Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AP1023AEN

Overview

AP1023AEN from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a dual-channel H-bridge motor driver IC designed for battery-powered DC and stepper motor control. It operates with motor supply voltage from 1.6 V to 6.5 V, delivers up to 1.45 A per channel (25°C, both channels active), features integrated charge pump for high-side gate drive, and uses PWM constant-voltage control to maintain precise output voltage independent of VM. It is used in compact portable devices such as robotic toys, handheld medical actuators, and low-voltage automation modules.

For engineers reviewing the AP1023AEN datasheet, AP1023AEN pinout, AP1023AEN application, or AP1023AEN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 24-pin QFN (4×4 mm) thermal performance, dual H-bridge topology supporting two DC motors or one bipolar stepper, built-in UVLO and thermal shutdown, and VSET-based analog voltage regulation with selectable x1/x2 gain via M0 pin.

Technical Context

The AP1023AEN implements a dual N-channel LDMOS H-bridge with charge-pump–driven high-side gates (VG = VM + VC), enabling full-NMOS operation without external bootstrap components. Its PWM constant-voltage control loop compares VSET against internal reference (VREF) and adjusts duty cycle using a saw-tooth oscillator synchronized to VM and VSET, achieving regulated average output voltage of VSET × N regardless of VM variation.

Control logic supports two operational modes: two-phase excitation (M1 = L) for stepper motor sequencing and generic mode (M1 = H) for independent DC motor control with brake/standby states. Protection includes under-voltage lockout (VCUV = 2.2 V typ.) and thermal shutdown (TTSD = 175 °C typ., 30 °C hysteresis), both forcing Hi-Z outputs upon activation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AP1023AEN is housed in a 24-pin QFN package (4 mm × 4 mm) with an exposed thermal pad (EP) electrically connected to PGND. The pad must be soldered to a solid ground plane for optimal thermal performance and electrical stability.

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 DRV8833, the AP1023AEN uniquely integrates analog VSET-based constant-voltage control and charge-pump gate drive in a thermally optimized 4×4 mm QFN-making it the only option among the three that eliminates external PWM generation and maintains precise output voltage across battery discharge without MCU intervention.

Availability

AP1023AEN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, robotic toys, handheld scanners, and smart home actuators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AP1023AEN 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 core expertise in audio, motor control, and magnetic sensing technologies.

The AP1023AEN belongs to AKM's motor driver product line, engineered specifically for ultra-compact, battery-operated motion systems requiring analog-regulated H-bridge performance without external PWM controllers or bootstrap components.

FAQ

What is the function of the VSET pin on the AP1023AEN?

The VSET pin on the AP1023AEN is an analog input that sets the target average output voltage for each H-bridge channel. The AP1023AEN regulates its PWM duty cycle so that the average voltage across OUTnA/OUTnB equals VSET × N, where N is 1 or 2 selected by the M0 pin. This enables precise, VM-independent voltage control-critical for consistent motor performance across battery discharge. The AP1023AEN uses internal circuitry to compare VSET against VREF and generate the appropriate PWM signal without external feedback loops.

Does the AP1023AEN require external bootstrap components for high-side drive?

No, the AP1023AEN does not require external bootstrap components. It integrates a charge pump circuit that generates VG = VM + VC internally, providing sufficient gate drive voltage for its N-channel high-side MOSFETs. External CH and CL pins connect to 0.1 µF capacitors to stabilize the charge pump, but no diodes, large capacitors, or dedicated bootstrap rails are needed. This simplifies layout and reduces BOM count compared to bootstrap-dependent drivers like the TB6612FNG, and is a defining feature of the AP1023AEN design.

How does the AP1023AEN handle thermal overload?

The AP1023AEN incorporates a thermal shutdown (TSD) circuit that disables all H-bridge outputs (forces Hi-Z) when junction temperature reaches 175 °C (typ.). After shutdown, operation resumes only when temperature falls by at least 30 °C (hysteresis), preventing oscillation near the trip point. This protection is fully internal and requires no external components. The AP1023AEN's 4×4 mm QFN package with exposed pad-designed for RθJA = 40°C/W on a 4-layer board-works in concert with TSD to manage heat during sustained 1.45 A operation, making thermal derating predictable and controllable.

Can the AP1023AEN drive a bipolar stepper motor?

Yes, the AP1023AEN can drive a bipolar stepper motor using its two integrated H-bridges. When M1 is set low, the device enters two-phase excitation mode, accepting IN1–IN4 signals to sequence full-step or half-step motion. Each bridge independently controls one motor phase, and VSET-based constant-voltage regulation ensures consistent current delivery across steps-even as battery voltage declines. This capability is explicitly documented in the AP1023AEN datasheet functional tables and makes the AP1023AEN suitable for compact stepper applications like portable medical pumps and scanner actuators.

What is the purpose of the exposed pad (EP) on the AP1023AEN package?

The exposed pad (EP) on the AP1023AEN serves as the primary thermal and electrical connection to PGND. It is internally shorted to the power ground plane and must be soldered to a large copper area on the PCB to achieve the specified RθJA = 40°C/W thermal resistance. Proper EP connection lowers junction-to-board thermal impedance, enabling the AP1023AEN to sustain its rated 1.45 A output current without exceeding maximum junction temperature. Failure to connect EP to ground compromises both thermal performance and electrical noise immunity-directly impacting AP1023AEN reliability in high-current operation.