NXP Semiconductors MC33486ADH

Overview

MC33486ADH from Freescale Semiconductor is a dual high-side power switch IC designed for H-bridge DC motor control, featuring two 15 mΩ N-channel MOSFETs, integrated low-side gate drivers (GLS1/GLS2), overtemperature and overcurrent protection, and current recopy (1/3700 ratio) for real-time load monitoring. It operates from 8.0 V to 28 V, supports PWM up to 30 kHz, and delivers 10 A nominal DC current per channel at 85°C ambient.

For engineers reviewing the MC33486ADH datasheet, MC33486ADH pinout, MC33486ADH application in H-bridge motor control, or MC33486ADH equivalent for relay replacement in automotive body electronics, this device provides self-protected high-side switching with diagnostic status output, wake-controlled sleep mode, and thermal management via HSOP-20 package with exposed VBAT tab.

Technical Context

The MC33486ADH implements a dual-channel high-side switch architecture with independent IN1/IN2 control inputs and complementary GLS1/GLS2 low-side gate drivers for external N-MOSFETs. Its internal charge pump enables gate drive above VBAT, while cross-conduction management prevents shoot-through by enforcing dead-time logic between high- and low-side activation.

Protection is implemented at silicon level: high-side overcurrent shutdown triggers within 3.0 µs (typical), thermal shutdown activates at 150°C (TJ) with 10°C hysteresis, and undervoltage/overvoltage detection disables outputs below 7.0 V or above 29 V (typical). The Cur R terminal provides ground-referenced analog current sense proportional to total high-side load current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC33486ADH uses a 20-terminal HSOP (Heat Sink Overmolded Package) with exposed backside TAB connected to VBAT - serving as both power input and primary thermal path to PCB. The package measures 15.4 mm × 10.4 mm × 2.4 mm and requires minimum 10 cm² copper area for rated 10 A operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-side switch applications.

Compared with MC33486ADH, MC33883DW offers lower integration for single-load use but cannot replicate dual H-bridge functionality, while TPS4H160-Q1 adds digital configurability at the cost of analog current sensing and external low-side driver support - making MC33486ADH optimal for cost-sensitive, analog-feedback-based motor control.

Availability

MC33486ADH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial motion control, and medical actuation systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and AEC-Q100-compliant power switching.

Supply support for MC33486ADH 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a pioneer in automotive and industrial analog power ICs, known for robust, AEC-Q100-qualified devices with integrated protection and diagnostics.

The MC33486ADH belongs to Freescale's analog power switch product line, engineered specifically for replacing electromechanical relays in 12 V/24 V H-bridge motor control applications with enhanced reliability and reduced system footprint.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for MC33486ADH per channel?

The MC33486ADH supports 10 A continuous DC current per channel at an ambient temperature of 85°C, provided the PCB layout includes at least 10 cm² of copper heatsink area (2.5 cm² on top side, 7.5 cm² on bottom side) and the junction temperature remains ≤150°C. Derating applies above 85°C ambient per Figure 27 in the datasheet.

How does the current recopy function work on MC33486ADH?

The MC33486ADH Cur R terminal delivers a precise analog current proportional to the sum of both high-side output currents, scaled by a fixed ratio of 1/3700. With a 1.0 kΩ pull-down resistor to GND, it generates a ground-referenced voltage (e.g., 2.7 V at 10 A total load) readable by a standard MCU ADC - eliminating need for external shunts or isolated amplifiers.

Does MC33486ADH support PWM motor control, and what is its maximum frequency?

Yes, MC33486ADH is fully PWM-capable up to 30 kHz. Its self-adjusting switching speed automatically selects high-speed mode (10 V/µs slew rate) for PWM edges spaced <250 µs apart, minimizing switching losses and EMI - enabling smooth, efficient variable-speed motor control without external slew-rate control circuitry.

What protection features are integrated into MC33486ADH?

MC33486ADH integrates six key protections: (1) high-side overcurrent shutdown (35 A typical), (2) overtemperature shutdown (150°C TJ), (3) undervoltage lockout (7.0 V), (4) overvoltage shutdown (29 V), (5) cross-conduction prevention, and (6) low-side overcurrent detection via V_GS/V_DS monitoring. All faults assert the open-drain ST pin.

Can MC33486ADH operate without external low-side MOSFETs?

MC33486ADH can operate without external low-side MOSFETs only if low-side overcurrent protection is disabled - achieved by connecting a 470 pF capacitor in parallel with a 100 kΩ resistor to each GLS pin. However, this configuration forfeits short-to-VBAT protection and is not recommended for production H-bridge designs per Freescale's functional description.