Texas Instruments DRV8804DW

Overview

DRV8804DW from Texas Instruments is a quad-channel protected low-side driver IC featuring four N-channel MOSFETs with integrated clamp diodes, serial interface control, overcurrent protection, and 8.2V–60V operation - used in relay, solenoid, and unipolar stepper motor drive circuits.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8804DW datasheet, DRV8804DW pinout, DRV8804DW application, or DRV8804DW equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOIC-20 package mapping, thermal derating data, fault signaling behavior, and daisy-chain serial interface timing for industrial actuator and motion control designs.

Technical Context

The DRV8804DW implements a 20-pin SOIC package with four independent low-side N-MOSFET outputs (OUT1–OUT4), each with 500 mΩ typical R_DS(on) at 25°C and integrated clamp diodes referenced to VCLAMP. It uses a synchronous serial interface (SCLK/SDATIN/SDATOUT/LATCH) supporting daisy-chaining of multiple devices without additional GPIO.

Internal protection includes overcurrent detection (2.3–3.8 A trip level, 3.5 µs deglitch), thermal shutdown (150–180°C), and undervoltage lockout (8.2 V). Fault status is reported via open-drain nFAULT, while enable (nENBL) and reset (RESET) pins provide hardware-level control independent of serial communication.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8804DW is housed in a thermally enhanced 20-pin SOIC (DW) package measuring 12.80 mm × 10.30 mm (body: 12.80 mm × 7.50 mm), with six GND pins (pins 5,6,7,14,15,16) for low-impedance return paths and thermal dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-side driver applications.

Compared with DRV8803PWP and TPL9201DR, the DRV8804DW uniquely combines four protected low-side outputs, serial daisy-chaining, 60 V operation, and SOIC-20 thermal robustness - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-node industrial control systems requiring scalable actuation.

Availability

DRV8804DW is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay driver modules, unipolar stepper motor controllers, solenoid valve interfaces, industrial actuator boards, and programmable logic controller (PLC) output cards requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for DRV8804DW 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in motor drivers, power management, and signal chain solutions.

The DRV8804DW belongs to TI's precision motor driver product line, engineered specifically for industrial automation applications demanding reliable, protected, and scalable low-side switching of inductive loads.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for DRV8804DW at 25°C?

The DRV8804DW supports 1.5 A per channel when only one output is active, and 800 mA per channel when all four outputs are simultaneously active - both values measured at 25°C ambient temperature with standard FR-4 PCB layout and no forced airflow. Derating is required above 25°C per the R_θJA = 67.7°C/W thermal metric.

Does DRV8804DW require external flyback diodes when driving inductive loads?

No, the DRV8804DW integrates clamp diodes for each output channel, connected internally to the VCLAMP pin. These diodes handle inductive kickback energy during turn-off. VCLAMP must be connected either directly to VM or to a Zener diode referenced to VM to set the clamping voltage - no external diodes are needed.

How does the serial interface of DRV8804DW support daisy-chaining multiple devices?

The DRV8804DW features a push-pull SDATOUT pin that drives the SDATIN pin of the next device in the chain. With a single SCLK and SDATIN line, up to N devices can be controlled using an N×8-bit serial packet. The LATCH signal synchronizes all devices simultaneously, ensuring deterministic output updates across the entire chain without added timing skew.

What protection features are implemented in DRV8804DW and how are faults signaled?

The DRV8804DW includes overcurrent protection (OCP), thermal shutdown (TSD), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO). All faults assert the open-drain nFAULT pin low. OCP triggers after 3.5 µs of sustained overcurrent and initiates a 1.2 ms retry cycle; TSD activates above ~150°C; UVLO disables operation below 8.2 V on VM. RESET or VM cycling clears latched faults.

Can DRV8804DW drive a 48 V solenoid load, and what is the absolute maximum VM rating?

Yes, the DRV8804DW supports VM from 8.2 V to 60 V, making it suitable for 48 V solenoid applications. Its absolute maximum VM rating is 65 V, providing 5 V headroom for transient spikes. When operating near 48 V, ensure proper PCB heatsinking and verify R_DS(on) derating at elevated temperatures - typical R_DS(on) rises to 0.8 Ω at 85°C.