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Texas Instruments DRV8421BDGQR
- Part No.:
- DRV8421BDGQR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 10-PowerTFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
DRV8421BDGQR.pdf
- Description:
- 18V, 2A dual H-bridge motor driv
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,375
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Product details
Overview
DRV8421BDGQR from Texas Instruments is a dual H-bridge stepper and brushed DC motor driver IC designed for home appliance mechatronics. It operates from 4–18 V, delivers up to 2 A per H-bridge (4 A in parallel mode), features 900 mΩ typical total RDS(ON), integrated UVLO/OCP/TSD protection, and uses a 2-wire PWM interface with sleep mode and nFAULT reporting. It drives bipolar stepper motors in printers, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators.
For engineers reviewing the DRV8421BDGQR datasheet, DRV8421BDGQR pinout, DRV8421BDGQR application, or DRV8421BDGQR equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated HVSSOP-10 package mapping, confirmed 2-wire input architecture with EN/nFAULT control, thermal and current specifications at 25°C/85°C, and real-world implementation constraints for stepper motor phase drive and fault-aware system design.
Technical Context
The DRV8421BDGQR implements two independent NMOS H-bridges with internal gate drivers, analog overcurrent detection per bridge, and thermally triggered shutdown at 150–180°C. Its 2-wire input architecture uses EN and dual IN pins to configure full-step/half-step motion and enter 3 µA sleep mode when EN is low for >1 ms.
Protection logic includes VM undervoltage lockout (2.9–3.0 V thresholds), 2 A OCP trip with 2.8 µs deglitch and 1.6 ms disable duration, and open-drain nFAULT assertion during UVLO/OCP/TSD events - all active only in the 2-wire variant. Parallel mode ties IN1/IN2 and OUT1–OUT4 to deliver 4 A to a single winding under 12 V/25°C conditions with proper heatsinking.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 4 V to 18 V - supports 12 V nominal appliance rails; operation below 5 V reduces max output current due to rising RDS(ON) |
| Max Output Current (per H-bridge) | 2 A continuous - validated at 12 V, TA = 25°C; derates with temperature and voltage |
| Total RDS(ON) (HS + LS) | 900 mΩ typical - 550 mΩ HS + 350 mΩ LS at 12 V/25°C; increases to 1.08 Ω at 85°C |
| Sleep Mode Current | 0.5–3 µA - enabled by pulling EN low >1 ms; reduces system standby power in battery-backed or energy-certified appliances |
| Fault Reporting | nFAULT open-drain output - pulled low during UVLO/OCP/TSD; requires external pullup to VCC for host MCU monitoring |
| Thermal Resistance (RθJA) | 62.5 °C/W - HVSSOP-10 package with exposed pad; mandates PCB copper pour for 2 A sustained loads |
| Input Logic Thresholds | VIL ≤ 0.7 V, VIH ≥ 1.6 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level shifting |
Pinout & Package
HVSSOP-10 (DGQ) thermally enhanced surface-mount package: 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad (PPAD) on underside requiring solder connection to PCB ground plane for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VM (Pin 1) | Motor power supply input | Accepts 4–18 V; must be bypassed with 0.1 µF + 10 µF ceramic capacitors directly to GND |
| EN (Pin 2) | Enable/sleep control input | Pull high for normal operation; pull low >1 ms to enter 3 µA sleep mode; internal 500 kΩ pulldown |
| IN1 (Pin 3) | Phase A PWM input | Controls OUT1/OUT3 direction and duty cycle in full/half-step modes; internal 170 kΩ pulldown |
| IN2 (Pin 4) | Phase B PWM input | Controls OUT2/OUT4 direction and duty cycle; complements IN1 for stepper sequencing; internal 170 kΩ pulldown |
| nFAULT (Pin 5) | Fault status output | Open-drain; pulled low during UVLO/OCP/TSD; requires external pullup resistor (≥1 kΩ) to host VCC |
| GND (Pin 6) | Power and signal ground | Primary return path; must connect to thermal pad (PPAD) and system ground plane |
| OUT1 (Pin 10) | H-bridge A high-side output | Drives one end of Phase A winding; internal pulldown ensures safe Hi-Z state during sleep/fault |
| OUT2 (Pin 9) | H-bridge A low-side output | Completes Phase A path; paired with OUT1 for full H-bridge switching |
| OUT3 (Pin 8) | H-bridge B high-side output | Drives one end of Phase B winding; used with OUT4 for bipolar stepper commutation |
| OUT4 (Pin 7) | H-bridge B low-side output | Completes Phase B path; enables independent or parallel-mode control of second winding |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent H-bridge topology | Enables driving one bipolar stepper motor (OUT1–OUT4) or two separate brushed DC motors (OUT1/OUT2 + OUT3/OUT4) |
| 2-wire PWM interface with EN control | Reduces MCU GPIO count vs. 4-wire variants; supports full/half-step sequencing and sleep entry via single EN line |
| Integrated protection suite | UVLO (2.9–3.0 V), OCP (2 A trip, 2.8 µs deglitch), and TSD (150–180°C) prevent damage during brownouts, stalls, or poor heatsinking |
| Thermally optimized HVSSOP-10 package | 62.5 °C/W RθJA with PPAD allows 2 A continuous per bridge on 2-layer PCBs with ≥1 in² copper pour |
| Parallel mode capability | Tie IN1/IN2 and OUT1–OUT4 to combine both bridges for 4 A single-winding drive - validated at 12 V/25°C with heatsinking |
Applications
| Printer/Scanner Motion Control | Refrigerator Ice Dispenser Actuator |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precise bidirectional stepping for paper feed, carriage movement, and scan head positioning in compact office printers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual H-bridge driver executing full-step sequences via 2-wire PWM inputs; nFAULT monitors jams or stalled motors. Use Value: 2 A per phase supports NEMA 8–11 stepper motors; 3 µA sleep mode cuts standby power in always-on devices meeting ENERGY STAR® requirements. |
Use Scenario: Reliable actuation of solenoid-driven ice chute doors and auger mechanisms in variable-temperature freezer compartments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stepper driver operating in half-step mode for smooth torque delivery; thermal shutdown prevents failure during extended door-open cycles. Use Value: 4–18 V range accommodates 12 V appliance rails; 900 mΩ RDS(ON) minimizes self-heating in enclosed, poorly ventilated enclosures. |
| Vacuum Cleaner Brush Roll Drive | Clothes Dryer Drum Positioning |
Use Scenario: High-torque, intermittent-duty drive of rotating brush rolls subject to hair/twine entanglement and thermal stress. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Brushed DC motor controller using single H-bridge (OUT1/OUT2); OCP detects stall events before motor burnout. Use Value: 2 A rating handles peak startup currents; nFAULT signals MCU to reverse polarity or shut down - reducing field returns from mechanical failures. |
Use Scenario: Low-speed, high-hold-torque positioning of dryer drum baffles for optimal tumbling patterns during delicate cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar stepper driver in microstepping-capable systems (via external indexer); UVLO prevents erratic motion during line sags. Use Value: 125°C max ambient rating supports operation near heating elements; HVSSOP-10 footprint fits space-constrained control boards. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual H-bridge stepper motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRV8421ADGQR | 4-wire input version (IN1–IN4); no EN/nFAULT; supports independent half-bridge control | Used where discrete phase control or non-stepper loads (e.g., dual solenoids) require four independent switches | Select DRV8421ADGQR only if 2-wire simplification is unnecessary and fault visibility is handled externally |
| DRV8411DGNR | Lower 1.65–11 V range; 400 mΩ RDS(ON); includes external shunt-based current regulation | Preferred for 5 V systems or where precise current limiting (not just OCP) is required for torque consistency | Choose DRV8411DGNR when operating below 4 V or needing closed-loop current control - not drop-in compatible with DRV8421BDGQR |
Compared with DRV8421ADGQR, the DRV8421BDGQR trades pin count for integrated fault reporting and ultra-low sleep current; compared with DRV8411DGNR, it sacrifices current regulation for wider voltage range and simpler layout - making it optimal for cost-sensitive 12 V appliance stepper designs requiring robustness over precision.
Availability
DRV8421BDGQR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer motion control, refrigerator ice dispensers, vacuum cleaner brush rolls, and clothes dryer drum positioning requiring stable component supply across industrial production cycles.
Supply support for DRV8421BDGQR 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in motor control ICs for industrial and consumer applications.
The DRV8421 product line targets cost-optimized, thermally robust stepper and brushed DC motor drive in home appliances - emphasizing integration of protection, low-power sleep, and simplified 2-wire interface for rapid MCU integration.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current per H-bridge for DRV8421BDGQR?
The DRV8421BDGQR supports 2 A maximum continuous driver current per H-bridge at 12 V and TA = 25°C. This rating assumes adequate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation; current capability decreases at higher ambient temperatures or lower supply voltages due to increased RDS(ON). The DRV8421BDGQR achieves 4 A in parallel mode only when both bridges drive a single winding with proper heatsinking.
Does DRV8421BDGQR support microstepping?
The DRV8421BDGQR does not include internal microstepping circuitry. It executes full-step and half-step modes based on 2-wire PWM inputs (IN1/IN2) and EN control. Microstepping requires an external indexer or MCU to generate intermediate step waveforms - the DRV8421BDGQR provides the H-bridge power stage only, with fixed current magnitude and direction per step.
How is the nFAULT pin used on DRV8421BDGQR?
The nFAULT pin on DRV8421BDGQR is an open-drain output that pulls low during UVLO, OCP, or thermal shutdown events. It requires an external pullup resistor (≥1 kΩ) to the host MCU's VCC. The DRV8421BDGQR asserts nFAULT synchronously with fault detection and releases it after recovery - enabling real-time fault logging and safe motor shutdown in appliances.
Can DRV8421BDGQR drive a unipolar stepper motor?
No, the DRV8421BDGQR is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors and brushed DC loads. Its dual full H-bridge architecture (OUT1–OUT4) lacks the center-tap switching required for unipolar stepper control. Attempting unipolar operation would result in incomplete phase excitation and loss of torque - use dedicated unipolar drivers like ULN2003A instead.
What is the purpose of the exposed thermal pad (PPAD) on DRV8421BDGQR?
The exposed thermal pad (PPAD) on the DRV8421BDGQR HVSSOP-10 package must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve the specified 62.5 °C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance. Without this connection, thermal impedance rises significantly, causing premature thermal shutdown at <1 A load. TI recommends filling the pad with thermal vias to an internal ground layer for reliable 2 A operation.
DRV8421BDGQR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-PowerTFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- PWM
- Technology:
- NMOS
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 2A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4V ~ 18V
- Voltage - Load:
- 4V ~ 18V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-HVSSOP
DRV8421BDGQR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DRV8421BDGQR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DRV8421BDGQR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for DRV8421BDGQR reliable?
The price and inventory of DRV8421BDGQR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DRV8421BDGQR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DRV8421BDGQR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DRV8421BDGQR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DRV8421BDGQR?
DRV8421BDGQR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DRV8421BDGQR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for DRV8421BDGQR?
For technical support, including DRV8421BDGQR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DRV8421BDGQR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DRV8421BDGQR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DRV8421BDGQR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that DRV8421BDGQR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DRV8421BDGQR?
All DRV8421BDGQR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DRV8421BDGQR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The DRV8421BDGQR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DRV8421BDGQR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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