Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AP1013CEN

Overview

AP1013CEN from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a 1-channel H-bridge motor driver IC with N-channel LDMOSFETs on both high-side and low-side, operating from 2V to 18V motor supply and supporting 1.3A DC / 5.0A peak (2ms) output current. It integrates charge-pump gate drive (VG = VC + VM), under-voltage lockout (2.2V threshold), thermal shutdown (175°C), and power-save mode (<1µA quiescent current), enabling compact brushed DC motor control in space-constrained consumer and industrial actuators.

For engineers reviewing the AP1013CEN datasheet, AP1013CEN pinout, AP1013CEN application, or AP1013CEN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated 16-pin QFN package layout, confirmed H-bridge control logic states (forward/reverse/break/standby), and real-world motor drive use cases - all grounded in AKM's official 014011278-E-01 datasheet.

Technical Context

The AP1013CEN implements a charge-pump-based gate driver architecture to enable N-channel MOSFETs on both sides of the H-bridge, eliminating external bootstrap components. Its internal oscillator drives CH/CL/VG terminals to generate ~18.2V gate voltage (VC + VM) with 0.36ms typical wake-up time.

Control logic operates independently per VIO supply (1.62–VC V), with built-in 100kΩ pull-ups on EN and PSAVE pins, and dead-time–managed penetration current prevention. Protection includes UVLO at VC < 2.2V and thermal shutdown with 30°C hysteresis, triggering Hi-Z output until junction temperature falls below recovery threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1013CEN uses a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed power ground pad (EP) requiring PCB soldering for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with TB67H420FTG and DRV8876N, the AP1013CEN delivers the smallest footprint (3mm×3mm QFN), fully integrated charge pump, and lowest quiescent current (<1µA), making it optimal for ultra-compact, battery-sensitive, and cost-constrained motion control where moderate current suffices.

Availability

AP1013CEN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for compact camera lens actuators, USB-powered fan controllers, smart home thermostat dampers, and medical disposable pump modules requiring stable component supply across design-in, prototyping, and volume production phases.

Supply support for AP1013CEN 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

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog, sensor, and mixed-signal ICs for audio, motor control, and industrial applications.

The AP1013CEN belongs to AKM's H-bridge motor driver product line, designed specifically for space-constrained, low-to-moderate power brushed DC motor applications in consumer electronics and portable medical devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor supply voltage supported by the AP1013CEN?

The AP1013CEN supports a maximum continuous motor supply voltage of 18V on the VM pin, with absolute maximum rating of 19V. This allows direct connection to common 12V lead-acid or multi-cell Li-ion battery systems. Operation above 18V violates recommended conditions and risks reliability degradation, even if within absolute max ratings. Always maintain VM ≤ 18V in normal operation for long-term stability of the AP1013CEN.

Does the AP1013CEN require external bootstrap components for high-side drive?

No, the AP1013CEN does not require external bootstrap components. It integrates a charge-pump circuit (using CH, CL, and VG pins) to generate the boosted gate voltage (VG ≈ VC + VM) needed to fully enhance the high-side N-channel MOSFETs. External 0.1µF ceramic capacitors on CH and CL are required, but no diode or bootstrap capacitor is needed - simplifying layout and reducing BOM count for the AP1013CEN.

How does the AP1013CEN handle thermal overload, and can it auto-recover?

The AP1013CEN features thermal shutdown triggered at 175°C junction temperature, forcing OUTA and OUTB into Hi-Z state. Recovery occurs automatically once junction temperature falls below ~145°C due to 30°C hysteresis. This behavior is fully autonomous - no external reset or command is needed. The AP1013CEN resumes normal operation per INA/INB inputs once cooled, ensuring robust protection without system-level intervention.

What logic voltage levels are compatible with the AP1013CEN's INA, INB, EN, and PSAVE inputs?

The AP1013CEN accepts logic inputs referenced to VIO, which ranges from 1.62V to VC (max 5.5V). Input "H" level is defined as ≥0.7×VIO, and "L" as ≤0.3×VIO - supporting 1.8V, 3.3V, and 5V MCUs directly. Internal 100kΩ pull-ups on EN and PSAVE allow open-drain or push-pull control. All logic thresholds scale with VIO, ensuring reliable interfacing across voltage domains for the AP1013CEN.

Can the AP1013CEN drive a motor in both directions and apply dynamic braking?

Yes, the AP1013CEN supports full four-quadrant control: forward (INA=H, INB=L), reverse (INA=L, INB=H), dynamic braking (INA=H, INB=H - shorting motor terminals), and standby (INA=L, INB=L - Hi-Z outputs). Braking is achieved by turning on both low-side MOSFETs, dissipating motor energy as heat in the H-bridge. This functionality is hardware-implemented and requires no external components - a core capability of the AP1013CEN.