Diodes Incorporated AM4961AGSTR-G1
- Part No.:
- AM4961AGSTR-G1
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
AM4961AGSTR-G1.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER 3.5V-16V 16SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,975
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Product details
Overview
AM4961AGSTR-G1 from Diodes Incorporated is a single-phase full-wave BLDC motor driver IC with integrated H-bridge, 1 A peak output current, 3.5–16 V operating range, rotor lock protection, and dual status outputs (FG tachometer and open-drain RD alarm) - designed for 12 V cooling fans in CPU coolers and instrumentation equipment.
For engineers reviewing the AM4961AGSTR-G1 datasheet, AM4961AGSTR-G1 pinout, AM4961AGSTR-G1 application, or AM4961AGSTR-G1 equivalent, key selection considerations include PWM/DC/thermistor-based speed control compatibility, Hall sensor interface requirements (HIN+/HIN−, HB bias), thermal shutdown threshold (176 °C), and package-specific grounding (PGND vs. GND separation).
Technical Context
The AM4961AGSTR-G1 implements a Hall-commutated H-bridge driver with internal oscillator (COSC pin, 25 kHz typical with 100 pF), dual-speed control inputs (VPWM and VMIN), and CT-pin-based rotor lock timing. It uses differential Hall sensing with 20 mV hysteresis and provides regulated 1.25 V Hall bias (HB) and 6 V reference (VREF).
Lock detection relies on CT capacitor charge/discharge cycles: ICHG = 2 µA (typ) sets lock-detect time TLCKDET; IDHG = 0.2 µA (typ) sets TOFF auto-restart delay. FG output frequency matches magnetic pole transitions; RD asserts low during lock condition with open-drain output.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 3.5 V to 16 V - supports standard 12 V fan rails with 10 % tolerance margin and brown-out immunity down to 3.5 V. |
| Output Current | 1 A peak - drives typical 12 V, ≤3 W BLDC cooling fans without external boost stages. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 25 kHz (typ, COSC = 100 pF) - sets PWM carrier frequency to minimize audible noise and EMI in fan applications. |
| Hall Bias Voltage | 1.25 V (typ, HB pin) - directly powers unbuffered 4-pin Hall elements without external regulators. |
| Reference Voltage | 6.0 V (typ, VREF, 5 mA max sink) - supplies stable voltage for VMIN divider networks and external circuitry. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 176 °C (typ) with 148 °C (typ) hysteresis - protects against sustained overload or poor heatsinking in enclosed systems. |
| FG Output Type | Open-collector, active-low pulse train - delivers Hall-edge-synchronized tachometer signal compatible with standard microcontroller counters. |
Pinout & Package
AM4961AGSTR-G1 is available in HTSSOP-14 (GH package) and SSOP-16 (GS package); the -G1 suffix denotes the HTSSOP-14 variant with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are identical across packages except for NC (SSOP-16 Pin 2) and PGND placement (SSOP-16 Pin 16, HTSSOP-14 Pins 1 & 2).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OUT1 / OUT2 | H-bridge power outputs | Drive motor coil terminals; require separate PGND return path to minimize ground bounce in high-current switching. |
| HIN+ / HIN− | Differential Hall sensor inputs | Accept 50 mVpp minimum Hall signal with 20 mV hysteresis; enable precise commutation timing for 2-pole or multi-pole BLDC motors. |
| HB | Hall bias regulator | Supplies 1.25 V @ 10 mA to unbuffered Hall elements; eliminates need for external bias resistor networks. |
| VPWM / VMIN | Speed control inputs | VPWM accepts 1.95–3.6 V DC (12 V supply) for 100–0 % duty; VMIN clamps minimum speed by overriding VPWM when higher. |
| FG / RD | Status outputs | FG: open-drain tachometer pulses per Hall transition; RD: open-drain lock alarm asserted low during stalled-rotor condition. |
| CT | Lock-detect timing terminal | Charges at 2 µA / discharges at 0.2 µA; 0.47 µF sets TLCKDET = 0.47 s and TOFF = 4.7 s for reliable stall recovery. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated H-Bridge | 1 A peak drive capability with 1.17 V high-side and 0.3 V low-side saturation voltages at 200 mA - reduces external component count and PCB area for fan modules. |
| Multi-Mode Speed Control | Supports DC voltage, external PWM (via RC integrator), or thermistor-based input on VPWM - enables adaptive thermal management in servers and test equipment. |
| Rotor Lock Protection | Auto-shutdown and retry via CT capacitor timing - prevents coil burnout and enables autonomous recovery without host MCU intervention. |
| Dual Diagnostic Outputs | FG provides real-time RPM feedback; RD gives immediate stall indication - simplifies closed-loop fan control and system health monitoring. |
| Thermally Enhanced Package | HTSSOP-14 with exposed thermal pad achieves 1.1 W power dissipation at TA = 25 °C - suitable for compact, sealed fan housings without forced airflow. |
Applications
| CPU Cooler Fan Control | Industrial Blower Speed Regulation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Thermal management in desktop and workstation CPUs where fan speed must scale dynamically with die temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: BLDC motor driver with Hall-based commutation, FG tachometer feedback, and RD lock alarm for fail-safe operation. Use Value: Enables precise 0–100 % speed control using motherboard PWM or analog voltage; rotor lock detection prevents thermal runaway during dust clogging. |
Use Scenario: Variable-speed air extraction in laboratory fume hoods and HVAC ducts requiring quiet, reliable airflow modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-wave motor driver with thermistor-input speed setting and auto-restart after mechanical obstruction. Use Value: Eliminates need for external microcontroller or dedicated fan controller IC; CT-timed lock recovery maintains uptime during filter blockage. |
| Instrumentation Cooling System | Embedded Fan Module for Network Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Temperature-stable cooling for precision analog circuitry in oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and calibration gear. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise motor driver with 25 kHz PWM carrier and 6 V reference for stable VMIN divider networks. Use Value: Minimizes electromagnetic interference near sensitive measurement front-ends; VREF ensures consistent minimum speed across unit batches. |
Use Scenario: Compact, drop-in fan solution for 1U/2U switches and routers where board space and thermal headroom are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated driver with PGND/GND separation, thermal shutdown, and HTSSOP-14 thermal pad for conduction cooling. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating bias, reference, lock detection, and tach generation - accelerates qualification of fan subassemblies. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar BLDC motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALLEGRO A4962KLPTR-T | Higher 2.5 A peak output; requires external Hall bias; no integrated VREF or VMIN clamp. | Better suited for >5 W blowers; lacks single-chip thermistor interface and auto-restart timing. | Select when driving larger motors and external control logic handles speed ramping and lock recovery. |
| TI DRV10983RGTT | Three-phase driver; integrated MOSFETs; no RD alarm output; FG frequency proportional to electrical cycles, not mechanical. | Designed for 3-phase BLDCs in drones and power tools; incompatible with 2-wire Hall sensors used in PC fans. | Choose only for new 3-phase designs; not a functional substitute for AM4961AGSTR-G1's single-phase, Hall-input architecture. |
Compared with A4962KLPTR-T and DRV10983RGTT, the AM4961AGSTR-G1 uniquely combines single-phase drive, integrated Hall bias/reference, thermistor-ready speed control, and autonomous rotor lock recovery - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 12 V fan modules requiring zero-host-intervention reliability.
Availability
AM4961AGSTR-G1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CPU cooler fan control, industrial blower regulation, and instrumentation cooling systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for AM4961AGSTR-G1 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal components for power management, signal integrity, and motor control applications.
The AM4961A belongs to Diodes' motor driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-effective, highly integrated BLDC fan control in computing, industrial, and instrumentation markets - emphasizing reliability, thermal robustness, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What Hall sensor types are supported by the AM4961AGSTR-G1?
The AM4961AGSTR-G1 supports both 4-pin unbuffered differential Hall elements (connected to HIN+ and HIN−) and 3-pin buffered Hall switches (HIN+ only, with HIN− biased to VREF/2). The HB pin provides 1.25 V bias for unbuffered types; hysteresis is 20 mV typical to reject noise.
How is external PWM converted to analog voltage for VPWM input?
An external PWM signal is converted using an RC integrator: transistor Q1 (NPN), resistors R1–R8, and capacitor C2 (0.33 µF) as shown in the typical application circuit. This produces a stable DC voltage at VPWM within 1.95–3.6 V (for 12 V supply), corresponding to 100–0 % motor speed.
What is the function of the CT capacitor, and how does its value affect operation?
The CT capacitor (e.g., 0.47 µF) sets rotor lock detection time (TLCKDET = C × 1 µs/pF) and auto-restart delay (TOFF = C × 10 µs/pF). At 0.47 µF, TLCKDET = 0.47 s and TOFF = 4.7 s. Larger values increase lock timeout and restart intervals; smaller values risk false lock triggers under vibration.
Can the AM4961AGSTR-G1 operate without a Hall sensor?
No. The AM4961AGSTR-G1 requires Hall sensor feedback for commutation and rotor lock detection. It has no sensorless back-EMF detection circuitry. Operation without HIN+ and HIN− signals results in undefined output states and potential device shutdown due to missing Hall transitions on the CT pin.
AM4961AGSTR-G1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- -
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushless DC (BLDC)
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (2)
- Interface:
- PWM
- Technology:
- Bipolar
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 1A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.5V ~ 16V
- Voltage - Load:
- 3.5V ~ 16V
- Operating Temperature:
- -30°C ~ 90°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SSOP
AM4961AGSTR-G1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AM4961AGSTR-G1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AM4961AGSTR-G1 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 AM4961AGSTR-G1 reliable?
The price and inventory of AM4961AGSTR-G1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AM4961AGSTR-G1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AM4961AGSTR-G1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AM4961AGSTR-G1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AM4961AGSTR-G1?
AM4961AGSTR-G1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AM4961AGSTR-G1 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 AM4961AGSTR-G1?
For technical support, including AM4961AGSTR-G1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AM4961AGSTR-G1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AM4961AGSTR-G1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AM4961AGSTR-G1 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 AM4961AGSTR-G1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AM4961AGSTR-G1?
All AM4961AGSTR-G1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AM4961AGSTR-G1, 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 AM4961AGSTR-G1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AM4961AGSTR-G1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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