Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AP1018AEN

Overview

AP1018AEN from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed for 18V DC motor and stepper motor control, delivering up to 4.5A peak output current per channel with integrated thermal shutdown and under-voltage lockout protection. It operates with 2.7–5.5V control supply (VC), 1.62–VC logic input voltage (VIO), and 2–18V motor drive voltage (VM), housed in a thermally enhanced 24-pin QFN (4mm × 4mm) package with exposed pad.

For engineers reviewing the AP1018AEN datasheet, AP1018AEN pinout, AP1018AEN application, or AP1018AEN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated dual-channel H-bridge timing behavior, confirmed thermal protection thresholds, and real-world motor control use cases - all specific to the AP1018AEN variant.

Technical Context

The AP1018AEN integrates two independent N-channel LDMOS H-bridges, each driven by a charge-pump-generated VG voltage (VG = VC + VM) enabling high-side FET operation without external bootstrap circuitry. Its internal 360kHz oscillator powers the charge pump, achieving target VG within 1ms typical after enable.

Control logic supports four operational modes per channel (forward, reverse, brake, standby) via INnA/INnB inputs, with EN and PSAVE pins enabling global output enable and ultra-low-power (≤1µA VC quiescent) power-save mode. Protection includes dead-time–managed penetration current prevention, thermal shutdown at 150–200°C (with 20–40°C hysteresis), and UVLO activation at 1.9–2.5V VC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1018AEN is packaged in a 24-pin QFN (4.0mm × 4.0mm) with exposed thermal pad (PGND), optimized for high-power density and thermal performance on 4-layer PCBs (θJA = 40°C/W). The exposed pad must be soldered to DGND for effective heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8876N, the AP1018AEN uniquely combines 18V operation with integrated charge pump, 4.5A peak current, and sub-µA power-save mode - making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-sensitive dual-motor systems where reliability across wide VM ranges is critical.

Availability

AP1018AEN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial actuators, medical infusion pumps, consumer robotics, automotive HVAC systems, and portable motorized tools requiring stable component supply, consistent thermal performance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for AP1018AEN 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 motor control ICs, with core expertise in precision signal processing and power-efficient mixed-signal design.

The AP1018AEN belongs to AKM's high-efficiency motor driver product line, engineered specifically for compact, thermally constrained DC and stepper motor applications in industrial, medical, and automotive environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for the AP1018AEN?

The AP1018AEN supports a maximum DC output current of 1.3A per channel under steady-state conditions (Ta = 25°C). This rating assumes proper PCB thermal design with the exposed pad connected to DGND on a 4-layer board. Exceeding 1.3A continuously risks thermal shutdown activation unless ambient temperature and copper area are significantly derated.

Does the AP1018AEN require external bootstrap capacitors for high-side FET operation?

No, the AP1018AEN does not require external bootstrap capacitors. It integrates a charge pump circuit that generates VG = VC + VM internally, enabling full N-channel high-side FET drive. External components needed are only CH and CL ceramic capacitors (0.1µF typical) and a VG stabilizing capacitor.

How does the PSAVE pin affect protection features like thermal shutdown and UVLO?

When PSAVE = "H", the AP1018AEN disables its internal charge pump, VREF, and protection circuits (TSD and UVLO), placing all outputs in Hi-Z. This reduces VC quiescent current to <1µA but removes fault protection - so PSAVE should only be used in known-safe, non-operational states.

Can the AP1018AEN drive a bipolar stepper motor, and what control interface is required?

Yes, the AP1018AEN can drive a 4-wire bipolar stepper motor by connecting OUT1A/OUT1B to one coil and OUT2A/OUT2B to the second coil. It requires standard dual-H-bridge step/direction logic: IN1A/IN1B and IN2A/IN2B must be sequenced in full-step (e.g., 01→11→10→00) or half-step patterns via MCU GPIO.

What is the recommended PCB layout practice for the exposed thermal pad of the AP1018AEN?

The exposed pad (PGND) must be soldered to a dedicated DGND copper pour with ≥4 thermal vias (φ0.3mm) connecting to inner ground planes. Per AKM's land pattern, the pad occupies the center of the 4mm × 4mm footprint and must not be isolated - insufficient grounding causes thermal shutdown at ≤1A load due to junction temperature rise.