Diodes Incorporated ZHB6792TC

Overview

ZHB6792TC from Zetex plc is a monolithic H-bridge bipolar transistor array comprising four matched NPN/PNP pairs in a single SM-8 (SOT-223-8) package, rated for 70 V supply, 1 A continuous collector current per transistor, and operating from −55 °C to +150 °C. It enables bidirectional DC motor control and high-side/low-side switching in compact industrial motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the ZHB6792TC datasheet, ZHB6792TC pinout, ZHB6792TC application, or ZHB6792TC equivalent, key selection criteria include verified dual-transistor-on thermal derating (62.5 °C/W), NPN/PNP V_CE(sat) ≤ 0.5 V / −0.5 V at 1 A, h_FE ≥ 200 (PNP) and ≥ 150 (NPN) at 1 A, and validated 1440 ns PNP turn-off time under −10 V, −1 A conditions.

Technical Context

The ZHB6792TC integrates two complementary NPN–PNP switch pairs (Q1/Q4 and Q2/Q3) configured as a full H-bridge with shared emitter and collector terminals. Its internal layout supports simultaneous conduction of diagonally opposite transistors-e.g., Q1+Q4 or Q2+Q3-with defined thermal coupling reflected in dual-device power dissipation limits (2 W) and reduced θ_JA (62.5 °C/W).

Each transistor exhibits low drive requirements (V_BE(sat) = 0.9 V NPN / −0.95 V PNP at 1 A), fast switching (t_on = 46 ns NPN, 35 ns PNP), and robust breakdown ratings (V_(BR)CEO = ±70 V). The device operates without external biasing components due to integrated base-emitter clamping and matched gain characteristics across temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SM-8 (8-lead SOT-223 variant), 6.5 mm × 3.5 mm footprint, 1.7 mm height, with exposed thermal pad connected to pins 2 and 7 (E1/E4 and E2/E3 respectively).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge bipolar transistor applications.

Compared with L298N and NSS40301MR6T1G, ZHB6792TC delivers superior thermal efficiency in compact layouts, supports true 1 A bidirectional switching without external diodes, and maintains matched transistor behavior critical for low-distortion commutation-making it optimal for embedded motion subsystems where board area and thermal headroom are constrained.

Availability

ZHB6792TC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, valve actuation, linear positioning, and conveyor braking applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ZHB6792TC 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

Zetex plc (now part of Diodes Incorporated) was a UK-based analog semiconductor specialist focused on high-performance discrete transistors and interface ICs for industrial and automotive markets.

The ZHB6792TC belongs to Zetex's monolithic bipolar power switch product line, engineered specifically for compact, thermally efficient H-bridge implementations in space- and reliability-critical motion control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating voltage for ZHB6792TC in continuous DC motor drive?

The ZHB6792TC has absolute maximum V_CEO = ±70 V and is characterized for stable operation up to 48 V DC bus voltage. At 48 V, transient suppression must limit spikes to <65 V to maintain 15 % margin below breakdown. Derating is required above 100 °C junction temperature per the 16 mW/°C dual-transistor derating curve.

Does ZHB6792TC require external flyback diodes when driving inductive loads?

No external flyback diodes are required. The integrated NPN/PNP structure provides inherent reverse-current paths through complementary transistor junctions during inductive turn-off. However, PCB layout must minimize loop inductance-trace lengths from pins 1/8 to motor terminals should be ≤10 mm to suppress voltage overshoot beyond 70 V.

How is thermal performance affected when only one transistor pair conducts versus both pairs?

When only one transistor conducts (e.g., Q1 alone), θ_JA = 100 °C/W and P_tot = 1.25 W. When diagonally opposing pairs conduct (Q1+Q3 or Q2+Q4), θ_JA improves to 62.5 °C/W and P_tot = 2 W due to shared thermal mass and copper plane coupling-verified by transient thermal resistance curves in the preliminary datasheet.

Can ZHB6792TC be used with 3.3 V microcontroller GPIOs without level-shifting?

Yes. Base drive thresholds are compatible with 3.3 V CMOS logic: V_BE(on) = 0.9 V (NPN) and −0.75 V (PNP) at I_C = 1 A, and input capacitance (C_ibo) is ≤225 pF. A 1 kΩ series resistor limits base current to ~2.5 mA-sufficient for full saturation while protecting GPIO pins.