Texas Instruments DRV8833CRTET

Overview

DRV8833CRTET from Texas Instruments is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC for brushed DC or bipolar stepper motors, delivering up to 0.7-A RMS per bridge at 5 V, with integrated PWM current regulation (200-mV trip threshold), 2.7–10.8-V supply range, and fault reporting via open-drain nFAULT. It enables compact motion control in battery-powered robotics and POS printers.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8833CRTET datasheet, DRV8833CRTET pinout, DRV8833CRTET application, or DRV8833CRTET equivalent, key selection factors include its QFN-16 (3.0 × 3.0 mm) package, 1.6-µA sleep current, dual independent H-bridge control logic, thermal shutdown protection, and external sense-resistor-based current limiting.

Technical Context

The DRV8833CRTET integrates two independent PMOS/NMOS H-bridges with fixed 20-µs off-time PWM current regulation, using internal 200-mV reference and external sense resistors on AISEN/BISEN pins. Each bridge supports forward, reverse, brake, and coast modes via dual logic inputs (AIN1/AIN2, BIN1/BIN2).

It features asynchronous overcurrent protection (1-A peak trip, 2.3-µs deglitch), VM undervoltage lockout (2.6 V fall / 2.7 V rise), and thermal shutdown (150°C activation, 20°C hysteresis). The nSLEEP pin enables 1.6-µA ultra-low-power sleep mode with 10-µs entry and 155-µs wake-up latency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8833CRTET uses a 16-pin QFN (RTE) package with 3.00 × 3.00 mm body size and exposed thermal pad (PowerPAD™) requiring solder connection to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical 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, the DRV8833CRTET offers the smallest footprint (QFN-16), lowest sleep current (1.6 µA), and integrated VINT regulator-making it optimal for space- and energy-constrained portable motion systems.

Availability

DRV8833CRTET is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for robotics platforms, video security camera pan-tilt mechanisms, and point-of-sale printer subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for DRV8833CRTET 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in motor control ICs and power management solutions.

The DRV8833CRTET belongs to TI's precision motor driver product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, battery-powered mechatronic applications demanding compact size, low quiescent power, and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per bridge for DRV8833CRTET?

The DRV8833CRTET delivers 0.6-A RMS per H-bridge continuously under recommended operating conditions (VM = 5 V, T_A = 25°C, QFN package). This rating assumes adequate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation; current derates at higher ambient temperatures or lower VM voltages due to increased R_DS(ON).

How does the current regulation function work on DRV8833CRTET?

The DRV8833CRTET uses a fixed 20-µs off-time PWM current regulation scheme. When motor winding current reaches the 200-mV threshold across the external sense resistor (e.g., 1 Ω → 200 mA), the H-bridge disables for 20 µs before re-enabling. This chopper action maintains precise current limits without external clocking or complex control loops.

Can DRV8833CRTET drive a bipolar stepper motor, and what control signals are required?

Yes, DRV8833CRTET can drive a bipolar stepper motor using full-step or half-step modes. It requires four independent logic inputs: AIN1/AIN2 for phase A and BIN1/BIN2 for phase B. Sequencing these inputs per Table 1 in the datasheet generates bidirectional stepping motion with programmable decay modes.

What is the purpose of the VINT pin on DRV8833CRTET, and how must it be decoupled?

The VINT pin provides a regulated 3.3-V internal supply for logic circuitry. It must be bypassed to GND with a 2.2-µF, 6.3-V ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin. Failure to properly decouple VINT risks logic instability, especially during motor switching transients that couple noise onto the internal rail.

Does DRV8833CRTET support parallel operation of its two H-bridges, and what is the benefit?

Yes, DRV8833CRTET supports parallel mode: connecting AOUT1/BOUT1 and AOUT2/BOUT2 together doubles output current capability to 1.2-A RMS (QFN package). Internal dead time prevents shoot-through, eliminating need for external timing synchronization-ideal for driving higher-torque single-axis loads.