Texas Instruments LMD18201T
- Part No.:
- LMD18201T
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- TO-220-11 Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
LMD18201T.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRV BIPLR 12-55V TO220-11
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,018
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Product details
Overview
LMD18201T from Texas Instruments is a 3A, 55V monolithic H-bridge motor driver IC built using bipolar-CMOS-DMOS technology. It delivers up to 3A continuous output current, operates at supply voltages up to 55V, features low RDS(ON) of 0.33Ω per switch at 3A, includes thermal warning flag output at 145°C, and supports TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs for DC and stepper motor control in industrial motion systems.
For engineers reviewing the LMD18201T datasheet, LMD18201T pinout, LMD18201T application, or LMD18201T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative options, and supply support for production deployment in factory automation, CNC machinery, and precision positioning systems.
Technical Context
The LMD18201T integrates bipolar-CMOS control logic with DMOS power transistors on a single die, enabling full H-bridge operation without external shoot-through protection circuitry. Its internal charge pump and bootstrap capability (pins 1 & 11) support high-side gate drive up to 55V, while integrated clamp diodes handle inductive kickback during switching.
Thermal management is implemented via two-stage junction monitoring: an open-collector thermal warning flag activates at 145°C (pin 9), and full thermal shutdown disables outputs at 170°C. Current sensing requires an external 0.1Ω resistor between pins 7 (POWER GROUND/SENSE) and system ground, with voltage compliance limited to −1.0V to +0.5V across pins 7–8.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Continuous Output Current | 3A - Sustained motor drive capability without forced cooling under typical PCB layout and ambient conditions. |
| Peak Output Current | 6A for 200 ms - Supports short-duration torque bursts during motor startup or load transients. |
| RDS(ON) per Switch | 0.33Ω typ at 3A - Limits conduction loss to ~3W total at full continuous current, reducing heatsink requirements. |
| Supply Voltage Range | +12V to +55V - Enables direct integration into 24V and 48V industrial power rails without regulation. |
| Thermal Warning Threshold | 145°C junction - Provides early interrupt signal to host controller before thermal shutdown at 170°C. |
| Logic Input Compatibility | TTL/CMOS - Accepts 0.8V/2.0V thresholds, allowing direct interface with microcontrollers and FPGA I/O without level-shifting. |
| Switching Speed (tON) | 70–100 ns with 10 nF bootstrap cap - Enables PWM operation up to 500 kHz for high-resolution velocity control. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220 (NDJ0011B), 11-pin vertical mount with integral heat sink tab (pin 6 connected to VS, tab electrically tied to pin 6).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1, BOOTSTRAP 1 | Charge pump capacitor node for half-bridge 1 | Connects to 10 nF capacitor between pins 1–2 to enable fast high-side turn-on at >12V supply. |
| Pin 2, OUTPUT 1 | H-Bridge output terminal 1 | Drives one side of motor or load; pairs with pin 10 for bidirectional current flow. |
| Pin 3, DIRECTION | Motor rotation direction control input | Logic level determines sourcing/sinking configuration of outputs 1 and 10 per truth table. |
| Pin 4, BRAKE | Motor braking control input | High + PWM high shorts motor terminals; high + PWM low disables all outputs except bias current. |
| Pin 5, PWM | Pulse-width modulation input | Modulates amplitude in sign/magnitude mode; used with pin 3 to encode locked anti-phase signals. |
| Pin 6, VS | Main power supply input | Accepts 12–55V; internally powers charge pump and connects to metal tab for thermal conduction. |
| Pin 7, POWER GROUND/SENSE | Power return path and current sense node | Series 0.1Ω resistor here enables load current measurement; voltage must stay within −1.0V to +0.5V vs pin 8. |
| Pin 8, SIGNAL GROUND | Logic reference ground | Separate from power ground to prevent noise coupling into CMOS control circuitry. |
| Pin 9, THERMAL FLAG | Open-collector warning output | Active-low at 145°C; wired-OR capable; drives MCU interrupt with external pull-up to ≤12V. |
| Pin 10, OUTPUT 2 | H-Bridge output terminal 2 | Complementary output to pin 2; forms complete bridge with pin 2 for bidirectional motor control. |
| Pin 11, BOOTSTRAP 2 | Charge pump capacitor node for half-bridge 2 | Connects to 10 nF capacitor between pins 10–11 for independent high-side drive of output 10. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No shoot-through current | Internal logic prevents simultaneous high-side and low-side transistor conduction, eliminating destructive cross-conduction faults. |
| Integrated clamp diodes | Four internal DMOS body diodes provide flyback path for inductive loads, eliminating need for external freewheeling diodes. |
| Shorted-load protection | Current-limiting circuitry shuts down outputs within microseconds if load current exceeds ~10A, protecting against winding shorts. |
| Thermal warning + shutdown | Dual-stage thermal response allows system-level intervention (e.g., reduce PWM duty) before irreversible shutdown at 170°C. |
| Bootstrap-capable high-side drive | Supports 10 nF external capacitors on pins 1–2 and 10–11 to achieve <100 ns switching times at 55V supply. |
Applications
| DC Motor Position Control | Stepper Motor Microstepping Driver |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop position control of DC motors in CNC machine tool axes using encoder feedback and PID compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LMD18201T serves as the final power stage, translating sign/magnitude PWM commands from motion controller (e.g., LM629) into bidirectional motor current. Use Value: Delivers precise 3A continuous current with <100 ns switching resolution, enabling sub-micron positioning accuracy and smooth velocity profiling. |
Use Scenario: Driving unipolar or bipolar stepper motors in automated laboratory equipment requiring quiet, vibration-free microstepping. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LMD18201T operates in half-bridge mode per phase, controlled by external indexer to sequence current polarity and magnitude per step. Use Value: Integrated clamp diodes and 0.33Ω RDS(ON) minimize power loss and heat generation during rapid phase commutation at 20–50 kHz. |
| Industrial Servomechanism | Factory Automation Actuator |
|
Use Scenario: Velocity and torque control of servo actuators in robotic joint modules where thermal margin and fault resilience are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LMD18201T implements current-mode control loop output stage, interfacing with analog current-sense resistor and microcontroller ADC. Use Value: Thermal flag (pin 9) feeds real-time junction temperature data to safety PLC, enabling predictive derating before shutdown occurs. |
Use Scenario: Driving linear actuators and solenoid valves in packaging machinery operating continuously at 48V supply with frequent start-stop cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LMD18201T acts as robust H-bridge interface between programmable logic controller (PLC) outputs and high-inertia mechanical loads. Use Value: 55V absolute max rating and 6A peak current support ensure reliable operation during inrush events and stall conditions without external protection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB6612FNG | 2-channel 1.2A dual H-bridge in SSOP package; no thermal flag; lower voltage (15V max); integrated current sense amplifier. | Better suited for low-voltage, space-constrained robotics; lacks 55V capability and discrete thermal warning output. | Select when board area is constrained and supply ≤15V; avoid for industrial 48V systems requiring thermal monitoring. |
| VNH2SP30-E | Single-channel 30A peak H-bridge in PowerSSO-36; higher current but larger footprint; includes SPI diagnostics and PWM frequency up to 20 kHz. | Targeted at automotive-grade high-current applications; lacks bootstrap pins and requires external gate drivers for >20V operation. | Choose for automotive environments needing ASIL-B compliance and diagnostic reporting; not drop-in for LMD18201T's TO-220 layout. |
Compared with TB6612FNG and VNH2SP30-E, the LMD18201T uniquely balances 55V operation, integrated thermal flag, TO-220 thermal performance, and bootstrap-enabled high-frequency PWM-making it optimal for industrial motion control where voltage headroom, thermal visibility, and layout simplicity are prioritized over channel count or automotive qualification.
Availability
LMD18201T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for factory automation robots, numerically controlled machinery, and computer printers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for LMD18201T 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 connectivity technologies with over 50 years of industrial power management innovation.
The LMD18201T belongs to TI's legacy motion control IC portfolio, designed specifically for rugged, high-voltage DC and stepper motor drive applications in factory automation, CNC, and precision instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the maximum supply voltage the LMD18201T can safely operate at?
The LMD18201T has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 60V, but its recommended operating range is +12V to +55V per the datasheet. Operating above 55V risks violating functional specifications and may trigger undervoltage lockout or premature thermal shutdown. For sustained reliability in industrial 48V systems, the LMD18201T delivers full 3A continuous output with appropriate heatsinking and supply bypassing.
Does the LMD18201T include internal protection diodes, and how do they function?
Yes, the LMD18201T integrates four internal clamp diodes-one across each DMOS power switch-to safely dissipate inductive energy during switching transitions. These diodes limit voltage spikes to ~1.5V forward drop at 3A, eliminating the need for external freewheeling diodes. Their reverse recovery times (70 ns for sourcing, 100 ns for sinking devices) are optimized to minimize switching losses and prevent latch-up during high-frequency PWM operation.
How does the thermal warning flag (pin 9) behave in the LMD18201T?
The LMD18201T thermal warning flag on pin 9 is an open-collector output that pulls low when junction temperature reaches 145°C. It remains active until temperature drops below hysteresis threshold (~135°C), providing early warning to the host controller. The flag does not disable outputs-it coexists with normal operation until thermal shutdown triggers at 170°C. External pull-up to ≤12V is required, and multiple LMD18201T flags can be wire-OR'd for system-level thermal monitoring.
Can the LMD18201T drive stepper motors, and what configuration is required?
Yes, the LMD18201T can drive bipolar stepper motors by configuring each half-bridge independently: pins 2 and 10 serve as complementary outputs per phase, while pins 3 (DIRECTION), 4 (BRAKE), and 5 (PWM) control sequencing. In practice, two LMD18201T units-or one LMD18201T per phase-are used with external logic to generate phase current polarity and magnitude. Its 3A continuous rating supports NEMA 23-class steppers in microstepping applications up to 50 kHz.
What is the purpose of the bootstrap pins (1 and 11) on the LMD18201T?
Pins 1 and 11 are bootstrap capacitor inputs for the internal charge pump, enabling high-side DMOS gate drive above the VS supply rail. A 10 nF capacitor between pin 1–2 and pin 10–11 provides rapid gate charging, reducing tON to <100 ns and supporting PWM frequencies up to 500 kHz. Without these capacitors, the internal 300 kHz oscillator limits switching to ~1 kHz-making external bootstrap essential for high-performance motion control using the LMD18201T.
LMD18201T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-11 Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Last Time Buy
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (2)
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Technology:
- Bi-CMOS, DMOS
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 12V ~ 55V
- Voltage - Load:
- 12V ~ 55V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-11
LMD18201T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LMD18201T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LMD18201T on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LMD18201T reliable?
The price and inventory of LMD18201T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LMD18201T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LMD18201T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LMD18201T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LMD18201T?
LMD18201T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LMD18201T order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LMD18201T?
For technical support, including LMD18201T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LMD18201T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LMD18201T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LMD18201T products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LMD18201T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LMD18201T?
All LMD18201T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LMD18201T, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LMD18201T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LMD18201T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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