Texas Instruments DRV8833CRTER

Overview

DRV8833CRTER from Texas Instruments is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed for brushed DC and bipolar stepper motor control in space-constrained, battery-powered systems. It delivers 0.6-A RMS per bridge at 5 V, features integrated PWM current regulation (200-mV trip threshold), 2.7–10.8-V supply range, and real-time fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT. It is used in video security cameras and portable robotics.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8833CRTER datasheet, DRV8833CRTER pinout, DRV8833CRTER application, or DRV8833CRTER equivalent, key selection factors include its QFN-16 (3.0 × 3.0 mm) package, 4.2-Ω typical bottom-side thermal resistance, 1.6-µA sleep current, and independent bridge enable/control via AIN1/AIN2/BIN1/BIN2 logic inputs.

Technical Context

The DRV8833CRTER integrates two independent PMOS-NMOS H-bridges with internal current-sense comparators, fixed 20-µs off-time PWM chopping, and automatic slow-decay recirculation. Each bridge supports forward/reverse/brake/coast states via dual logic inputs and includes analog overcurrent protection independent of sense resistors.

It operates with an internal 3.3-V regulator (VINT), requires external 2.2-µF bypassing on VINT and 10-µF on VM, and uses a 3.75-µs blanking window before enabling current sensing. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C with 20°C hysteresis, and UVLO triggers at 2.6 V falling / 2.7 V rising on VM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8833CRTER is housed in a 16-pin QFN (RTE) package measuring 3.00 × 3.00 mm with exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™). The package requires soldering the pad to a dedicated PCB thermal plane for optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and MP6550GQZ, DRV8833CRTER uniquely combines current regulation, fault reporting, and ultra-low sleep current in a 3×3-mm QFN-making it optimal for compact, battery-sensitive applications where autonomous fault response is required.

Availability

DRV8833CRTER is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video security cameras, point-of-sale printers, and portable robotics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for DRV8833CRTER 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in motor control, power management, and signal chain solutions.

The DRV8833C product line delivers highly integrated, thermally optimized motor drivers for cost-sensitive, space-constrained mechatronic systems-including consumer electronics, industrial automation, and personal mobility devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per bridge for DRV8833CRTER?

The DRV8833CRTER supports 0.6-A RMS continuous output current per H-bridge at 25°C when mounted on a PCB with adequate copper area and using the QFN-16 (RTE) package. This rating assumes VM = 5 V and proper thermal design; current derates at lower VM or elevated ambient temperatures due to increased R_DS(ON).

Does DRV8833CRTER require external current sense resistors to operate?

DRV8833CRTER does not require external current sense resistors for basic H-bridge operation-it functions as a standard dual motor driver without them. However, AISEN and BISEN pins must be connected to ground if current regulation is disabled. To enable PWM current chopping, 0.1–10-Ω external resistors are required to set the 200-mV trip threshold.

How does the nFAULT pin behave during overtemperature events on DRV8833CRTER?

During thermal shutdown, the DRV8833CRTER disables all H-bridge FETs and pulls the nFAULT pin low. Once the die temperature falls below (150°C – 20°C) = 130°C, the device automatically resumes normal operation and releases nFAULT (high-impedance state), assuming no other faults persist. No external reset is needed.

Can DRV8833CRTER drive a unipolar stepper motor?

No, DRV8833CRTER is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors and brushed DC motors. Its dual full H-bridges provide bidirectional current control per winding, which is incompatible with unipolar stepper configurations that require center-tapped windings and phase-specific transistor arrays-not supported by the DRV8833CRTER's output architecture.

What is the purpose of the VINT pin on DRV8833CRTER, and how must it be decoupled?

The VINT pin supplies the internal 3.3-V regulator output used for logic circuitry. It must be decoupled with a 2.2-µF, 6.3-V X7R ceramic capacitor placed directly between VINT and GND, with minimal trace length. Failure to properly bypass VINT risks logic instability, erratic fault reporting, or failure to exit sleep mode reliably.