Texas Instruments DRV8242PQRHLRQ1

Overview

DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive H-bridge driver with integrated current sense, diagnostics, and SPI (P) interface. It delivers 6 A continuous output in a 3.5 mm × 4.5 mm VQFN-20 package, supports 4.5–35 V motor supply, operates up to 25 kHz PWM, and provides proportional analog current feedback on IPROPI for brushed DC motor control in door modules and seat actuators.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 datasheet, DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 pinout, DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 application, or DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 equivalent, this page details its hardwired vs. SPI variant distinctions, VDD-powered logic architecture, slew-rate programmability, fault reaction configurability, and diagnostic coverage including off-state open-load detection - all critical for functional safety-compliant body control module designs.

Technical Context

The DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 implements a monolithic N-channel H-bridge with integrated charge pump, high-side current sensing, and configurable ITRIP regulation. Its SPI (P) variant uses an external 4.5–5.5 V VDD supply for logic, eliminating brownout during VM transients and enabling robust fault logging via SDO/SDI/SCLK/nSCS interface.

It integrates protection circuitry with independent thresholds for VM overvoltage (33.6–37 V), undervoltage (4.2–4.5 V), overcurrent (3–12 A range), and thermal shutdown (155–185 °C), plus load diagnostics in both on- and off-states - all signaled via open-drain nFAULT with latched or retry fault reaction modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VQFN-20 package (RHL), 3.5 mm × 4.5 mm body size, exposed thermal pad for enhanced thermal dissipation in automotive under-hood environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DRV8242HQRHLRQ1, the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 adds VDD decoupling and full SPI configurability for functional safety diagnostics; compared with DRV8243PQRHLRQ1, it trades current capacity for lower thermal stress and cost in mid-power applications.

Availability

DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive door modules, seat control systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 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 automotive ICs, with decades of experience in high-reliability power management solutions.

The DRV824x-Q1 product line is engineered specifically for automotive brushed DC motor and solenoid control, emphasizing functional safety readiness, integrated diagnostics, and EMI-optimized drive performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What distinguishes the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 from the DRV8242HQRHLRQ1?

The DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 is the SPI (P) variant with external VDD logic supply, enabling immunity to VM transients and full register-based configuration (ITRIP, slew rate, fault reaction). The DRV8242HQRHLRQ1 is the hardwired variant with fixed settings, no SPI interface, and no VDD pin - limiting flexibility but reducing BOM count and software overhead.

Does the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 support 3.3 V logic inputs?

Yes, the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 supports 3.3 V logic inputs on EN/IN1, PH/IN2, DRVOFF, and nSLEEP pins, with VIH = 1.5 V min and VIL = 0.7 V max. Its SPI interface also operates with 3.3 V SCLK/SDI/nSCS signals when VDD = 3.3 V, though the official spec defines VDD as 4.5–5.5 V.

How does the integrated current sense in DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 eliminate the need for a shunt resistor?

The DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 uses on-die high-side current sensing to generate a proportional analog voltage on IPROPI (scaling factor 1.14–1.71 A/A), directly reflecting load current without external components. This removes PCB space, power loss, and calibration burden associated with discrete shunts while maintaining ±2% matching between half-bridges.

What fault conditions does the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 detect and how are they reported?

The DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 detects VM overvoltage/undervoltage, overcurrent (HS/LS), overtemperature, open-load (on/off-state), and short-to-battery/ground. All faults assert the open-drain nFAULT pin low; SPI (P) variants also provide detailed status via SDO register reads (e.g., FAULT_STATUS, DEVICE_ID = 0x24).

Can the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 operate with a 24 V motor supply?

Yes, the DRV8242PQRHLRQ1 supports VM from 4.5 V to 35 V, making it fully compatible with 24 V nominal automotive systems. Its 40 V absolute maximum rating accommodates load-dump transients per ISO 7637-2, and thermal metrics (RθJA = 40.3 °C/W) ensure safe operation at 6 A continuous under typical heatsinking.