Texas Instruments DRV8701ERGET

Overview

DRV8701ERGET from Texas Instruments is a single H-bridge gate driver IC designed to control four external N-channel MOSFETs in brushed DC motor applications. It operates from 5.9 V to 45 V, delivers 9.5-V high-side and 4.3-V low-side gate drive (at VM = 5.9 V), integrates dual LDOs (3.3 V/30 mA and 4.8 V/30 mA), and supports PH/EN interface mode for bidirectional motor control in industrial pumps and robotics.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8701ERGET datasheet, DRV8701ERGET pinout, DRV8701ERGET application, or DRV8701ERGET equivalent, key selection criteria include configurable gate drive current (6–150 mA source / 12.5–300 mA sink), integrated shunt amplifier (20 V/V gain), 9 µA sleep-mode quiescent current, and protection features including VM UVLO, overcurrent detection, and thermal shutdown.

Technical Context

The DRV8701ERGET implements a charge-pump-based high-side gate driver with regulated V_GS output (9.5 V nominal when VM > 12 V), enabling full enhancement of external N-channel FETs without bootstrap capacitors. Its fixed off-time PWM current regulation uses an internal comparator comparing amplified sense voltage (SP/SN × 20) against VREF to limit motor inrush and stall current.

Control logic follows PH/EN interface behavior: EN = 1 + PH = 1 enables forward drive (SH1 high, SH2 low); EN = 1 + PH = 0 enables reverse drive (SH1 low, SH2 high); EN = 0 places bridge in brake mode. Fault status is reported via open-drain nFAULT, while SNSOUT signals current-chop threshold crossing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8701ERGET is housed in a 24-pin VQFN (RGE) package with PowerPAD™ thermal pad (4.0 × 4.0 × 0.9 mm). The exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal performance and electrical stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9051FTG and MP6532, DRV8701ERGET uniquely combines external FET control, PH/EN interface, integrated shunt amplifier, dual LDOs, and adjustable gate drive in a single 4×4 mm package - reducing total solution size by ≥35% and eliminating ≥5 external components in industrial motor control designs.

Availability

DRV8701ERGET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial pumps and valves, robotics actuation, home automation systems, and cordless power tools requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for DRV8701ERGET 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in motor control ICs and industrial-grade power management solutions.

DRV8701ERGET belongs to TI's brushed DC motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, externally-FET-based motor control in 12–24 V industrial and consumer equipment where design flexibility, protection integrity, and thermal efficiency are critical.

FAQ

What is the function of the IDRIVE pin on the DRV8701ERGET?

The IDRIVE pin on the DRV8701ERGET sets the peak gate drive current for both high-side and low-side FETs using a single external resistor to GND or AVDD. Resistor values from <1 kΩ to 500 kΩ configure source currents from 6 mA to 150 mA and sink currents from 12.5 mA to 300 mA, allowing optimization for specific FET gate charge and switching loss requirements without adding series gate resistors.

How does the DRV8701ERGET implement current regulation for brushed DC motors?

The DRV8701ERGET implements fixed off-time PWM current regulation by comparing the amplified voltage across an external sense resistor (SP–SN × 20 V/V) to the VREF input voltage. When the sensed voltage exceeds VREF, the device enters brake mode for a fixed 25 µs off-time, then resumes drive - effectively limiting average winding current without requiring MCU intervention or complex timing coordination.

Can the DRV8701ERGET operate with a 5.9 V supply voltage?

Yes, the DRV8701ERGET supports operation down to 5.9 V VM. At this minimum supply, high-side V_GS is 3.5–4.5 V and low-side V_GS is 3.9–4.9 V, sufficient to fully enhance logic-level N-channel MOSFETs. The charge pump still functions, delivering VCP ≈ 9.4–10.4 V, and all protections (including UVLO at 5.6 V rising) remain active.

What is the purpose of the nFAULT pin on the DRV8701ERGET?

The nFAULT pin on the DRV8701ERGET is an open-drain output that pulls low during any fault condition - including VM undervoltage lockout, charge pump undervoltage, overcurrent (V_DS or V_SP), pre-driver fault, or thermal shutdown. It requires an external pullup resistor (≥10 kΩ) and allows the host controller to detect and respond to faults with minimal additional circuitry.

Does the DRV8701ERGET support half-bridge operation?

Yes, the DRV8701ERGET supports half-bridge operation. To configure it, disconnect GH1 and GL1, tie SH1 to GND via a 330 Ω resistor, and use PH/EN logic: EN = 1 + PH = 0 drives SH2 high (motor-to-GND), while EN = 0 places SH2 low for braking. This mode retains full gate drive strength, current regulation, and protection features for single-ended motor control.