Texas Instruments DRV120APWR

Overview

DRV120APWR from Texas Instruments is a single-channel low-side solenoid/valve driver IC with integrated MOSFET, external current regulation via PEAK/HOLD/KEEP pins, 14-pin TSSOP package, 6–28 V supply range, and –40°C to 105°C operation. It delivers controlled PWM current ramp-up (to 200 mA peak), hold-mode reduction (to 50 mA), and programmable keep time for electromechanical actuation in industrial valves.

For engineers reviewing the DRV120APWR datasheet, DRV120APWR pinout, DRV120APWR application, or DRV120APWR equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated pin roles, confirmed thermal and electrical specs, and real-world solenoid drive implementation guidance - not generic timing or power-switching abstractions.

Technical Context

The DRV120APWR implements a cycle-by-cycle current-regulated PWM architecture using an internal sense resistor and MOSFET switch. Peak current (IPEAK) and hold current (IHOLD) are set independently via external resistors on PEAK and HOLD pins; tKEEP is set by capacitor on KEEP pin; PWM frequency (fPWM) is adjusted via ROSC on OSC pin.

It operates in three functional states: OFF (EN = low), PEAK (EN high, regulating at IPEAK for tKEEP), and HOLD (EN high, regulating at IHOLD until EN deasserted). STATUS output provides open-drain fault indication for UVLO or thermal shutdown - available only in the 14-pin package.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV120APWR uses a 14-pin TSSOP (PW) package, 5.00 mm × 4.40 mm body size, 1.2 mm max height, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU lead finish, MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year rating.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar solenoid driver applications.

Compared with TBD7200AFG and TPS27082L, the DRV120APWR uniquely integrates programmable peak/hold timing and current levels in a single 14-pin TSSOP, enabling both reliable actuation and energy-efficient sustained operation without external analog support circuitry.

Availability

DRV120APWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial solenoid valves, automotive HVAC actuators, and white goods water inlet systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for DRV120APWR 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The DRV120 product line is designed specifically for intelligent solenoid and relay drive in resource-constrained industrial and appliance systems - integrating current regulation, thermal safety, and programmable timing into compact TSSOP packages.

FAQ

What is the default peak current setting for DRV120APWR when no external resistor is connected to the PEAK pin?

The DRV120APWR defaults to 200 mA peak current (IPEAK) when the PEAK pin is left unconnected or tied to ground. This value is internally trimmed and specified over the full –40°C to 105°C temperature range. The device maintains this regulation using its integrated sense resistor and MOSFET, eliminating need for external calibration. DRV120APWR achieves consistent pull-in performance across voltage and temperature variations without user configuration.

Does DRV120APWR support hold current reduction without external components?

Yes, DRV120APWR supports hold current reduction without external components: it defaults to 50 mA IHOLD in the 14-pin TSSOP package. This internal setting activates automatically when the HOLD pin is left floating or grounded. The transition from 200 mA peak to 50 mA hold occurs after the tKEEP interval (75 ms with 1 µF on KEEP), reducing coil power dissipation by approximately 75% while maintaining valve position. DRV120APWR thus enables energy-efficient operation out-of-box.

Can DRV120APWR drive a 24 V solenoid directly from its VIN pin?

Yes, DRV120APWR accepts 6–28 V on its VIN pin and can directly power a 24 V solenoid load through the OUT pin. Its internal MOSFET supports up to 28 V drain-source voltage and 200 mA continuous current. With proper input capacitance (≥4.7 µF) and PCB layout (wide traces for high di/dt), DRV120APWR delivers full-rated performance at 24 V. The device's UVLO threshold (4.6 V) ensures clean startup even during brownout conditions on the 24 V rail.

What fault conditions trigger the STATUS pin on DRV120APWR?

The STATUS pin on DRV120APWR is an open-drain output that pulls low during two fault conditions: undervoltage lockout (VIN < 4.6 V) and thermal shutdown (junction temperature > 160°C). It remains high-impedance otherwise. No other faults - including overcurrent, short-circuit, or EN pin glitches - activate STATUS. This allows simple microcontroller GPIO monitoring for critical system-level protection. DRV120APWR does not assert STATUS for transient overloads within safe operating area limits.

Is the KEEP pin functionality available in all DRV120 package variants?

No, the KEEP pin functionality is only available in the 14-pin TSSOP (PW) package used by DRV120APWR. The 8-pin variant (e.g., DRV120PWR) omits the KEEP pin entirely - its tKEEP duration is fixed internally and non-adjustable. For DRV120APWR, connecting a capacitor (e.g., 1 µF) to KEEP sets tKEEP to 75 ms; larger capacitors extend this interval linearly. This pin enables precise mechanical timing alignment in applications like fuel injectors or proportional valves where dwell time must be tightly controlled.