Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AP1013DEN

Overview

AP1013DEN from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a 1-channel H-bridge motor driver IC with N-channel LDMOSFETs on both high-side and low-side, supporting 2V–18V motor supply, 1.3A DC output current, and 5.0A peak current (2ms pulse). It implements forward/reverse/break/standby modes and integrates under-voltage lockout (2.2V VC threshold) and thermal shutdown (175°C junction). It drives small DC motors in compact consumer and industrial motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the AP1013DEN datasheet, AP1013DEN pinout, AP1013DEN application, or AP1013DEN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16-pin QFN (3mm×3mm) package, charge-pump-based high-side gate drive (VG = VM + VC), power-save mode (<1 µA quiescent), and logic-level compatibility with 1.62V–5.5V VIO.

Technical Context

The AP1013DEN uses an internal charge pump (CH/CL/VG pins) to generate boosted gate voltage for N-channel high-side MOSFETs, enabling full-N-channel H-bridge operation without external bootstrap components. Its control logic accepts INA/INB/SEL/PSAVEB inputs with built-in 100 kΩ pull-down (PSAVEB) and pull-up (SEL) resistors.

Protection includes penetration current prevention via dead-time insertion, thermal shutdown with 30°C hysteresis (175°C trip), and VC under-voltage detection (2.2V nominal). The device operates across –30°C to +85°C ambient and supports PWM frequencies up to 200 kHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1013DEN is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin QFN package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm, 0.45 mm pitch) with exposed power ground pad (EP/PGND) requiring PCB soldering for thermal and electrical performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8833, the AP1013DEN uniquely combines single-channel high-efficiency drive, ultra-low-power standby, and hardware-configurable control logic (via SEL) - making it optimal for space- and energy-constrained single-motor systems requiring robust protection and flexible motion sequencing.

Availability

AP1013DEN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for robotics actuators, portable medical pumps, smart home valves, and POS terminal print heads requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AP1013DEN 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, mixed-signal, and sensor ICs, with strong expertise in motor control, audio, and magnetic sensing technologies.

The AP1013DEN belongs to AKM's H-bridge motor driver product line, designed specifically for compact, low-voltage DC motor applications in consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial automation where thermal efficiency, integration, and reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor supply voltage supported by the AP1013DEN?

The AP1013DEN supports a maximum continuous motor supply voltage (VM) of 18 V, with absolute maximum rating at 19 V. Operation above 18 V risks exceeding recommended conditions and may trigger thermal shutdown or reduce reliability. The device is optimized for 2 V–18 V operation, covering common battery chemistries including single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2 V), NiMH (1.2–9.6 V), and 12 V lead-acid systems. Always maintain VM within 18 V for sustained DC operation per the datasheet.

How does the AP1013DEN implement high-side drive without a P-channel MOSFET?

The AP1013DEN uses an internal charge pump (driven by CH/CL oscillation) to generate VG = VM + VC, enabling full-N-channel high-side drive. This eliminates the need for external bootstrap components or P-channel devices. The charge pump wakes up in 0.36 ms (typical), and VG is stabilized before motor control begins. External 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors on CH, CL, and VG are mandatory for stable operation and meet the specified propagation delay and on-resistance performance.

What happens to the AP1013DEN outputs during thermal shutdown?

When the AP1013DEN junction temperature reaches 175°C, the thermal shutdown circuit forces both OUTA and OUTB into high-impedance (Hi-Z) state, halting motor drive immediately. Outputs remain Hi-Z until the die cools below the hysteresis threshold (~145°C typ). During this period, the device maintains logic functionality (e.g., PSAVEB, INA/INB remain responsive), but no current flows through the H-bridge. Recovery is automatic and requires no reset signal.

Can the AP1013DEN operate with a 1.8 V logic supply (VIO)?

Yes, the AP1013DEN supports VIO from 1.62 V to VC (max 5.5 V), making it fully compatible with 1.8 V microcontrollers. Input thresholds scale with VIO: VIH = 0.7×VIO (≥1.26 V) and VIL = 0.3×VIO (≤0.54 V). At VIO = 1.8 V, the logic interface functions correctly without level shifters. Ensure CVIO = 0.1 µF bypass capacitor is placed near pin 7 (VIO) to suppress noise-induced misreads.

What is the purpose of the SEL pin on the AP1013DEN?

The SEL pin selects between two distinct control logic tables: when SEL = L, the AP1013DEN uses a 4-mode table (forward/reverse/break/standby); when SEL = H, it uses a 3-mode table where break takes priority during transitions (e.g., forward→reverse immediately enters break before reversing). This hardware-selectable behavior simplifies firmware design in safety-critical or jerk-sensitive applications, eliminating software-based dead-time management.