NXP Semiconductors MC34920EIR2

Overview

MC34920EIR2 from Freescale Semiconductor is a quad H-bridge motor driver IC integrating two independent motor driver blocks, dual buck regulators (V1 and V2), thermal protection, low-voltage reset circuitry, and a 13-bit serial interface. It supports configurable operation per driver: DC motor mode (2.4 A peak, parallel H-bridges) or bipolar stepper motor mode (quarter-step, 0.6 A peak phase current). Designed for printer and scanner motion control systems with 21–42 V input supply.

For engineers reviewing the MC34920EIR2 datasheet, MC34920EIR2 pinout, MC34920EIR2 application, or MC34920EIR2 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in electromechanical subsystems, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The MC34920EIR2 implements two independent motor driver blocks-each configurable via DRx_MODE pin and serial register bits for either DC motor (PWM-controlled, paralleled H-bridges) or bipolar stepper (current-regulated, quarter-step resolution). Each H-bridge pair features integrated current sense amplifiers (DRxSENSE1/2), shoot-through prevention (15–350 ns dead time), and thermal shutdown at 155°C.

Its dual buck regulators operate at 200 kHz (±25 kHz over temperature): V1 delivers fixed 3.3 V or 5.0 V (±4% to ±5%), while V2 provides programmable 10–15 V output (±2%) controlled by external resistor divider and enabled/disabled via serial V2_Enable bit. The RESET output asserts low when VVB+ drops below 13.5–16.5 V or V1_FB falls below 1.9–2.2 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MC34920EIR2 is housed in a 44-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package with exposed thermal pad (Pb-free, EI suffix). Pin layout follows standard PLCC numbering (1–44 clockwise from index corner).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DRV8823PWPR and STSPIN220TR, the MC34920EIR2 uniquely integrates quad H-bridges, dual buck regulators, hardware-mode select pins, and system-level RESET - making it the sole option for high-voltage, multi-topology printer/scanner motion control without external power or protection circuitry.

Availability

MC34920EIR2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer paper feed mechanisms, scanner carriage positioning, multi-function peripheral motor control, industrial document handlers, and embedded electromechanical subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for MC34920EIR2 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 global leader in automotive, industrial, and networking semiconductors, known for high-reliability analog and mixed-signal ICs.

The MC34920EIR2 belongs to Freescale's legacy analog motor driver product line, specifically engineered for cost-sensitive, high-voltage office automation equipment requiring integrated power and motion control in a single package.

FAQ

What motor topologies does the MC34920EIR2 support?

The MC34920EIR2 supports three configurations per driver block: DC motor mode (2.4 A peak, two H-bridges paralleled), bipolar stepper motor mode (0.6 A peak per phase, quarter-step resolution), or mixed mode (one driver as DC, one as stepper). Mode selection is done via DRx_MODE pins and confirmed/adjusted through the 13-bit serial interface. This flexibility makes MC34920EIR2 ideal for multifunction peripherals like all-in-one printers.

Does the MC34920EIR2 include built-in voltage regulators?

Yes, the MC34920EIR2 integrates two independent buck regulators. V1 delivers fixed 3.3 V or 5.0 V (±4% to ±5%) for logic and MCU supply. V2 provides programmable 10–15 V output (±2%) set by an external resistor divider and controlled via serial V2_Enable bit. Both regulators switch at 200 kHz and include overcurrent, thermal foldback, and soft-start functionality - eliminating need for external DC/DC converters.

How does the MC34920EIR2 handle overcurrent and thermal faults?

The MC34920EIR2 implements per-phase current sensing with blanking (300–750 ns), overcurrent detection (1.6–2.5 A for DC mode; 0.75–2.75 A for stepper), and thermal shutdown at 155°C. Upon fault, it disables affected H-bridges, asserts RESET, and enters low-power state. Recovery occurs automatically when junction temperature drops to ≤135°C and supply voltages return to valid range - ensuring robust protection without external supervision.

What is the function of the RESET pin on the MC34920EIR2?

The RESET pin on the MC34920EIR2 is an open-drain, active-low output that signals system-level power faults. It asserts low when VVB+ drops below 13.5–16.5 V or V1_FB falls below 1.9–2.2 V, providing a clean reset pulse (15–50 ms delay) to the host microcontroller. This ensures deterministic system restart during brownout or regulator failure - a critical feature for reliable operation in printer/scanner firmware.

Can the MC34920EIR2 drive stepper motors in microstepping modes?

Yes, the MC34920EIR2 supports quarter-step microstepping in bipolar stepper motor mode. It uses internal current regulation and two serial bits per phase (CURR_I0/CURR_I1) to set four discrete current levels, enabling precise torque control and smoother motion. Direction is controlled per phase via DIR_PH_A/B bits. This eliminates need for external indexer ICs or microstepping DACs - all sequencing and current control is handled internally by the MC34920EIR2.