Texas Instruments DRV8816PWP

Overview

DRV8816PWP from Texas Instruments is a dual ½-H-bridge brushed DC motor driver IC designed for industrial and embedded motion control. It delivers ±2.8 A peak output current per channel, operates from 8 V to 38 V, and integrates low-R_DS(on) MOSFETs (0.35–0.85 Ω), configurable overcurrent protection via SENSE pin, and real-time current monitoring via VPROPI output. It drives one bidirectional DC motor or two unidirectional motors in printers, robotics, and automated levers.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8816PWP datasheet, DRV8816PWP pinout, DRV8816PWP application, or DRV8816PWP equivalent, key selection considerations include its HTSSOP-16 PowerPAD™ package thermal performance (R_θJA = 43.9 °C/W), EN/IN control interface compatibility with microcontrollers, programmable OCP threshold (500 mV on SENSE), and integrated fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT.

Technical Context

The DRV8816PWP implements two independent N-channel DMOS ½-H-bridge outputs controlled by separate ENx/INx logic pairs, supporting forward/reverse/brake/coast operation for a single brushed DC motor or independent drive of two solenoids or unidirectional motors. Its internal charge pump enables high-side gate drive up to 38 V without external boost circuitry.

Protection architecture includes VBB undervoltage lockout (7.5 V trip), charge pump UVLO (13.8 V), overtemperature warning (160 °C) and shutdown (175 °C), short-to-supply/ground detection, and deglitched overcurrent protection with 3 µs blanking and 1.6 ms retry timing. Fault status is reported synchronously via nFAULT, which remains indeterminate during sleep mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8816PWP is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin HTSSOP package (4.40 mm × 5.00 mm) with exposed PowerPAD™ (GND-connected) for efficient heat dissipation. RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG, DRV8816PWP supports 3× higher bus voltage and 2.3× higher peak current while adding VPROPI feedback; versus DRV8876N, it trades higher current capability for lower cost and simpler analog interface - making DRV8816PWP optimal for mid-power industrial motion where programmable OCP and thermal robustness are prioritized.

Availability

DRV8816PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, robotics, and printer subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for DRV8816PWP 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 and industrial-grade reliability validation.

The DRV8816PWP belongs to TI's high-voltage brushed DC motor driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient, and feature-rich motion control in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing protection integrity, layout simplicity, and controller interoperability.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current the DRV8816PWP can deliver per channel?

The DRV8816PWP is rated for ±2.8 A peak output current per channel. Continuous current depends on thermal management: with proper PCB layout (PowerPAD™ soldered to ground plane, ≥4 thermal vias), ambient temperature ≤40 °C, and R_DS(on) ≈ 0.7 Ω at 125 °C, sustained current is ~1.5 A RMS. Exceeding this without heatsinking risks thermal shutdown (TOTS = 175 °C).

How does the SENSE pin function in the DRV8816PWP, and what resistor value should I use?

The SENSE pin on the DRV8816PWP monitors current via an external resistor to GND. When voltage exceeds 500 mV, overcurrent protection disables the H-bridge. To set a 2.5 A trip point, use R_SENSE = 500 mV / 2.5 A = 0.2 Ω. The resistor must be low-inductance, surface-mount, and power-rated for I_RMS² × R - e.g., 0.25 W for 2 A RMS. If unused, connect SENSE directly to GND.

Can the DRV8816PWP drive a stepper motor, and if so, how?

Yes, the DRV8816PWP can drive one winding of a bipolar stepper motor (e.g., as a unipolar or half-winding driver), but it is not a dedicated stepper driver. It controls only one coil pair per device - for full 2-phase bipolar operation, two DRV8816PWP units are required. Microstepping, acceleration profiling, and phase sequencing must be handled externally by the host controller using EN/IN logic states per Table 3 in the datasheet.

What is the purpose of the VPROPI pin on the DRV8816PWP, and how is it used?

The VPROPI pin on the DRV8816PWP outputs a 5× amplified version of the SENSE pin voltage (0–2.5 V max), providing real-time analog motor current feedback. It enables closed-loop current regulation without external amplifiers. For example, with a 0.2 Ω sense resistor and 2 A load, SENSE = 400 mV → VPROPI = 2.0 V. This signal connects directly to a microcontroller ADC for dynamic torque control or stall detection in the DRV8816PWP application.

Does the DRV8816PWP require external capacitors, and which ones are mandatory?

Yes, the DRV8816PWP requires three mandatory external capacitors: (1) 0.1 µF ceramic between VBB and GND for high-frequency decoupling; (2) 0.1 µF ceramic between VCP and VBB to stabilize the charge pump; and (3) 0.1 µF ceramic between CP1 and CP2 for charge pump switching. A bulk capacitor (e.g., 100 µF electrolytic) on VBB is strongly recommended to handle motor transient currents and suppress supply rail collapse during startup or braking.