Texas Instruments DRV8850RGYT

Overview

DRV8850RGYT from Texas Instruments is a low-voltage dual-channel H-bridge motor driver IC with integrated 100-mA LDO regulator, designed for battery-powered motion control. It delivers 5-A continuous / 8-A peak drive current, operates from 2 V to 5.5 V, features internal current sensing (VPROPI), and supports independent high-side/low-side FET control via four logic inputs. It is used in electric toothbrushes, RC toys, and compact robotics where space-constrained, low-quiescent-power motor control is required.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8850RGYT datasheet, DRV8850RGYT pinout, DRV8850RGYT application, or DRV8850RGYT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 24-pin VQFN package with thermal pad, 65 mΩ total R_DS(ON) (HS+LS at 4.2 V), sleep-mode supply current of 1 μA, LDO output adjustability (1.6 V to V_CC – V_LDO), and slew-rate programmability via external resistor on SR pin.

Technical Context

The DRV8850RGYT integrates an NMOS H-bridge with charge-pump gate drive, enabling full N-channel topology from low 2-V supply. Its four independent input pins (IN1H/IN1L/IN2H/IN2L) allow precise half-bridge control with shoot-through prevention logic that forces Hi-Z when both HS and LS are asserted.

It combines motor drive and power management: the LDO regulator remains active during nSLEEP mode, supplying microcontrollers while the driver is disabled; VPROPI provides analog current sense proportional to high-side FET current (1/2000× I_OUT) but is invalid in fast-decay or low-side slow-decay modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8850RGYT is housed in a 24-pin VQFN package (5.5 mm × 3.5 mm) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation. The package is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8833C, the DRV8850RGYT uniquely combines 5-A drive capability, integrated 100-mA LDO, and 2-V operation - making it the only option among the three suitable for high-startup-torque, single-cell battery systems requiring self-contained power and control.

Availability

DRV8850RGYT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated personal hygiene devices, RC hobby models, and compact robotics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for DRV8850RGYT 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 high-reliability automotive/industrial solutions.

The DRV8850RGYT belongs to TI's low-voltage H-bridge portfolio, engineered specifically for space- and power-constrained consumer motion systems - emphasizing integration (driver + LDO), ultra-low sleep current, and robust protection for unattended battery operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the DRV8850RGYT?

The DRV8850RGYT supports 5-A continuous output current under proper PCB thermal design - including adequate copper pour on GND and thermal pad. This rating assumes ambient temperature ≤85°C and sufficient heatsinking; peak current up to 8 A is allowed for short durations (e.g., motor startup). Derating applies above 85°C ambient, per the device's thermal metrics (R_θJA = 39.1°C/W).

Does the DRV8850RGYT require external components for basic operation?

Yes - the DRV8850RGYT requires several external components for reliable operation: (1) 0.1-μF and 10-μF ceramic capacitors from each VCC pin to GND; (2) 0.1-μF capacitor from VCP to VCC; (3) 2.2-μF capacitor from LDOOUT to GND; (4) resistor divider (R1/R2) on LDOFB to set LDO output voltage; and (5) optional resistor from SR to GND to configure slew rate. No external bootstrap diodes or gate resistors are needed due to integrated charge pump.

Can the DRV8850RGYT drive stepper motors?

Yes - the DRV8850RGYT can drive one winding of a bipolar stepper motor using its dual H-bridge outputs (OUT1 and OUT2). It supports full-step, half-step, and microstepping when paired with external controller logic. However, it does not integrate indexer or microstepping logic; those functions must be implemented externally. Its 5-A rating suits high-torque stepper windings, and VPROPI enables current-regulated chopping.

How does the VPROPI current sense output function, and what are its limitations?

VPROPI outputs a current proportional to the high-side FET current (I_OUT/2000), usable for closed-loop control. It is accurate during forward drive, reverse drive, and high-side slow decay - but invalid in fast-decay or low-side slow-decay modes because current flows through the low-side FET only. A 1-kΩ resistor to GND yields 2-A full-scale at V_CC = 2 V; the voltage on VPROPI must remain below (V_CC – 1 V) to avoid saturation.

What protection features are built into the DRV8850RGYT?

The DRV8850RGYT includes overcurrent protection (trip level 9.5 A, deglitch time 1 µs), thermal shutdown (150–180°C trip, 50°C hysteresis), undervoltage lockout (1.95 V falling), overvoltage lockout (5.5 V falling), and shoot-through prevention. All protections are fully internal - no external components required. Fault conditions force the H-bridge into Hi-Z state and assert no automatic recovery; the device resumes normal operation only after fault clearance and input reconfiguration.