Allegro MicroSystems A3980KLP-T
- Part No.:
- A3980KLP-T
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
A3980KLP-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRV BIPOLR 3-5.5V 28TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,585
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
A3980KLP-T from Allegro MicroSystems is an automotive-grade DMOS bipolar stepper motor driver IC with integrated translator, designed for full-, half-, eighth-, and sixteenth-step microstepping at up to ±1 A output current and 35 V supply voltage. It features fixed off-time PWM current regulation, automatic decay mode selection (slow/fast/mixed), synchronous rectification, and dual fault flag diagnostics. It is used in automotive HVAC actuators, throttle control, and precision positioning systems requiring low-noise, high-accuracy motion.
For engineers reviewing the A3980KLP-T datasheet, A3980KLP-T pinout, A3980KLP-T application, or A3980KLP-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 28-pin TSSOP package with exposed thermal pad, AEC-Q100 qualification, ±1 A/35 V output capability, built-in translator eliminating phase sequencing logic, and diagnostic support for open/short load detection.
Technical Context
The A3980KLP-T implements a dual full-bridge DMOS output stage with independent fixed off-time PWM current control per phase, using external RT/CT networks to set tOFF (30–46 µs typical) and blank time (700–1200 ns). Its translator automatically sequences DAC outputs based on STEP/DIR/MS1/MS2 inputs, resetting to the 45° Home microstep position (±70% ITRIPMAX) at power-up or UVLO recovery.
Current decay mode is dynamically selected: slow decay when DAC output increases or holds; mixed or fast decay (via PFD pin voltage thresholds at 0.21×VDD and 0.6×VDD) when DAC output decreases. Synchronous rectification (enabled by SR pin) reduces conduction loss by replacing body diode conduction with low-RDS(ON) FET paths (0.54 Ω sink / 0.67 Ω source typical).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | ±1 A continuous per phase - supports NEMA 17–23 stepper motors in automotive cabin controls. |
| Supply Voltage | 8–35 V operating range - compatible with 12 V automotive battery systems including load-dump transients up to 50 V (safety mode active). |
| Microstep Resolution | Full / half / eighth / sixteenth step - enables 0.056°–0.9° step angles for smooth, low-vibration positioning. |
| RDS(ON) | 0.54 Ω (sink), 0.67 Ω (source) typical - minimizes I²R losses and thermal rise at 1 A drive. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 170 °C typical with 15 °C hysteresis - protects against sustained overload without latch-off. |
| Fault Diagnostics | FF1/FF2 open-drain flags reporting UVLO/OVLO/overtemp/short-to-VBB/short-to-GND/low-load - enables real-time system-level fault isolation. |
| Logic Supply Range | 3.0–5.5 V - interoperable with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level-shifting. |
Pinout & Package
The A3980KLP-T is supplied in a 28-pin low-profile TSSOP (1.1 mm height) with exposed thermal pad (suffix LP), RoHS-compliant and lead-free with 100% matte tin plating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OUT1A, OUT1B, OUT2A, OUT2B | DMOS full-bridge outputs | Drive bipolar stepper motor windings; each pair forms one phase bridge with source/sink capability. |
| SENSE1, SENSE2 | Current sense inputs | Monitor voltage across external sense resistors (RS1/RS2) to regulate phase current via PWM. |
| STEP, DIR, MS1, MS2 | Translator control inputs | STEP advances one microstep; DIR sets rotation direction; MS1/MS2 select resolution (full/half/8th/16th). |
| PFD, SR, ENABLE, SLEEP | Functional control inputs | PFD selects decay mode; SR enables/disables synchronous rectification; ENABLE disables outputs; SLEEP reduces quiescent current to µA range. |
| VREF, REF | Reference input | VREF sets maximum trip current (ITRIPMAX = VREF/(8×RS)); REF is internal DAC reference node. |
| FF1, FF2 | Fault flag outputs | Open-drain status indicators coded per Table 2 - distinguish short-to-supply, short-to-ground, UVLO, OVLO, overtemp, or low-load conditions. |
| VBB, VDD, AGND, PGND | Power terminals | VBB: motor supply (up to 35 V); VDD: logic supply (3–5.5 V); AGND/PGND: analog/power ground separation improves noise immunity. |
| CP1, CP2, VCP, VREG | Charge pump & regulator | CP1/CP2 generate >VBB gate drive for high-side FETs; VCP stores charge; VREG powers sink-side drivers (5.7 V nominal). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Built-in step translator | Eliminates need for external microcontroller-based phase sequencing - single STEP pulse drives precise microstep advance. |
| Automatic decay mode selection | Switches between slow/mixed/fast decay based on DAC output trend - preserves current waveform fidelity and reduces audible motor noise. |
| Synchronous rectification | Replaces lossy body-diode conduction with low-RDS(ON) FET paths - cuts power dissipation by >30% vs. asynchronous operation. |
| Dual fault flag diagnostics | FF1/FF2 encode 4 distinct fault states (e.g., short-to-GND, short-to-VBB, UVLO/OVLO, overtemp) - enables rapid root-cause identification in safety-critical systems. |
| AEC-Q100 qualified | Rated for automotive ambient temperature range (–40 °C to +125 °C) with ESD robustness (2 kV HBM) - suitable for under-hood and cabin applications. |
Applications
| Automotive HVAC Actuators | Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precise airflow damper positioning in vehicle climate control systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar stepper driver with integrated translator executing microstepped position commands from HVAC MCU. Use Value: Enables silent, jitter-free damper movement at low speeds (<10 RPM) with 16-step resolution (0.1125°/step), meeting OEM NVH requirements. | Use Scenario: Throttle plate angle control in gasoline direct injection engines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability motor driver providing fail-safe current-limited actuation with diagnostic feedback to engine control unit. Use Value: Delivers ±1 A peak current into throttle motor while reporting open/short faults via FF1/FF2 within 1 ms of occurrence - supports ISO 26262 ASIL-B functional safety goals. |
| Industrial Valve Positioning | Medical Infusion Pump Mechanism |
Use Scenario: Closed-loop proportional valve control in pneumatic/hydraulic process systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Microstepping driver interfacing with PLC or industrial MCU to achieve sub-degree angular accuracy. Use Value: Supports eight-step resolution (0.45°/step) with thermal shutdown (170 °C) and undervoltage lockout - ensures safe operation during extended duty cycles in factory environments. | Use Scenario: Syringe plunger advancement in programmable IV infusion devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-power stepper driver enabling precise volumetric delivery (±0.1 mL/hr) with diagnostic confidence. Use Value: Synchronous rectification reduces heat generation in sealed enclosures; sleep mode draws <10 µA - extends battery life and meets IEC 60601-1 leakage current limits. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bipolar stepper motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| A3981KLP-T | Successor device with enhanced thermal performance (RθJA = 25 °C/W vs. 32 °C/W), improved current regulation accuracy (±5% vs. ±15%), and extended VBB range (50 V absolute max). | Designed for new designs requiring longer product lifetime and higher reliability; not pin-compatible due to modified pinout and added VREG bypass requirement. | Select A3981KLP-T for new designs where long-term supply continuity and tighter current tolerance are critical; A3980KLP-T remains valid for legacy repair or existing production. |
| TB6600HG | Higher current rating (±3.5 A), no integrated translator, requires external step/direction logic; lacks AEC-Q100 qualification and diagnostic flags. | Used in industrial CNC and 3D printing where cost and raw torque dominate over automotive qualification and self-diagnostics. | Choose TB6600HG only if external microcontroller resources are available for phase sequencing and system-level fault handling is implemented externally. |
Compared with A3981KLP-T, the A3980KLP-T offers proven field reliability but higher thermal resistance and looser current regulation; versus TB6600HG, it trades raw current capacity for integrated intelligence and automotive-grade diagnostics - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware embedded motion control.
Availability
A3980KLP-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC actuators, electronic throttle control systems, and industrial valve positioning requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for A3980KLP-T 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 and power ICs, specializing in magnetic sensing and precision motor control solutions.
The A3980 product line was developed specifically for automotive and industrial stepper motor applications demanding integrated translation, robust fault diagnostics, and AEC-Q100 compliance - targeting systems where MCU resources are constrained and motion quality is mission-critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the A3980KLP-T?
The A3980KLP-T supports ±1 A continuous output current per phase under specified thermal conditions (TA ≤ 125 °C, 2-layer PCB with 3.8 in² copper). At elevated temperatures or reduced copper area, derating applies per RθJA = 32 °C/W. The device's current limit is programmable via external sense resistors and VREF, with ITRIPMAX = VREF/(8 × RS). The A3980KLP-T maintains this rating while delivering microstepped motion with low acoustic noise and high positional accuracy.
Is the A3980KLP-T qualified for automotive applications?
Yes, the A3980KLP-T is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1, –40 °C to +125 °C ambient), features ESD protection (2 kV HBM), and includes automotive-specific protections: overvoltage lockout (34 V trip), undervoltage lockout (2.7 V VDD enable threshold), and thermal shutdown with hysteresis. Its diagnostic flags (FF1/FF2) report faults relevant to automotive subsystems, and it operates reliably in load-dump conditions up to 50 V for 500 ms. The A3980KLP-T is explicitly designated as an Automotive DMOS Microstepping Driver in Allegro's documentation.
Does the A3980KLP-T require external components for basic operation?
Yes, the A3980KLP-T requires several external components: two current-sense resistors (RS1, RS2), a reference voltage source (VREF), two RC timing networks (RT1/CT1, RT2/CT2) for PWM off-time control, a 100 nF charge-pump capacitor (CCP) between CP1/CP2, a 100 nF reservoir capacitor (CCS) between VCP/VBB, and a 220 nF decoupling capacitor on VREG. These are mandatory for current regulation, decay timing, gate drive, and internal regulator stability. The A3980KLP-T integrates the translator, DMOS bridges, and diagnostics - minimizing external logic but requiring these passive elements for safe, specified operation.
How does the A3980KLP-T handle motor fault detection?
The A3980KLP-T detects motor faults using internal monitors that sample VDS across high- and low-side DMOS FETs after blanking time (tBLANK + tSCT). Short-to-VBB is flagged when VDSLT > 1.5 V on low-side FETs; short-to-ground when VDSHT > 1.5 V on high-side FETs; low-load current when phase current falls below 35% of ITRIPMAX in the Home microstep position. All faults are reported via coded open-drain outputs FF1 and FF2, with no latch-off - allowing continued operation while signaling fault state to the host controller. This behavior is confirmed in the Functional Description section of the A3980KLP-T datasheet.
Why is the A3980KLP-T marked "Not for New Design"?
The A3980KLP-T is designated "Not for New Design" because Allegro has announced the A3981 as its recommended substitution for new applications, citing improved thermal performance, tighter current regulation, and extended voltage capability. Production continues for existing customer programs, but obsolescence is probable in the near term. Samples are no longer available, and design-in support is limited to legacy transitions. Customers initiating new designs should evaluate the A3981KLP-T, while those maintaining existing A3980KLP-T-based products may continue sourcing through Aetrix Electronics' lifecycle management program.
A3980KLP-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Allegro MicroSystems
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- -
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- Logic
- Technology:
- DMOS
- Step Resolution:
- 1, 1/2, 1/8, 1/16
- Applications:
- -
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Load:
- 7V ~ 50V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-TSSOP-EP
A3980KLP-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for A3980KLP-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A3980KLP-T 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 A3980KLP-T reliable?
The price and inventory of A3980KLP-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A3980KLP-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for A3980KLP-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A3980KLP-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for A3980KLP-T?
A3980KLP-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your A3980KLP-T 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 A3980KLP-T?
For technical support, including A3980KLP-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A3980KLP-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that A3980KLP-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All A3980KLP-T 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 A3980KLP-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of A3980KLP-T?
All A3980KLP-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A3980KLP-T, 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 A3980KLP-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for A3980KLP-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
A3980KLP-T 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…

