Texas Instruments DRV10964FFDSNR

Overview

DRV10964FFDSNR from Texas Instruments is a three-phase sensorless BLDC motor driver IC with integrated power MOSFETs, designed for ultra-quiet CPU fan applications. It operates from 2.1 V to 5.5 V, delivers up to 500 mA output current, features 180° sinusoidal control, and includes lock detection, anti-voltage surge (AVS), and thermal shutdown. Its primary circuit role is closed-loop commutation control of 3-phase BLDC fans in portable computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the DRV10964FFDSNR datasheet, DRV10964FFDSNR pinout, DRV10964FFDSNR application, or DRV10964FFDSNR equivalent, key selection considerations include handoff threshold configuration via CONFIG pin, FG/FGS tach feedback options, FR-directional control timing, and USON-10 thermal pad layout requirements for notebook fan EMI and thermal performance.

Technical Context

The DRV10964FFDSNR implements a proprietary sensorless windowless 180° sinusoidal control scheme that minimizes torque ripple and acoustic noise. It performs real-time BEMF integration to estimate motor Kt and Rm during spin-up, enabling adaptive closed-loop commutation without Hall sensors or back-EMF zero-crossing windows.

Its functional block integrates PWM duty-cycle decoding (9-bit resolution), configurable handoff threshold selection (via CONFIG resistor divider), dual-mode FG output (BEMF comparator or frequency-divided tach), and five independent lock-detection algorithms-including abnormal Kt, frequency overflow, and accelerate-abnormal triggers-each with defined tON_LOCK (0.33 s) and tOFF_LOCK (5.9 s) timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV10964FFDSNR is housed in a 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, 10-pin USON (Ultra-Thin Small Outline No-lead) package with an exposed thermal pad on the bottom surface. The thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for optimal thermal dissipation and EMI suppression.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar three-phase sensorless BLDC motor driver applications.

Compared with DRV10974FFDSNR and MP6532DJ-LF-Z, the DRV10964FFDSNR uniquely balances ultra-low acoustic noise, integrated stall recovery, and compact USON-10 packaging-making it the preferred choice for space- and noise-constrained portable fan designs requiring no external sensors or protection components.

Availability

DRV10964FFDSNR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook CPU fan control, game console cooling systems, and ASIC heat sink fan applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for DRV10964FFDSNR 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of expertise in motor control ICs for consumer and industrial markets.

The DRV10964FFDSNR belongs to TI's precision BLDC fan driver product line, engineered specifically for ultra-quiet, sensorless, low-BOM-count thermal management in portable electronics-prioritizing acoustic performance, integrated protection, and ease of system integration.

FAQ

What is the recommended decoupling capacitor for DRV10964FFDSNR VCC?

A 2.2 µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the VCC and GND pins is required per the datasheet. This value ensures stable operation during PWM-driven current transients and suppresses high-frequency switching noise generated by the integrated MOSFETs. Larger bulk capacitance may be added externally, but the 2.2 µF local cap is mandatory for reliable startup and lock-detection functionality in DRV10964FFDSNR.

How does the CONFIG pin affect DRV10964FFDSNR motor startup behavior?

The CONFIG pin sets the handoff speed threshold-i.e., the motor velocity at which the DRV10964FFDSNR transitions from open-loop alignment to closed-loop sinusoidal commutation. A resistor divider between VCC and GND applies a DC voltage to CONFIG, selecting one of 16 predefined thresholds (e.g., 12.5 Hz to 187.5 Hz). Incorrect CONFIG voltage causes premature or delayed handoff, leading to startup failure or audible "cogging" in DRV10964FFDSNR.

Can DRV10964FFDSNR drive a motor with more than 3 poles?

Yes-DRV10964FFDSNR supports any 3-phase BLDC motor regardless of pole count. The FG output frequency scales with electrical frequency: RPM = (FREQ_FG × 60) / (pole_pairs) when FGS = 0, or ×180 / (pole_pairs) when FGS = 1. The internal commutation logic adapts automatically; only the CONFIG handoff threshold and FG interpretation require adjustment based on motor pole-pair count in DRV10964FFDSNR.

What happens to DRV10964FFDSNR when the PWM input is held at 0 V?

When PWM is held at 0 V for ≥1 ms, DRV10964FFDSNR enters sleep mode, reducing quiescent current to 15 µA (typical). All phase outputs go high-impedance, FG holds last valid state, and internal logic remains powered but inactive. Recovery occurs on rising edge of PWM or when PWM floats (internal 1.5 MΩ pullup drives it high), triggering full re-initialization-identical to power-on sequence in DRV10964FFDSNR.

Is the thermal pad on DRV10964FFDSNR electrically connected to GND?

Yes-the exposed thermal pad on the DRV10964FFDSNR USON-10 package is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. This connection provides the primary thermal path (R_θJC(bot) = 2.9 °C/W) and also serves as a low-impedance return for high-frequency switching currents, reducing EMI and improving lock-detection stability in DRV10964FFDSNR.