Texas Instruments DRV8801PWP

Overview

DRV8801PWP from Texas Instruments is a 16-pin HTSSOP packaged DMOS full-bridge motor driver IC for brushed DC motors, supporting 8–36 V supply, ±2.8 A peak output current, and featuring PHASE/ENABLE control interface, integrated charge pump, and VPROPI analog current-sense output. It enables bidirectional motor control in compact industrial motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8801PWP datasheet, DRV8801PWP pinout, DRV8801PWP application, or DRV8801PWP equivalent, key selection considerations include its HTSSOP thermal performance (RθJA = 43.9°C/W), MODE1/MODE2 decay configuration flexibility, VPROPI proportional current monitoring capability, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT.

Technical Context

The DRV8801PWP implements an N-channel H-bridge with internal charge pump for high-side gate drive, enabling operation up to 36 V without external high-voltage bias. Its dual-mode decay control (MODE1 for fast/slow decay, MODE2 for high/low-side recirculation path selection) supports precise current regulation during PWM commutation.

It integrates real-time protection including overcurrent detection (IOCP = 3 A, deglitch time = 3 µs), thermal warning (160°C) and shutdown (175°C), UVLO (7.5 V trip), and short-to-supply/ground detection - all signaled via nFAULT. The VPROPI output delivers 5× scaled SENSE voltage (0–500 mV → 0–2.5 V) for ADC-based current feedback.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8801PWP uses a thermally enhanced 16-pin HTSSOP package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm) with PowerPAD™ exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for efficient heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar brushed DC motor driver applications.

Compared with DRV8800PWP, DRV8801PWP adds VPROPI for embedded current monitoring but removes VREG; versus TB6612FNG, it delivers 2.3× higher current, 2.4× wider voltage range, and integrated charge pump - making it suitable for industrial 24 V motion control where precision and ruggedness are critical.

Availability

DRV8801PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, robotics, and medical lab equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for DRV8801PWP 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 IC design.

The DRV880x product line was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained brushed DC motor applications in industrial and automation equipment - emphasizing integration, protection, and ease of controller interfacing.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the DRV8801PWP?

The DRV8801PWP supports ±2.8 A peak output current. Continuous current depends on PCB thermal design: with 2 cm² copper + thermal vias on the PowerPAD, it sustains ~1.8 A continuous at 85°C ambient. Derating is required above 85°C per RθJA = 43.9°C/W. The DRV8801PWP's overcurrent protection triggers at 3 A, providing headroom for transient loads.

How does the VPROPI pin on the DRV8801PWP function, and what is its scaling factor?

The VPROPI pin on the DRV8801PWP outputs a voltage proportional to the SENSE pin differential voltage, with a fixed gain of 5 V/V. When a 0.2 Ω sense resistor is used, 2.8 A produces 560 mV across RSENSE, resulting in 2.8 V at VPROPI - but the device trips OCP at 500 mV SENSE (2.5 V VPROPI). The DRV8801PWP's VPROPI is designed for direct connection to 12-bit ADC inputs with minimal external filtering.

Can the DRV8801PWP operate without external charge pump capacitors?

No - the DRV8801PWP requires two external capacitors for proper charge pump operation: a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor between CP1 and CP2, and another 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor from VCP to VBB. Omitting either causes failure of high-side gate drive, leading to asymmetric output behavior, excessive heating, and immediate nFAULT assertion due to charge pump undervoltage (CPUV).

What decay modes does the DRV8801PWP support, and how are they configured?

The DRV8801PWP supports fast-decay and slow-decay modes via MODE1, and further selects recirculation path (high-side or low-side) in slow-decay mode via MODE2. MODE1 = low enables fast-decay synchronous rectification; MODE1 = high enables slow-decay braking. When MODE1 = high, MODE2 = high routes current through high-side drivers, while MODE2 = low routes it through low-side drivers - a feature unique to the DRV8801PWP versus DRV8800PWP.

Does the DRV8801PWP include thermal protection, and what are the trip thresholds?

Yes - the DRV8801PWP includes both thermal warning (OTW) at 160°C and thermal shutdown (OTS) at 175°C. At OTW, nFAULT is pulled low but motor operation continues; at OTS, H-bridge outputs disable until die temperature falls to 160°C (15°C hysteresis). These thresholds are factory-trimmed and do not require external components. The DRV8801PWP's thermal protection operates independently of nSLEEP state.