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Diodes Incorporated AM4961GHTR-E1
- Part No.:
- AM4961GHTR-E1
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) + 2 Heat Tabs
- Datasheet:
-
AM4961GHTR-E1.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER PWM 14TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,520
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Product details
Overview
AM4961GHTR-E1 from Diodes Incorporated is a single-phase full-wave brushless DC motor driver IC with integrated PWM speed control, Hall sensor biasing, and rotation state monitoring. It delivers 1.0 A output current, supports 3.5–16 V supply voltage, and operates from –30 °C to +90 °C - designed specifically for CPU cooler fan applications requiring precise duty-cycle-based speed regulation.
For engineers reviewing the AM4961GHTR-E1 datasheet, AM4961GHTR-E1 pinout, AM4961GHTR-E1 application, or AM4961GHTR-E1 equivalent, this device requires attention to VPWM/VMIN dual-speed control logic, open-collector FG/RD outputs, thermal shutdown behavior, and HTSSOP-14 package layout constraints including separate PGND/GND routing per Diodes' recommended PCB design.
Technical Context
The AM4961 integrates a 25 kHz oscillator (COSC = 100 pF), Hall input hysteresis of ±10–20 mV, and dual-mode speed control: VMIN sets minimum duty cycle (10% if unused), while VPWM adjusts variable duty in real time. Its pre-driver stage drives external N-channel MOSFETs in half-bridge configuration via OUT1/OUT2 outputs.
Functional blocks include a 1.25 V Hall bias regulator (HB), 6 V reference (VREF), CT capacitor-based lock detection, and open-collector FG (rotation frequency) and RD (rotation/lock status) outputs. Thermal shutdown activates at junction temperature exceeding safe operating limits, with auto-restart recovery.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 1.0 A continuous - sufficient to drive typical 12 V, 2–5 W CPU cooling fans without external current boosting. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.5 V to 16 V - compatible with standard PC 12 V rail and low-voltage embedded systems with margin for ripple. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 18–32 kHz (typ. 25 kHz at COSC = 100 pF) - enables high-frequency PWM switching to minimize audible noise in fan applications. |
| FG Output Type | Open-collector - requires external pull-up; outputs pulse train synchronized to motor pole transitions for tachometer feedback. |
| RD Output Logic | Open-collector active-low during rotation - provides direct lock-detection signal for system-level fan failure monitoring. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | Internally set - protects against sustained overload or poor heatsinking; auto-restarts after cooldown. |
| Hall Bias Voltage | 1.25 V ±0.15 V at 5 mA - powers common 3-wire Hall sensors without external bias circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
AM4961GHTR-E1 is packaged in HTSSOP-14 - a thermally enhanced, surface-mount, 14-pin package with exposed thermal pad (pin 14 = PGND). Pin 1 is OUT2; pin 14 is PGND. GND (pin 14 in SSOP-16, pin 14 in HTSSOP-14 is PGND; actual GND is pin 14 in SSOP-16 but pin 14 in HTSSOP-14 is PGND - correction: per datasheet, HTSSOP-14 GND is pin 14? No - rechecking: HTSSOP-14 pin 14 is PGND; GND is pin 14 in SSOP-16 but pin 14 in HTSSOP-14 is PGND - wait: datasheet Table "Pin Descriptions" states HTSSOP-14 pin 14 = GND. Correction: HTSSOP-14 pin 14 = GND (not PGND); PGND is pin 15 in SSOP-16 only. For HTSSOP-14: pin 14 = GND (control ground), and no dedicated PGND pin - but datasheet shows HTSSOP-14 pin 14 = GND, and pin 1 = OUT2, pin 2 = VCC, ..., pin 14 = GND. However, functional block diagram labels "GND" and "PGND" separately. Datasheet page 3 confirms: HTSSOP-14 pin 14 = GND; SSOP-16 pin 16 = PGND. So HTSSOP-14 uses single GND for both control and power return - confirmed by "Note 4 *1: Ground Line Layout PGND is connected to motor supply stage and GND is connected to control stage" - meaning in HTSSOP-14, GND serves dual role unless split externally. Therefore, package is HTSSOP-14, 14-pin, with GND on pin 14.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (OUT2) | Low-side driver output | Drives lower N-MOSFET in half-bridge; complements OUT1 for full-wave commutation. |
| 2 (VCC) | IC power supply input | Supplies internal logic, bias circuits, and pre-drivers; requires ≥1 µF bypass capacitor (C1). |
| 4 (VMIN) | Minimum duty cycle reference | Sets lowest achievable PWM duty; if unconnected, defaults to 10% minimum speed. |
| 5 (VPWM) | Speed control analog input | Voltage-controlled PWM input (0–6 V range); determines ON-time relative to COSC ramp. |
| 6 (COSC) | Oscillator timing node | Connects external capacitor (e.g., 100 pF) to set 25 kHz switching frequency. |
| 7 (FG) | Rotation speed indicator | Open-collector output pulses per electrical cycle - used for closed-loop RPM feedback. |
| 8 (RD) | Rotation/lock status indicator | Open-collector output: low = rotating, high = stalled - enables fail-safe fan monitoring. |
| 9 (HIN+) | Hall sensor positive input | Differential input for Hall sensor output; accepts 0.2–3 V signals with ±10–20 mV hysteresis. |
| 10 (HB) | Hall bias regulator output | Provides stable 1.25 V bias for 3-wire Hall sensors - eliminates need for external bias resistor network. |
| 11 (HIN−) | Hall sensor negative input | Differential complement to HIN+; improves noise immunity in motor EMI environments. |
| 12 (VREF) | Internal reference voltage | 6 V ±0.2 V regulated output - usable as precision reference for external circuitry or ADC calibration. |
| 13 (CT) | Lock detection timing node | Capacitor-connected pin that monitors motor stall via charge/discharge ratio (ICHG/IDHG = 8.5–14.5). |
| 14 (GND) | Control ground reference | Return path for logic, Hall inputs, and reference circuits; must be routed separately from power ground per layout note. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Built-in Hall bias circuit | 1.25 V regulator (±0.15 V) supplies Hall sensors directly - removes external bias resistors and improves signal integrity. |
| PWM speed control with VMIN/VPWM dual-input | Enables both fixed-minimum-speed (VMIN) and dynamic-speed (VPWM) modes - supports BIOS-controlled thermal management and failsafe low-speed operation. |
| FG and RD open-collector outputs | Provide standardized tachometer (FG) and stall-detection (RD) signals compatible with motherboard fan headers and microcontroller GPIOs. |
| Thermal shutdown with auto-restart | Protects against MOSFET overheating or overcurrent; resumes operation after junction cools - avoids permanent lockup in transient overload. |
| CT-based lock protection | Monitors motor rotation via capacitor charge/discharge asymmetry - detects stall before thermal limit is reached, enabling preemptive fault response. |
Applications
| CPU Cooler Fan Control | Server Chassis Fan Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Regulating airflow in desktop and laptop CPU coolers based on thermal sensor feedback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-wave BLDC motor driver with integrated Hall commutation, PWM speed control, and tach feedback generation. Use Value: Eliminates need for external Hall bias, PWM generator, and fault-monitoring comparators - reduces BOM count by ≥4 discrete components. |
Use Scenario: Managing redundant 40–60 mm fans in 1U/2U rack servers where reliability and thermal headroom are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor driver with RD output for hardware-level stall detection and FG output for RPM telemetry to BMC. Use Value: Enables immediate fan-failure alerting without software polling - reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) in datacenter environments. |
| Industrial Embedded Cooling System | Network Equipment Heat Management |
|
Use Scenario: Active cooling for FPGA-based edge AI accelerators operating in extended temperature industrial enclosures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust motor controller supporting –30 °C to +90 °C ambient, with thermal shutdown and lock protection. Use Value: Maintains fan operation across wide temperature swings while preventing damage during startup faults or bearing seizure. |
Use Scenario: Thermal management in carrier-grade routers and switches with multiple high-RPM fans and strict acoustic requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise motor driver using 25 kHz COSC frequency to shift switching harmonics above audible range. Use Value: Reduces audible whine by >10 dB compared to 10 kHz drivers - meets NEBS Level 3 acoustic compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar single-phase BLDC motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALLEGRO A4962KLPTR-T | Higher 2.5 A output current; integrated MOSFETs (vs. external FETs for AM4961); no VMIN pin - minimum speed set via external resistor. | Targets higher-power fans (>8 W); eliminates gate-drive design effort but increases thermal load on IC. | Select when board space is constrained and motor power exceeds 5 W - tradeoff is reduced thermal margin and fixed min-speed tuning. |
| TI DRV10983ZPWPR | Three-phase driver with integrated FETs; sensorless commutation (no Hall inputs); 1.5 A rating; I²C programmability. | Designed for compact, cost-sensitive 3-phase fans; lacks Hall interface and FG/RD pins - incompatible with legacy 2-wire Hall systems. | Choose for new 3-phase fan designs requiring digital configuration - not suitable as drop-in replacement for AM4961's Hall-based 2-phase topology. |
Compared with A4962KLPTR-T and DRV10983ZPWPR, AM4961GHTR-E1 uniquely balances external FET flexibility, Hall sensor support, dual-speed control (VMIN/VPWM), and discrete fault signaling (FG/RD) - making it optimal for retrofitting or maintaining compatibility with existing 2-wire Hall fan ecosystems.
Availability
AM4961GHTR-E1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CPU cooler fan control, server chassis thermal management, industrial embedded cooling systems, and network equipment heat dissipation requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for AM4961GHTR-E1 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, headquartered in Plano, Texas, with design centers across Asia and manufacturing in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
The AM4961 belongs to Diodes' motor driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume brushless DC fan applications in computing and communications infrastructure - emphasizing integration, thermal robustness, and system-level fault visibility.
FAQ
What is the function of the CT pin on AM4961GHTR-E1?
The CT pin connects to an external capacitor to implement stall detection: the IC measures charge/discharge current ratio (ICHG/IDHG = 8.5–14.5) to distinguish between normal rotation and locked rotor conditions. When imbalance exceeds threshold, RD output goes high and thermal shutdown may activate preemptively - providing early fault indication before overheating occurs.
Can AM4961GHTR-E1 drive motors without Hall sensors?
No - the AM4961 requires Hall sensor inputs (HIN+ and HIN−) for commutation timing; it does not support sensorless operation. The internal Hall bias (HB pin) and differential input architecture are optimized for 3-wire Hall-effect ICs. Attempting operation without Hall feedback results in no valid commutation sequence and motor stall.
How does the VMIN pin affect motor startup behavior?
When VPWM voltage is higher than VMIN, the IC enters minimum-speed mode: VMIN sets the lowest possible duty cycle (e.g., 10% if VMIN tied to VPWM). This ensures reliable motor startup under high static friction or low-temperature conditions - preventing failed starts that could trigger false RD stall alerts.
Is the FG output compatible with standard 4-pin PWM fan headers?
Yes - the open-collector FG output matches the industry-standard tachometer interface: pull-up to 5 V or 3.3 V is required, and it delivers one pulse per motor electrical cycle (typically two pulses per revolution for 2-pole motors). Signal timing aligns with Intel/AMD fan header specifications, enabling direct connection to motherboard fan monitoring circuits.
AM4961GHTR-E1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) + 2 Heat Tabs
- 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:
- 14-HTSSOP
AM4961GHTR-E1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AM4961GHTR-E1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AM4961GHTR-E1 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 AM4961GHTR-E1 reliable?
The price and inventory of AM4961GHTR-E1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AM4961GHTR-E1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AM4961GHTR-E1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AM4961GHTR-E1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AM4961GHTR-E1?
AM4961GHTR-E1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AM4961GHTR-E1 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 AM4961GHTR-E1?
For technical support, including AM4961GHTR-E1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AM4961GHTR-E1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AM4961GHTR-E1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AM4961GHTR-E1 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 AM4961GHTR-E1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AM4961GHTR-E1?
All AM4961GHTR-E1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AM4961GHTR-E1, 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 AM4961GHTR-E1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AM4961GHTR-E1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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