Microchip Technology ATA6836C-PXQW-1

Overview

ATA6836C-PXQW-1 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a Smart Power SOI-based hex half-bridge driver IC designed for automotive and industrial load control. It integrates six independently controllable high-side and six low-side MOSFET drivers forming six half-bridges, supports up to 650 mA per channel, features R_DS(on) ≤ 1.8 Ω at 150°C, operates from 7.5 V to 40 V VS supply, and delivers < 2 µA quiescent current in standby mode - enabling precise DC motor, lamp, and solenoid actuation in battery-powered vehicle subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 datasheet, ATA6836C-PXQW-1 pinout, ATA6836C-PXQW-1 application, or ATA6836C-PXQW-1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its QFN24 package with exposed thermal pad, 2 MHz SPI-compatible serial interface with daisy-chain capability, integrated open-load/short-circuit/overtemperature/undervoltage diagnostics, and automotive-grade EMC/ESD robustness per ISO 7637-1 Level 4 and VDE 0879 Part 2 Level 5.

Technical Context

The ATA6836C-PXQW-1 implements a fully protected serial-controlled driver architecture using Smart Power SOI technology. Its six half-bridges are individually addressable via a 16-bit input register, with status feedback provided through a 16-bit output register containing real-time fault flags (TP, SCD, PSF, INH) and per-channel HS/LS status bits.

Protection logic includes programmable short-circuit shutdown delay (1.5 ms or 12 ms), thermal prewarning (120–170°C) and shutdown (150–200°C) thresholds with hysteresis, undervoltage detection (5.5–7.0 V on V_CC), and open-load detection enabled by dedicated pull-up/pull-down currents (±0.4–1.5 mA) on each high/low-side switch.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ATA6836C-PXQW-1 is packaged in a Pb-free, thermally enhanced 5 mm × 5 mm QFN24 with exposed die paddle (3.6 mm × 3.6 mm). The package supports high-current routing and efficient heat dissipation to PCB ground planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar hex half-bridge driver applications.

Compared with TLE9201SG and BD1600FV-M, the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 uniquely combines six true half-bridges, daisy-chain SPI, automotive-grade protection, and QFN24 thermal performance - making it the only single-package solution for space-constrained, safety-critical six-axis motor or solenoid control.

Availability

ATA6836C-PXQW-1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, seat control systems, and industrial valve actuation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for ATA6836C-PXQW-1 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

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full product support, documentation, and qualification for the ATA6836C family.

The ATA6836C product line was developed specifically for automotive and industrial smart power applications requiring integrated protection, serial configurability, and high reliability in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating voltage for the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 VS supply pin?

The ATA6836C-PXQW-1 supports a VS supply voltage range of –0.3 V to +40 V, with continuous operation specified from 7.5 V to 40 V. Absolute maximum rating allows brief exposure to 40 V, and the device is qualified to withstand ISO 7637-1 load-dump pulses up to 40 V - making it suitable for 12 V and 24 V automotive battery systems.

Does the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 support daisy-chaining of multiple devices on a single SPI bus?

Yes, the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 supports daisy-chaining via its tri-state DO (data out) pin. When CS is high, DO enters high-impedance state, allowing multiple ATA6836C-PXQW-1 devices to share one DO line. Each device receives the same DI/CLK/CS signals, and status data is read back sequentially in daisy-chain order - reducing MCU pin count and simplifying multi-driver systems.

How does open-load detection work on the ATA6836C-PXQW-1, and what are its limitations?

Open-load detection on the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 activates when the OLD bit (bit 13) in the input register is set low, injecting ±0.4–1.5 mA test currents into each high/low-side switch. An open condition is flagged when V_VS–V_HSx or V_LSx exceeds threshold (–0.6 to –2.5 V or 0.6–2.0 V). Detection is disabled when the corresponding output is actively driven - ensuring accurate reporting only during off-state verification.

What thermal performance can be expected from the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 in a standard 2-layer PCB layout?

In a typical 2-layer PCB with 1 oz copper and moderate thermal relief, the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 achieves R_thJA ≈ 35 K/W (datasheet typical). This allows all six channels to deliver 650 mA continuously at ambient temperatures up to +105°C without exceeding the 150°C max junction limit - provided the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a ≥2 cm² GND pour with ≥4 thermal vias.

Is the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 pin-compatible with the SO28 variant ATA6836C-TIQW?

No, the ATA6836C-PXQW-1 (QFN24) is not pin-compatible with the ATA6836C-TIQW (SO28). They differ in package type, pin count (24 vs. 28), pin functions (e.g., QFN24 has dedicated GND SENSE and test-only SENSE pins), and VS rail assignment (dual VS in QFN24 vs. two separate VS pins in SO28). PCB layout and schematic must be redesigned for migration between variants.