Freescale Semiconductor Maximizes Motor Control Performance and Efficiency in Automotive Applications

DETROIT--Oct. 1, 20048, 2004--Freescale Semiconductor is adding another level of integration to power ICs to help automotive designers bring efficient, solid-state motor control to cooling fans, fuel pumps and other automotive applications. The 4 milliohm MC33981 eXtreme Switch with fast pulse width modulation (PWM) is designed to replace electromechanical relays and discrete devices while reducing board space and increasing system reliability in numerous embedded systems.

When digitally controlled by a microcontroller, the MC33981 can drive a DC motor with PWM frequencies up to 60kHz. Using PWM for motor speed control can eliminate the need for the power resistors, relays and heat sink, drastically reducing the size and weight of the power module.

In addition, the fast PWM allows for variable speed and torque control, enabling system designers to maximize motor performance and efficiency. The device also features slew rate control that helps minimize power dissipation while meeting strict EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) requirements.

"The combination of configurability, protection and diagnostic capabilities of the MC33981 helps ensure this power switch will outperform mechanical or existing solid state relays," said Demetre Kondylis, general manager of Freescale's Analog Products Division. "This device offers the efficiency and reliability customers have come to expect from Freescale."

MC33981 Features

Manufactured with the company's proprietary SMARTMOS(TM) and HDTMOS processes, the MC33981 device combines high-density, high-speed logic with precision analog and high-voltage, high-current power circuitry. This allows appealing features such as low-side synchronous gate drive for freewheeling diode replacement, analog temperature feedback and remote diagnostics. Other features include:

-- Very low standby current

-- Slew rate control with external capacitor

-- Overcurrent and overtemperature protection, under voltage shutdown and fault reporting

-- Reverse battery protection

-- Gate drive signal for external low-side N-channel MOSFET with protection features

-- Output current monitoring

-- Temperature feedback pin

-- 12x12mm power quad flat pack no-lead (PQFN) package

For technical documentation and a full list of product features, go to www.freescale.com/analog.

Price and Availability

The MC33981 high-side power switch is currently sampling in limited quantities, with production quantities expected in the second quarter of 2005. Unit pricing starts at a suggested list price of $2.95 (USD) for 10,000-piece quantities. Freescale also offers a reference design, application notes and an evaluation kit (# KIT33981PNAEVB).

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50 years as part of Motorola, Inc. . The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development, manufacturing or sales operations in more than 30 countries. Freescale Semiconductor's 2003 sales were $4.9 billion (US). For more information: www.freescale.com.

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