1B INPUT2A / INPUT2B	Bridge direction control inputs	CMOS-compatible logic signals defining forward/reverse/brake/disable states per bridge (see truth table)
OUT1A / OUT1B OUT2A / OUT2B	Full-bridge output terminals	Drive motor windings; each pair forms H-bridge with integrated Satlington® sink and bipolar source drivers
VREF	Current limit reference input	0.1–2.0 V analog input setting I_TRIP = V_REF/(4 × R_S) + ISO (ISO ≈ 18 mA)
RC	Oscillator timing node	Connects external RT/CT network (e.g., 56 kΩ + 680 pF) to set PWM frequency and blanking window
SENSE	Current-sense comparator input	Accepts voltage drop across external sense resistor (R_S) for closed-loop current regulation
GND	Power and signal ground	Common return for VBB, VCC, logic, and sense paths; pins 4 & 13 tied to thermal pad

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Dual independent full-bridge topology	Enables simultaneous bidirectional control of two DC motors without shared timing or current-sense interference
Satlington® sink drivers	Delivers <1.3 V saturation at +650 mA while sustaining Darlington-level peak current - reduces heat vs. standard bipolar sinks
Brake mode with dynamic short-circuit	Both sink drivers active + both source drivers off - provides rapid motor deceleration by recirculating back-EMF through low-V_F clamp diodes
User-configurable PWM blanking	Blanking time derived solely from C_T (t_blank = 1900 × C_T) - eliminates need for external timing ICs or complex layout compensation
Integrated protection suite	Includes UVLO, thermal shutdown with hysteresis, crossover-current prevention, and internal flyback/clamp diodes - reduces BOM count and board area

Applications

Industrial Actuators	Laboratory Instrumentation
Use Scenario: Precision linear actuators in automated test fixtures requiring reversible motion and repeatable positioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual full-bridge motor driver providing independent PWM-controlled current to two stepper-like DC motors for synchronized axis movement. Use Value: ±650 mA drive capability and brake mode enable fast, jitter-free stopping - critical for sub-millimeter positioning accuracy without mechanical brakes.	Use Scenario: Motorized sample-handling stages in spectrophotometers and chromatography systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional DC motor controller managing carousel rotation and syringe pump actuation with precise speed and torque regulation. Use Value: Internal fixed-frequency PWM current control maintains consistent torque across varying load inertia - eliminating speed droop during reagent dispensing cycles.
Small-Scale Robotics	Embedded HVAC Dampers
Use Scenario: Differential-drive wheeled robots with compact chassis and limited PCB real estate. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual H-bridge driver enabling independent left/right wheel control using single-chip solution with integrated protection. Use Value: SOIC-16W package with fused thermal pads allows direct mounting to metal chassis - achieving >1.8 W power dissipation without external heatsinks.	Use Scenario: Motorized air damper control in commercial building automation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power DC motor driver interfacing with 24 V HVAC control buses and microcontroller GPIOs. Use Value: 30 V VBB rating and –20°C to +85°C ambient range ensure reliable operation in unconditioned mechanical rooms with wide voltage fluctuations.

Industrial Actuators

Laboratory Instrumentation

Use Scenario: Precision linear actuators in automated test fixtures requiring reversible motion and repeatable positioning.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual full-bridge motor driver providing independent PWM-controlled current to two stepper-like DC motors for synchronized axis movement.

Use Value: ±650 mA drive capability and brake mode enable fast, jitter-free stopping - critical for sub-millimeter positioning accuracy without mechanical brakes.

Use Scenario: Motorized sample-handling stages in spectrophotometers and chromatography systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional DC motor controller managing carousel rotation and syringe pump actuation with precise speed and torque regulation.

Use Value: Internal fixed-frequency PWM current control maintains consistent torque across varying load inertia - eliminating speed droop during reagent dispensing cycles.

Small-Scale Robotics

Embedded HVAC Dampers

Use Scenario: Differential-drive wheeled robots with compact chassis and limited PCB real estate.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual H-bridge driver enabling independent left/right wheel control using single-chip solution with integrated protection.

Use Value: SOIC-16W package with fused thermal pads allows direct mounting to metal chassis - achieving >1.8 W power dissipation without external heatsinks.

Use Scenario: Motorized air damper control in commercial building automation panels.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power DC motor driver interfacing with 24 V HVAC control buses and microcontroller GPIOs.

Use Value: 30 V VBB rating and –20°C to +85°C ambient range ensure reliable operation in unconditioned mechanical rooms with wide voltage fluctuations.

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
TB6612FNG	Higher 1.2 A continuous current per channel; MOSFET-based outputs; requires external flyback diodes	Supports higher-power motors but increases BOM count and layout complexity	Choose when >650 mA per bridge is required and board space permits discrete diode placement
DRV8833	Lower 1.5 A peak current; integrated current regulation disabled by default; smaller 16-pin QFN package	Better suited for battery-powered portable devices with tight thermal constraints	Prefer when operating from 2.7–10.8 V supplies and footprint minimization outweighs need for thermal pad fusion

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8833, the A3968SLBTR offers unique Satlington® sink drivers for optimized conduction efficiency at mid-current levels, built-in clamp/flyback diodes reducing component count, and fused thermal-pad SOIC packaging - making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial modules where 650 mA bridges and robust thermal management are prioritized over raw current headroom or ultra-low voltage operation.

Availability

A3968SLBTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial actuators, laboratory instrumentation, and small-scale robotics requiring stable component supply despite end-of-life status - supported via legacy inventory and cross-reference assistance.

Supply support for A3968SLBTR 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 and manufacturer of high-performance Hall-effect sensors, motor drivers, and power ICs focused on motion control and energy-efficient systems.

The A3968SLBTR belongs to Allegro's legacy dual full-bridge motor driver product line, engineered for cost-effective, thermally robust control of small DC motors in industrial and instrumentation applications where integration, protection, and predictable current regulation are essential.

FAQ

Is the A3968SLBTR still in production?

No, the A3968SLBTR is a discontinued product as of September 9, 2022. Allegro MicroSystems no longer manufactures it, and samples are unavailable. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains legacy inventory and supports design continuity through verified stock and technical documentation for existing implementations.

What does "SLBTR" signify in A3968SLBTR?

The suffix "SLBTR" denotes the specific variant of the A3968: "S" indicates tape-and-reel packaging (1000 pcs/reel), "L" specifies the 16-pin SOICW (LB) package with fused thermal pads, and "TR" confirms it is a commercial-grade part rated for –20°C to +85°C ambient operation - all confirmed in Allegro's official selection guide.

Can the A3968SLBTR drive stepper motors?

The A3968SLBTR is not designed for stepper motor control. It lacks microstepping, phase sequencing logic, or coil current balancing circuitry. While it can energize two separate DC windings, its truth table and current-regulation architecture are optimized for bidirectional DC motor control - not bipolar stepper commutation - so using A3968SLBTR for steppers risks missed steps and torque imbalance.

How is brake mode implemented in the A3968SLBTR?

In brake mode, the A3968SLBTR turns off both source drivers and activates both sink drivers of a selected bridge, shorting the motor terminals through low-V_F internal clamp diodes. This recirculates back-EMF to rapidly dissipate kinetic energy - but note that internal current regulation is disabled during braking, so external current limiting must prevent exceeding ±750 mA peak.

What is the purpose of pins 4 and 13 on the A3968SLBTR?

Pins 4 and 13 of the A3968SLBTR are internally fused to the die pad and serve exclusively as thermal vias - they are electrically grounded and provide enhanced heat transfer from the silicon die to the PCB copper plane. These pins require no signal routing or isolation and must be connected to a large GND pour for optimal thermal performance.

A3968SLBTR Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Allegro MicroSystems

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 16-PowerSOIC (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 (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:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 16-SOIC

A3968SLBTR FAQ

1.How can I place an order for A3968SLBTR through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A3968SLBTR 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 A3968SLBTR reliable?

The price and inventory of A3968SLBTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A3968SLBTR is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for A3968SLBTR?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A3968SLBTR transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for A3968SLBTR?

A3968SLBTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your A3968SLBTR 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 A3968SLBTR?

For technical support, including A3968SLBTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A3968SLBTR requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that A3968SLBTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All A3968SLBTR 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 A3968SLBTR meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of A3968SLBTR?

All A3968SLBTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A3968SLBTR, 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 A3968SLBTR part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for A3968SLBTR:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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