Texas Instruments UC3178QP
- Part No.:
- UC3178QP
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 28-LCC (J-Lead)
- Datasheet:
-
UC3178QP.pdf
- Description:
- IC POWER 2 CIRCUIT 28PLCC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,011
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Product details
Overview
UC3178QP from Texas Instruments is a full-bridge power amplifier IC designed for precision servo control, delivering ±450mA continuous load current with 1.2V typical total saturation voltage at 450mA, programmable over-current protection, and 4:1 transconductance range switching via logic-controlled gain mode. It operates from 3V to 15V supply, draws only 12mA quiescent current, and integrates current sense amplification, thermal shutdown, and inhibit functionality - deployed in industrial motion control systems requiring high-fidelity current regulation.
For engineers reviewing the UC3178QP datasheet, UC3178QP pinout, UC3178QP application, or UC3178QP equivalent, this device is selected for demanding closed-loop servo designs where low Vsat, precise current sensing with single-shunt topology, gain-switchable dynamic range, and thermal robustness in PLCC packaging are critical selection criteria.
Technical Context
The UC3178QP implements dual NPN/PNP output stages per bridge leg with integrated high-side diodes for inductive kick clamping, and features a dedicated current sense amplifier (C/S) with selectable gain (0.5× or 2.0×) controlled by the RANGE input. Its transconductance loop uses AIN(–) as summing node and REF Input to set command reference level, enabling direct voltage-to-current conversion.
Compensation is split: the main A amplifier uses internal compensation, while COMP ADJ provides external network adjustment specifically active only in low-gain (2.0×) mode to stabilize bandwidth across the 4:1 gain change. UVLO triggers at 2.8V (with 300mV hysteresis), and thermal shutdown activates at 165°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Continuous Load Current | ±450mA - supports medium-power solenoid, voice coil, or small motor drive without external boost stages. |
| Total Output Saturation Voltage | 1.2V typ @ 450mA - minimizes conduction loss and self-heating in compact servo actuators. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3V to 15V - interoperable with both 5V logic-controlled and 12V industrial power rails. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | 12mA typ @ 5V - enables low-power idle operation in battery-backed or energy-sensitive systems. |
| Current Sense Gain Options | 0.5× (high-range) or 2.0× (low-range) - extends effective command resolution across 4:1 load current span. |
| Over-Current Threshold | 1.0V ±30mV - sets precise trip point using standard resistor-divider on O/C Sense pin. |
| Thermal Shutdown Temp | 165°C - provides hard fault protection during stall or overload without external sensor. |
Pinout & Package
UC3178QP is housed in a 28-pin power-enhanced PLCC (QP package), featuring seven power-ground pins (Pins 12–18) tied directly to the die substrate for low thermal resistance (θJL = 15°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Inhibit) | Logic disable input | High-impedance TTL-compatible input; open-circuit or logic-high forces high-Z outputs and reduces supply current to ≤1.5mA. |
| 3 (O/C Sense) | Over-current comparator input | Monitors shunt voltage; >1.0V triggers immediate low-side cutoff and high-Z output state. |
| 4 (Range) | Gain mode select | Logic-low → C/S gain = 2.0×; logic-high → C/S gain = 0.5×; enables 4:1 transconductance scaling. |
| 6 (Comp Adj) | Bandwidth compensation node | Accepts RC network only in low-gain mode to maintain stable loop response across gain switch. |
| 11 & 19 (A Output / B Output) | Full-bridge output terminals | Drive complementary loads; include integrated high-side clamp diodes for inductive flyback. |
| 28 (Ground) | Analog reference ground | Reference for internal bias, O/C comparator, and REF Input; must be star-connected to minimize noise coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Precision current sensing | Single-shunt topology with <2mV offset (low range) and 70–90dB CMRR enables accurate load current feedback without secondary amplifiers. |
| Programmable over-current limit | Adjustable threshold via external resistor on O/C Sense pin; hysteresis of 100mV prevents chatter during transient overload. |
| Dynamic range extension | 4:1 transconductance scaling via RANGE pin allows same control voltage to command either fine-resolution low-current or coarse high-current operation. |
| Thermal robustness | Integrated thermal shutdown + 7 dedicated PWR GND pins reduce θJA to 30–40°C/W, supporting sustained 450mA output in compact PCB layouts. |
| Low-power inhibit mode | Draws ≤1.5mA total supply current when inhibited - suitable for intermittent-motion applications with duty-cycle-based power savings. |
Applications
| Industrial Servo Actuators | Valve Positioning Systems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop positioning of pneumatic or hydraulic valves in process control cabinets with 4–20mA or PWM command inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-bridge driver translating analog command voltage into proportional bidirectional coil current, with real-time current limiting and thermal monitoring. Use Value: Enables sub-millisecond current response and ±0.5% current accuracy over temperature, eliminating need for external current DACs or discrete protection circuits. |
Use Scenario: Driving linear solenoids in automated test equipment requiring precise force modulation across 0–450mA range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision transconductance amplifier converting DAC output to regulated load current, with programmable gain to match solenoid sensitivity tiers. Use Value: 4:1 gain switching allows one hardware design to support multiple solenoid models - reducing BOM variants and qualification effort. |
| Optical Mirror Steering | Lab Equipment Motion Control |
|
Use Scenario: Fast-steering mirrors in laser alignment systems requiring low-noise, jitter-free current delivery to piezo or voice-coil actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-Vsat full-bridge stage with <1.2V drop at full scale, minimizing heat-induced mirror drift and enabling air-cooled enclosure design. Use Value: 1.2V typical total Vsat reduces thermal gradient across mirror mount by >60% versus discrete MOSFET solutions, improving pointing stability. |
Use Scenario: Compact XY-stage controllers in benchtop analyzers where board space and thermal dissipation are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated power amplifier + current sense + protection, replacing ≥6 discrete components (op-amps, comparators, MOSFETs, diodes). Use Value: Reduces PCB area by 45% and eliminates inter-stage routing errors, accelerating prototype validation for OEM lab instrument designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar full-bridge power amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSC1013IDT | Single-channel high-side current sense amplifier only - no power stage, no bridge topology, no thermal shutdown. | Requires external H-bridge and separate protection logic; suited for current monitoring only, not direct drive. | Select only if UC3178QP's integrated power stage is unnecessary and system already includes discrete bridge drivers. |
| LMD18200T | Higher-current (3A) H-bridge with fixed gain, no programmable current sense gain, no COMP ADJ pin, higher quiescent current (25mA). | Targeted at larger motors; lacks UC3178QP's precision low-current capability and dynamic range scaling for servo micro-positioning. | Choose when peak load exceeds 450mA and gain flexibility is secondary to raw output capability. |
Compared with TSC1013IDT and LMD18200T, UC3178QP uniquely combines full-bridge drive, selectable transconductance, and integrated current-sense compensation in a thermally optimized PLCC - making it the only option for space-constrained, high-accuracy servo loops needing both precision and protection in one IC.
Availability
UC3178QP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial servo actuation, valve positioning, optical steering, and lab-grade motion control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant green packaging.
Supply support for UC3178QP 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management and precision signal chain ICs.
The UC3178QP belongs to TI's legacy high-performance power amplifier family, engineered specifically for closed-loop industrial servo systems demanding accurate current regulation, thermal resilience, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the UC3178QP?
The UC3178QP supports ±450mA continuous load current per output leg under specified thermal conditions. This rating assumes proper PCB layout with all seven PWR GND pins connected to a low-impedance thermal plane and ambient temperature ≤70°C. At 450mA, total saturation voltage remains ≤1.6V, limiting power dissipation to <0.72W per channel.
How does the RANGE pin affect the UC3178QP's current control performance?
The RANGE pin selects between two fixed current sense amplifier gains: logic-low enables 2.0× gain (low-range mode) for high-resolution control at lower currents; logic-high enables 0.5× gain (high-range mode) for extended dynamic range up to ±450mA. This 4:1 transconductance shift allows one UC3178QP design to serve multiple load sensitivities without changing feedback resistors.
Can the UC3178QP operate from a single 5V supply?
Yes, the UC3178QP operates from 3V to 15V, including single 5V rail. At VIN(+) = 5V, total supply current is 12–16mA, UVLO triggers at 2.8V, and output saturation voltage remains within spec (≤1.4V at 300mA). VC(+) may be tied to VIN(+) or supplied separately at same or slightly lower voltage (≥4.6V) for optimal high-side drive.
What protection features are integrated into the UC3178QP?
The UC3178QP integrates four key protections: (1) programmable over-current detection via O/C Sense pin with 1.0V threshold; (2) undervoltage lockout (UVLO) at 2.8V with 300mV hysteresis; (3) thermal shutdown at 165°C; and (4) inhibit input that disables all power stages and reduces supply current to ≤1.5mA. No external components are required to activate these functions.
Is the UC3178QP pin-compatible with other devices in the UC317x family?
No - the UC3178QP has a unique 28-pin QP (PLCC) package with seven dedicated PWR GND pins and specific pin assignments (e.g., COMP ADJ on Pin 6, IDIF OUT on Pin 25) not shared by earlier UC317x variants. While functional similarities exist, mechanical and electrical pinout compatibility is not guaranteed across the family; PCB layout must be designed specifically for UC3178QP.
UC3178QP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-LCC (J-Lead)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- Power
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 1V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- 2 MHz
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 50 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 12 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 13mA (x2 Channels)
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 450 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 3 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 15 V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-PLCC (11.51x11.51)
UC3178QP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for UC3178QP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for UC3178QP 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 UC3178QP reliable?
The price and inventory of UC3178QP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for UC3178QP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for UC3178QP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for UC3178QP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for UC3178QP?
UC3178QP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your UC3178QP 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 UC3178QP?
For technical support, including UC3178QP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your UC3178QP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that UC3178QP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All UC3178QP 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 UC3178QP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of UC3178QP?
All UC3178QP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with UC3178QP, 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 UC3178QP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for UC3178QP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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