Texas Instruments TPIC2101N

Overview

TPIC2101N from Texas Instruments is a monolithic DC brush motor controller IC that generates a fixed-frequency (20 kHz), variable-duty-cycle PWM gate drive signal to control low-side NMOS FETs driving permanent-magnet DC motors. It supports dual-input modes (auto-mode PWM command or manual-mode differential voltage), provides 0–100% duty cycle capability, built-in soft start, and operates from 8 V to 16 V Vbat with <200 µA sleep current. It is used in automotive HVAC blower systems and industrial fan speed control.

For engineers reviewing the TPIC2101N datasheet, TPIC2101N pinout, TPIC2101N application, or TPIC2101N equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-speed-command interface, integrated over/under-voltage and over-current protection, 5.5 V regulated AREF/V5P5 outputs, and compatibility with external low-side power FETs in 14-pin DIP packages.

Technical Context

The TPIC2101N implements a closed-loop integrator-based PWM generator with internal 20 kHz oscillator (set by ROSC/COSC), automatic/manual mode detection logic, and fault-state management for overvoltage (18.5 V typ), undervoltage (7.5 V typ), and current-limit events. Its GD output drives external NMOS FET gates with 0–Vbat swing and ±50 mA drive capability.

It features dual input configuration: auto mode accepts open-collector 100 Hz PWM on AUTO (with 2048-cycle timeout), while manual mode senses 0–2.2 V differential across MAN/AUTO via 2 mA current sinks derived from CCS. The SPEED/INT integrator forms a low-pass filter with 20 kΩ min resistance and 4.7 µF capacitor for stable duty-cycle averaging.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The TPIC2101N is housed in a 14-terminal plastic DIP (N) package, with through-hole mounting and 0.3-inch body width. Thermal resistance R_ΘJA is 78°C/W, supporting operation from –40°C to 105°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DC brush motor control applications.

Compared with TLE5205-2SA and DRV8876N, the TPIC2101N offers unique dual-input configurability and analog integrator-based soft start in a cost-optimized, external-FET architecture-ideal for unidirectional, medium-power brushed DC motor control where simplicity and voltage compensation are prioritized.

Availability

TPIC2101N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC systems, industrial fan controllers, medical ventilation equipment, and cordless power tools requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for TPIC2101N 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, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPIC2101N belongs to TI's brushed DC motor controller product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability unidirectional motor control in automotive and industrial environments with stringent voltage regulation and protection requirements.

FAQ

What is the recommended external component set for TPIC2101N in auto mode?

The TPIC2101N requires specific external components for stable auto-mode operation: 499 Ω (1%) resistors on MAN and AUTO pins, 0.1 µF and 0.47 µF capacitors on MAN and AUTO respectively, 100 kΩ resistor between SPEED and INT, 45.3 kΩ ROSC, 2200 pF COSC, 4.7 µF capacitor on INT, and 27.4 kΩ resistor on CCS. These values establish the 20 kHz oscillator frequency, integrator time constant, and current-sink calibration essential for TPIC2101N functionality.

How does TPIC2101N handle battery voltage variation during motor operation?

The TPIC2101N dynamically adjusts its GD output PWM duty cycle to maintain constant effective motor voltage across Vbat changes from 8 V to 16 V. It uses internal scaling per the equation PWM_out = (2.88 + 13.12 × (1 − Input Duty Cycle)) × (Vbat / 100%), ensuring consistent motor speed and torque regardless of battery state-of-charge-critical for TPIC2101N deployments in automotive and portable equipment.

What happens when TPIC2101N detects an overcurrent condition?

When TPIC2101N senses ILS > ILR by more than ±10 mV, it initiates closed-loop current limiting by pulling INT low (<500 Ω) to reduce commanded duty cycle. If the condition persists across eight consecutive 8192-clock-cycle windows, TPIC2101N disables GD for 65536 cycles, then attempts restart. Persistent faults lock TPIC2101N in current fault state until cycled through sleep → run, ensuring robust motor and FET protection.

Can TPIC2101N be used with high-side FETs?

No, TPIC2101N is explicitly designed for low-side NMOS FET drive only. Its GD output swings from 0 V to Vbat and lacks high-side level-shifting or bootstrap circuitry. Attempting high-side use would result in incorrect gate biasing and potential device damage. For high-side control, a dedicated high-side driver or H-bridge solution like the DRV8876N must be used instead of TPIC2101N.

What is the function of the CCS pin on TPIC2101N and how is it configured?

The CCS pin on TPIC2101N provides a precision constant current sink (I_CCS = AREF / (2 × R_CCS)) used to generate the 2 mA reference current for manual-mode differential sensing between MAN and AUTO. With a 27.4 kΩ resistor to GND, CCS delivers ~2.75 V / (2 × 27.4 kΩ) ≈ 50 µA sink, enabling accurate 0–2.2 V speed command interpretation-making CCS essential for proper TPIC2101N manual-mode operation.