Texas Instruments DRV8804DWR

Overview

DRV8804DWR from Texas Instruments is a quad-channel protected low-side driver IC integrating four N-channel MOSFETs, serial interface control, integrated clamp diodes, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown. It delivers up to 1.5A per channel (single on) or 800mA (all four on) at 25°C in the SOIC-20 (DW) package, operating from 8.2V to 60V VM supply. It is used in relay, solenoid, and unipolar stepper motor drive applications where compact serial-controlled switching with fault reporting is required.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8804DWR datasheet, DRV8804DWR pinout, DRV8804DWR application, or DRV8804DWR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative options, and supply support details for industrial motion control and embedded actuation systems.

Technical Context

The DRV8804DWR implements a serial shift-register interface with daisy-chain capability via SDATIN/SDATOUT, synchronized by SCLK and latched by LATCH - enabling coordinated control of multiple drivers with minimal MCU GPIO. Its four independent low-side outputs feature internal R_DS(on) of 500 mΩ (T_J = 25°C), integrated clamp diodes tied to VCLAMP, and per-channel analog overcurrent detection with 3.5 µs deglitch and 1.2 ms auto-retry.

Protection logic includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO) at 8.2 V, thermal shutdown at ~150°C, and open-drain nFAULT signaling. Output enable is controlled by active-low nENBL (internal pulldown), while RESET provides synchronous logic initialization. All outputs remain functional under nENBL high, allowing safe serial configuration prior to activation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8804DWR is packaged in a 20-pin SOIC (DW) with exposed thermal pad (12.80 mm × 10.30 mm body, 12.80 mm × 7.50 mm nominal footprint). The thermally enhanced layout supports high-current operation when soldered to PCB ground planes with multiple vias.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9051FTG, DRV8804DWR offers smaller SOIC-20 size and SPI-like serial control but lacks CAN and current sensing; versus TPIC2603DWR, it adds serial interface and fault reporting at the cost of slightly larger package and more complex timing.

Availability

DRV8804DWR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for relay control, unipolar stepper motor actuation, solenoid valve management, and industrial load switching requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for DRV8804DWR 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 ICs and industrial-grade interface solutions.

The DRV8804DWR belongs to TI's precision motor driver product line, designed specifically for compact, serial-configurable low-side switching in space-constrained industrial and medical motion systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel for DRV8804DWR?

The DRV8804DWR in the SOIC-20 (DW) package supports up to 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 T_A = 25°C with standard FR-4 PCB heatsinking. Derating is required at higher ambient temperatures or with reduced copper area.

Does DRV8804DWR require external flyback diodes for inductive loads?

No, DRV8804DWR integrates clamp diodes for each output channel. These diodes connect internally to the VCLAMP pin, which must be tied to VM or to a zener diode referenced to VM. This eliminates the need for discrete flyback diodes and simplifies PCB layout for relay, solenoid, and stepper motor applications.

How does the serial interface of DRV8804DWR support daisy-chaining?

DRV8804DWR uses SDATIN to receive serial data and SDATOUT to transmit shifted-out data on the same clock edge. By connecting SDATOUT of one DRV8804DWR to SDATIN of the next, multiple devices can share a single SCLK and LATCH signal. Each device shifts in its own 4-bit command, and a rising LATCH edge applies all commands simultaneously across the chain.

What protection features are built into DRV8804DWR?

DRV8804DWR includes overcurrent protection (OCP) with 3.5 µs deglitch and 1.2 ms auto-retry, thermal shutdown (TSD) at ~150°C with automatic recovery, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) at 8.2 V, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT pin. All protections operate independently per channel and do not require external components.

Can DRV8804DWR drive a unipolar stepper motor directly?

Yes, DRV8804DWR is explicitly designed for unipolar stepper motor control. Its four low-side outputs drive the four phase windings (or center-tapped coils), while the VCLAMP pin allows optimization of current decay time via zener clamping - enabling higher step rates and smoother microstepping performance compared to basic diode clamping.