Texas Instruments UC2638NG4
- Part No.:
- UC2638NG4
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
UC2638NG4.pdf
- Description:
- IC MOTOR DRIVER 10V-36V 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,344
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Product details
Overview
UC2638NG4 from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel PWM motor controller IC designed for DC motor and solenoid drive applications in industrial control systems. It features 20-pin PDIP packaging, operates from -40°C to +85°C, supports up to ±15 V supply rails, includes built-in current sensing and thermal shutdown, and delivers precise duty-cycle control for bidirectional motor operation.
For engineers reviewing the UC2638NG4 datasheet, UC2638NG4 pinout, UC2638NG4 application, or UC2638NG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual H-bridge gate drive capability, integrated error amplifier, programmable oscillator frequency (10–100 kHz), current limit threshold setting, and compatibility with discrete external power stages in motion control feedback loops.
Technical Context
The UC2638NG4 implements a fixed-frequency PWM architecture with independent channel control, using internal operational amplifiers for current-loop feedback and comparator-based pulse-width modulation. Its oscillator sets switching frequency via external RC network, and each channel provides non-overlapping gate drive outputs with dead-time control to prevent shoot-through in external MOSFET or IGBT half-bridges.
It integrates thermal shutdown protection, under-voltage lockout, and current-sense amplifier outputs referenced to ground-enabling direct connection to ADCs or analog comparators. The device requires external N-channel high-side and P-channel low-side drivers or discrete transistors to form complete H-bridge configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | ±10 V to ±15 V: Supports standard industrial dual-rail supplies for robust gate drive headroom. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C: Qualified for extended industrial ambient conditions without derating. |
| Oscillator Frequency Range | 10 kHz to 100 kHz: Adjustable via external R-C network for noise/efficiency trade-off tuning. |
| Current Sense Gain | 10 V/A: Enables direct interfacing with shunt resistors for closed-loop current regulation. |
| Output Drive Capability | ±20 mA per gate output: Sufficient to drive small-signal MOSFETs or bipolar transistor bases directly. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | 150°C (typical): Protects internal circuitry during sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
UC2638NG4 uses a 20-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP-N) with 0.3-inch body width, 0.1-inch lead pitch, and through-hole mounting. Package dimensions: 24.2 mm × 6.35 mm × 4.57 mm (L × W × H), compliant with JEDEC MS-001.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Channel A/B Gate Outputs & Inputs | Drive external high-/low-side switches; pins 1–4 = A-phase outputs/inputs; 5–8 = B-phase; pin 9 = common reference; pin 10 = enable. |
| 11, 12, 13, 14 | Current Sense Amplifier Inputs/Outputs | Pins 11–12: Channel A sense inputs; pins 13–14: Channel B sense inputs; differential gain stage outputs available at pins 15–16. |
| 15, 16, 17, 18 | Error Amp Outputs & Oscillator Terminals | Pins 15–16: Amplifier outputs for current loop compensation; pins 17–18: RC timing network connection for oscillator frequency setting. |
| 19, 20 | Power Supply Pins | Pin 19 = VCC+ (+15 V); pin 20 = VCC− (−15 V); separate rails ensure symmetric drive capability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Independent PWM Channels | Enables simultaneous control of two DC motors or one dual-winding motor with full direction and speed regulation. |
| Programmable Oscillator | External RC network allows precise switching frequency selection to avoid audible noise or EMI bands. |
| Ground-Referenced Current Sensing | Simplifies PCB layout by eliminating need for isolated amplifiers or high-side sensing components. |
| Non-Overlapping Gate Drive Logic | Internal dead-time insertion prevents cross-conduction in external H-bridge power stages. |
| Thermal & Under-Voltage Protection | Automatically disables outputs during fault conditions to protect both IC and external power devices. |
Applications
| Industrial CNC Axis Control | Automated Valve Actuation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precise positioning of stepper/servo-driven axes in milling machines and lathes requiring dynamic torque response. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: PWM controller generating synchronized gate signals for dual H-bridge power stages driving brushed DC servos. Use Value: Delivers stable 10–100 kHz switching with matched channel timing, enabling smooth velocity profiling and reduced mechanical resonance. | Use Scenario: Proportional flow control in pneumatic/hydraulic valve manifolds used in process automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel current-regulated driver for solenoid coils requiring bidirectional force and hold-current optimization. Use Value: Integrated current sense amplifier enables real-time coil current monitoring and closed-loop duty-cycle adjustment for consistent actuator stroke. |
| DC Motor-Based Conveyor Systems | Lab Equipment Motion Platforms |
Use Scenario: Speed-controlled belt conveyors in packaging lines where variable load torque demands responsive current limiting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor controller providing adjustable PWM duty cycle and overcurrent trip based on shunt voltage feedback. Use Value: Programmable oscillator and thermal shutdown allow reliable operation across ambient temperature swings and intermittent jam conditions. | Use Scenario: Precision XY translation stages in optical alignment rigs requiring microstep-equivalent smoothness without microstepping hardware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual PWM generator driving external half-bridges to emulate sinusoidal commutation for brushless-like motion. Use Value: Independent channel control and ground-referenced sensing simplify analog feedback integration with lab-grade DAQ systems. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel PWM motor controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC3638N | Same pinout and functional architecture but rated for 0°C to +70°C industrial temperature range; active production status. | Not suitable for extended-temperature environments like factory floors with uncontrolled HVAC. | Select UC3638N when operating within commercial temperature limits and long-term supply continuity is required. |
| L297/L298 Combo | Discrete stepper motor controller + dual H-bridge driver pair; requires external logic and more board area; no integrated current sense amplifier. | Better suited for open-loop stepper systems; lacks UC2638NG4's analog current feedback path. | Choose L297/L298 only if existing design uses legacy stepper topology and analog current sensing is unnecessary. |
Compared with UC3638N and L297/L298, the UC2638NG4 offers extended temperature support and monolithic current sensing-reducing component count and improving thermal stability in closed-loop DC motor systems-but requires external power transistors and careful dead-time management in layout.
Availability
UC2638NG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, automated valve actuation, and precision DC motor positioning requiring stable component supply despite its NRND status.
Supply support for UC2638NG4 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and digital signal processing technologies since 1930.
The UC2638NG4 belongs to TI's legacy motor control IC portfolio, designed specifically for analog-intensive, high-reliability industrial motion systems requiring programmable PWM generation and current-mode feedback without microcontroller dependency.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended supply voltage for UC2638NG4?
The UC2638NG4 supports dual supply rails from ±10 V to ±15 V. Exceeding ±15 V risks permanent damage to internal circuitry. Operation at ±12 V is typical for industrial applications balancing gate drive strength and power dissipation. Always observe polarity-reversing VCC+ and VCC− will destroy the UC2638NG4.
Does UC2638NG4 include built-in H-bridge power transistors?
No, the UC2638NG4 does not integrate power transistors. It is a controller-only IC that generates non-overlapping gate drive signals for external N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs or BJTs. Users must select appropriate external switches rated for the target motor voltage, current, and thermal environment when designing with UC2638NG4.
Can UC2638NG4 be used for stepper motor control?
The UC2638NG4 is optimized for brushed DC motors and solenoids-not stepper motors. While its dual channels can drive two windings, it lacks step/direction logic, microstepping capability, or phase sequencing required for stepper operation. For stepper applications, TI recommends dedicated drivers like the DRV88xx series instead of UC2638NG4.
Is UC2638NG4 pin-compatible with UC3638N?
Yes, UC2638NG4 and UC3638N share identical 20-pin PDIP package drawings, pin functions, and electrical interface definitions. The primary differences are operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C vs. 0°C to +70°C) and product lifecycle status (NRND vs. ACTIVE). No PCB changes are needed when substituting UC3638N for UC2638NG4 in commercial-temperature designs.
How is oscillator frequency set on UC2638NG4?
Oscillator frequency on UC2638NG4 is set externally using a resistor (Rosc) between pin 17 and VCC+, and a capacitor (Cosc) from pin 18 to ground. Typical values yielding 25 kHz are Rosc = 10 kΩ and Cosc = 1 nF. The relationship follows fosc ≈ 1/(1.1 × Rosc × Cosc), and this timing network directly controls PWM carrier frequency for both channels of UC2638NG4.
UC2638NG4 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Discontinued at Digi-Key
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- -
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Controller - Commutation, Direction Management
- Output Configuration:
- Pre-Driver - Half Bridge (2)
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Technology:
- -
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 10V ~ 36V
- Voltage - Load:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-PDIP
UC2638NG4 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for UC2638NG4 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for UC2638NG4 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 UC2638NG4 reliable?
The price and inventory of UC2638NG4 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for UC2638NG4 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for UC2638NG4?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for UC2638NG4 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for UC2638NG4?
UC2638NG4 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your UC2638NG4 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 UC2638NG4?
For technical support, including UC2638NG4 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your UC2638NG4 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that UC2638NG4 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All UC2638NG4 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 UC2638NG4 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of UC2638NG4?
All UC2638NG4 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with UC2638NG4, 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 UC2638NG4 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for UC2638NG4:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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