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Sensorless, brushless DC motor controller

A4960 from Allegro MicroSystems is a 3-phase sensorless brushless DC motor controller IC that incorporates extensive diagnostic and protection features. Use it - with external N-channel power MOSFETs - to control pumps, blowers and cooling fans in automotive applications. The motor drive system uses a block commutation (trapezoi-dal drive) approach, where phase commutation is determined, without the need for independent position sensors, by monitoring the motor back EMF. A programmable motor start-up scheme handles a wide range of motor and load combinations. External bootstrap capacitors are used to provide the voltage (above the battery supply voltage) required to drive the N-channel MOSFETs. The A4960 operates over 7 V to 50 V, and is compatible with 3.3-V and 5-V logic. The power MOSFETs are protected from shoot-through by integrated crossover control and adjustable dead time. Integrated diagnostics provide indication of undervoltage, overtemperature and power bridge faults.

Allegro Microsystems, www.allegromicro.com/en/Products/Part_Numbers/4960/4960.pdf