Texas Instruments DRV8876PWPT

Overview

DRV8876PWPT from Texas Instruments is an N-channel H-bridge motor driver IC designed for bidirectional brushed DC motor control in 4.5–37 V systems. It delivers 3.5-A peak output current, integrates proportional current sensing (IPROPI), supports PH/EN and PWM control modes via PMODE, and features ultra-low sleep current (<1 µA). It is used in vacuum robots, smart meters, and ATM paper feed mechanisms.

For engineers reviewing the DRV8876PWPT datasheet, DRV8876PWPT pinout, DRV8876PWPT application, or DRV8876PWPT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 700-mΩ total R_DS(on), integrated current regulation with IMODE-selectable off-time, nFAULT open-drain fault reporting, and HTSSOP-16 thermal-pad package compatibility with industrial motor control layouts.

Technical Context

The DRV8876PWPT implements a fully integrated charge pump to drive high-side N-channel MOSFETs, enabling 100% duty-cycle operation without external gate drivers. Its current regulation uses either fixed off-time (25 µs) or cycle-by-cycle chopping, configured via quad-level IMODE input with four distinct settings.

Control logic supports three modes-PH/EN, PWM, and independent half-bridge-latched at power-up based on tri-level PMODE voltage. Protection includes UVLO (4.3–4.6 V), OCP (3.5–5.5 A trip), thermal shutdown (160–190 °C), and automatic fault recovery with nFAULT assertion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DRV8876PWPT is packaged in a 16-pin HTSSOP (PWP) with exposed thermal pad (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm), optimized for surface-mount assembly and thermal dissipation in motor control PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DRV8874PWPR and TB67H450FNG, the DRV8876PWPT offers optimal balance of cost, integration (IPROPI, charge pump, nFAULT), and thermal performance for 12–24 V industrial and consumer motor loads below 3.5 A peak.

Availability

DRV8876PWPT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for vacuum robotics, smart metering, and ATM paper handling systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for DRV8876PWPT 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The DRV887x product line was engineered for compact, cost-sensitive brushed DC motor control in space-constrained applications - integrating gate drive, current sensing, regulation, and protection to replace discrete MOSFET + controller + sense + protection designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the DRV8876PWPT?

The DRV8876PWPT supports 3.5-A peak output current, but continuous current depends on PCB thermal design. With proper copper pour on the thermal pad and 4-layer board, typical continuous current is 2.0–2.5 A at 25 °C ambient. Derating is required above 85 °C junction temperature; full datasheet thermal curves (R_θJA = 44.3 °C/W) must be applied for accurate system-level thermal modeling of the DRV8876PWPT.

How does the IPROPI pin on the DRV8876PWPT generate a usable voltage signal?

The IPROPI pin on the DRV8876PWPT sources a current proportional to motor load current (1000 µA/A scaling). To convert this to a voltage, connect an external resistor (RIPROPI) from IPROPI to GND. For example, a 1-kΩ resistor yields 1 V per 1 A of load current. The DRV8876PWPT includes an internal clamp limiting VIPROPI relative to VREF, protecting downstream ADCs from overvoltage during fault conditions.

Can the DRV8876PWPT operate with a 3.3-V microcontroller without level shifters?

Yes, the DRV8876PWPT supports 1.8-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V logic inputs directly. All control pins (EN/IN1, PH/IN2, nSLEEP, PMODE, IMODE) have valid VIH (≥1.5 V) and VIL (≤0.8 V) thresholds at 3.3 V supply, and internal pulldown resistors ensure safe Hi-Z default states. No external level shifters are needed when interfacing the DRV8876PWPT with standard 3.3-V MCUs.

What protection features are integrated into the DRV8876PWPT?

The DRV8876PWPT integrates undervoltage lockout (UVLO), charge pump undervoltage (CPUV), overcurrent protection (OCP), and thermal shutdown (TSD). Faults are reported on the open-drain nFAULT pin. OCP response (automatic retry or latched-off) and current regulation behavior are configurable via the IMODE pin. All protections operate independently of MCU firmware, ensuring fail-safe operation even during software hangs.

Is the DRV8876PWPT pin-compatible with other devices in the DRV887x family?

Yes, the DRV8876PWPT is pin-compatible with the DRV8874PWPR and DRV8876PWPR in the same HTSSOP-16 (PWP) package. They share identical pinout, control interface, and package footprint. Key differences are R_DS(on) (700 mΩ vs. 200 mΩ) and peak current rating (3.5 A vs. 6 A), allowing direct substitution where thermal and current requirements permit - no PCB layout changes are required for the DRV8876PWPT upgrade path.