The objective of this paper is to provide the reader an insight into the capabilities of submicronanalog/mixed-signal/power IC technology in regards to motor-driver ASICs, as well asgain an understanding of the types of miniature motors and drive topologies associated withembedded electronics. This understanding is a prerequisite to successfully specify such an ASICcompletely enough for development to be undertaken by an integrated circuit house. Thereforethe characteristics of small motors as loads will be examined and related to the circuitrequirements for driving such loads. The trade-offs and advantages of power ASICs as motordriversversus the discrete semiconductor approach will be addressed, and also the business casefor moving a design from discrete semiconductors to a power ASIC approach. The task ofcritically delineating the required performance of a proposed ASIC (AKA “spec'ing the IC) isdiscussed via a specific example of an ASIC designed to interface logic level control signals todual stepper motors: the newly introduced MPC17550 Quad H-bridge Micromotor Driver IC.
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