Allegro A3924 Automotive, full-bridge mosfet driver Datasheet

A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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Full-bridge MOSFET driver
Bootstrap gate drive for N-channel MOSFET bridge
Cross-conduction protection with adjustable dead time
Charge pump for low supply voltage operation
Programmable gate drive voltage
5.5 to 50 V supply voltage operating range
Integrated logic supply
Two integrated current sense amplifiers
SPI-compatible serial interface
Bridge control by direct logic inputs or serial interface
TTL-compatible logic inputs
Open-load detection
Extensive programmable diagnostics
Diagnostic verification
Safety-assist features
DESCRIPTION
The A3924 is an N-channel power MOSFET driver capable of
controlling MOSFETs connected in a full-bridge (H-bridge)
arrangement and is specifically designed for automotive
applications with high-power inductive loads, such as brush
DC motors solenoids and actuators.
A unique charge pump regulator provides the programmable
gate drive voltage for battery voltages down to 7 V and allows
the A3924 to operate with a reduced gate drive, down to
5.5 V. A bootstrap capacitor is used to provide the above-battery
supply voltage required for N-channel MOSFETs.
The full bridge can be controlled by independent logic level
inputs or through the SPI-compatible serial interface. The
external power MOSFETs are protected from shoot-through
by programmable dead time.
Integrated diagnostics provide indication of multiple internal
faults, system faults, and power bridge faults, and can be
configured to protect the power MOSFETs under most shortcircuit conditions. For safety-critical systems, the integrated
diagnostic operation can be verified under control of the serial
interface.
Package: 38-Pin eTSSOP (suffix LV)
In addition to providing full access to the bridge control, the
serial interface is also used to alter programmable settings such
as dead time, VDS threshold, and fault blank time. Detailed
diagnostic information can be read through the serial interface.
The A3924 is supplied in a 38-pin eTSSOP (suffix ‘LV’). This
package is available in lead (Pb) free versions, with 100%
matte-tin leadframe plating (suffix –T).
Not to scale
VBAT
A3924
ECU
SPI
GND
Typical Application – Functional Block Diagram
A3924-DS
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Selection Guide
Part Number
A3924KLVTR-T
*Contact Allegro™
Packing
Package
4000 pieces per reel
9.7 mm × 4.4 mm, 1.2 mm nominal height
38-lead eTSSOP with exposed thermal pad
for additional packing options.
Table of Contents
Specifications
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Thermal Characteristics
Pinout Diagram and Terminal List Table
Functional Block Diagram
Electrical Characteristics Table
Overcurrent Fault Timing Diagrams
VDS Fault Timing Diagrams
Logic Truth Tables
3
3
3
4
5
6
12
13
14
Functional Description
15
Diagnostic Monitors
21
Diagnostic and System Verification
30
Input and Output Terminal Functions
Power Supplies
Gate Drives
Logic Control Inputs
Output Disabled
Sleep Mode
Current Sense Amplifier
DIAG Diagnostic Output
Diagnostic Registers
Chip-Level Protection
Operational Monitors
Power Bridge and Load Faults
Fault Action
Fault Masks
On-Line Verification
Off-Line Verification
15
16
17
19
19
20
20
21
21
22
22
24
29
29
30
31
Serial Interface
35
Serial Register Reference
39
Applications Information
49
Input / Output Structures
Package Drawing
53
54
Serial Registers Definition
Configuration Registers
Verification Registers
Diagnostic Registers
Control Register
Status Register
Config 0, 1
Config 2, 3
Config 4, 5
Verify Command 0, 1
Verify Result 0, 1
Mask 0, 1
Diag 0, 1, 2
Control
Status
Power Bridge PWM Control
Current Sense Amplifier Configuration
Dead Time Selection
Bootstrap Capacitor Selection
Bootstrap Charging
VREG Capacitor Selection
Supply Decoupling
Braking
35
36
37
37
37
38
39
40
41
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
50
51
51
52
52
52
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
2
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
SPECIFICATIONS
Absolute Maximum Ratings1, 2
Characteristic
Load Supply Voltage
Symbol
Analog Ground
Logic Supply Regulator Terminals
Notes
VBB
AGND (Connect AGND to GND at package)
V3
Rating
Unit
–0.3 to 50
V
–0.1 to 0.1
V
V3, V3BD
–0.3 to 6
V
Pumped Regulator Terminal
VREG
VREG
–0.3 to 16
V
Charge Pump Capacitor Low Terminal
VCP1
CP1
–0.3 to 16
V
CP2
VCP1 – 0.3 to
VREG + 0.3
V
Charge Pump Capacitor High Terminal
Battery Compliant Logic Input
Terminals
VCP2
VIB
HA, HBn, LAn, LB, RESETn, ENABLE
–0.3 to 50
V
Logic Input Terminals
VI
STRn, SCK, SDI
–0.3 to 6
V
Logic Output Terminals
VO
SDO, SAL, SBL
–0.3 to 6
V
Diagnostic Output Terminal
VDIAG
DIAG
–0.3 to 50
V
Sense Amplifier Inputs
VCSI
CSPA, CSMA, CSPB, CSMB
–4 to 6.5
V
Sense Amplifier Output
VCSO
CSOA, CSOB
–0.3 to VDD +0.3
V
Bridge Drain Monitor Terminals
VBRG
VBRG
–5 to 55
V
Bootstrap Supply Terminals
VCX
CA, CB
–0.3 to VREG + 50
V
GHA, GHB
VCX – 16 to
VCX + 0.3
V
VCX – 16 to
VCX + 0.3
V
High-Side Gate Drive Output
Terminals
VGHX
Motor Phase Terminals
VSX
SA, SB
Low-Side Gate Drive Output Terminals
VGLX
GLA, GLB
VREG – 16 to 16
V
Bridge Low-Side Source Terminals
VLSS
LSSA, LSSB
VREG – 16 to 18
V
–40 to 150
ºC
165
ºC
180
ºC
–55 to 150
ºC
Ambient Operating Temperature
Range
TA
Maximum Continuous Junction
Temperature
TJ(max)
Transient Junction Temperature
TJt
Storage Temperature Range
Tstg
Limited by power dissipation
Overtemperature event not exceeding 10 seconds, lifetime
duration not exceeding 10 hours, guaranteed by design
characterization.
1 With
respect to GND. Ratings apply when no other circuit operating constraints are present.
2 Lowercase “x” in pin names and symbols indicates a variable sequence character.
Thermal Characteristics: May require derating at maximum conditions; see Power Derating section
Characteristic
Package Thermal Resistance
Symbol
RθJA
RθJP
Test Conditions*
Value
Unit
4-layer PCB based on JEDEC standard
28
ºC/W
2-layer PCB with 3.8 in2 copper each side
38
ºC/W
2
ºC/W
*Additional thermal information available on the Allegro website
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
3
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
CSOB
SAL
CSPA
CSMA
CSOA
24
23
22
21
20
16
17
18
19
STRn
SDO
SCK
CSMB
26
25
13
14
V3
V3BD
15
CSPB
27
12
AGND
SDI
LSSB
28
11
GND
SBL
LSSA
GLB
29
10
DIAG
GLA
30
9
LB
GHB
SB
32
31
7
8
LAn
HBn
SA
CB
34
GHA
35
33
VREG
CA
37
36
CP1
38
Pinout Diagram and Terminal List Table
5
6
RESETn
HA
4
ENABLE
2
3
VBB
VBRG
1
CP2
PAD
Package LP, 38-Pin eTSSOP Pinout Diagram
Terminal List Table
Terminal
Name
Terminal
No.
VBB
2
VBRG
3
Terminal Description
Terminal
Name
Terminal
No.
Terminal Description
Main power supply
SAL
23
Phase A logic output
High-side drain voltage sense
SBL
15
Phase B logic output
V3
13
Logic regulator reference
CSPB
26
Phase B current sense amp + input
V3BD
14
Logic regulator bypass NPN base drive
CSMB
25
Phase B current sense amp – input
VREG
37
Gate drive supply output
CSOB
24
Phase B current sense amp output
CP1
38
Pump capacitor
CSPA
22
Phase A current sense amp + input
CP2
1
Pump capacitor
CSMA
21
Phase A current sense amp – input
GND
11
Digital ground
CSOA
20
Phase A current sense amp output
AGND
12
Analog ground
RESETn
5
Standby mode control
ENABLE
4
Output enable
CA
36
Phase A bootstrap capacitor
GHA
35
Phase A high-side gate drive
SA
34
Phase A motor connection
SDI
16
Serial data input
GLA
30
Phase A low-side gate drive
SCK
19
Serial clock input
LSSA
29
Phase A low-side source
STRn
17
Serial strobe (chip select) input
SDO
18
Serial data output
CB
33
Phase B bootstrap capacitor
GHB
32
Phase B high-side gate drive
HA
6
Phase A HS control
SB
31
Phase B motor connection
HBn
8
Phase B HS control
GLB
28
Phase B low-side gate drive
LAn
7
Phase A LS control
LSSB
27
Phase B low-side source
LB
9
Phase B LS control
PAD
–
Thermal pad; connect to GND
DIAG
10
Programmable diagnostic output
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
4
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
VBAT
V3
CP
CV3
CV3B
V3
CP1
V3BD
CP2
VBB
Regulator
Controller
Logic Supply
Regulator
SAL
VBAT
VREG
Charge
Pump
Regulator
CREG
VDL
VBRG
VPT
Charge
Pump
CA
SBL
CBOOTA
ENABLE
GHA
HS
Drive
HA
Bootstrap
Monitor
LAn
VREG
VDS
Monitor
RGHA
RGHB
RGLA
RGLB
SA
Control
Logic
HBn
LB
VDS
Monitor
GLA
LS
Drive
LSSA
Phase A
CB
As above for
Phase B
CBOOTB
GHB
SB
RESETn
GLB
LSSB
Timers
DAC
VOOS
Sense
Amp
2
VLOGIC
DAC
STRn
SCK
SDI
SDO
VDAC
CSPA
CSMA
Serial
Interface
CSOA
Diagnostics
& Protection
DIAG1
Phase A
CSPB
Diagnostic
Verification
As above for
Phase B
CSMB
CSOB
1
2
Pull-up only required when DG[1:0] = 00 & 01
VDAC = VOLTON & VOCT
GND
AGND
Functional Block Diagram
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
5
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Supply and Reference
Operating; outputs active
VBB Functional Operating Range
VBB Quiescent Current
6
–
50
V
5.5
–
50
V
No unsafe states
0
–
50
V
IBBQ
RESETn = high, VBB = 12 V,
All gate drive outputs low
–
10
25
mA
IBBS
RESETn ≤ 300 mV, sleep mode
–
–
30
µA
VBB
Operating; outputs disabled
Internal Logic Supply Regulator
Voltage
VDL
3.1
3.3
3.5
V
V3 Regulator Reference Voltage
V3
3.1
3.3
3.5
V
V3BD Current Drive Output
VREG Output Voltage, VRG = 0
VREG Output Voltage, VRG = 1
Bootstrap Diode Forward Voltage
Bootstrap Diode Resistance
I3BD
VREG
VREG
VfBOOT
rD
–
–
–2
mA
VBB ≥ 9 V, IVREG = 0 to 27 mA
7.5
8
8.5
V
7.5 V ≤ VBB < 9 V, IVREG = 0 to 20 mA
7.5
8
8.5
V
6 V ≤ VBB < 7.5 V, IVREG = 0 to 10 mA
7.5
8
8.5
V
5.5 V ≤ VBB < 6 V, IVREG ≤ 6 mA
V
7.5
8
8.5
VBB ≥ 9 V, IVREG = 0 to 25 mA
9
13
13.8
V
7.5 V ≤ VBB < 9 V, IVREG = 0 to 18 mA
9
13
13.8
V
6 V ≤ VBB < 7.5 V, IVREG = 0 to 10 mA
7.9
–
–
V
5.5 V ≤ VBB < 6 V, IVREG ≤ 5 mA
7.9
9.5
–
V
ID = 10 mA
0.4
0.7
1.0
V
ID = 100 mA
1.5
2.2
2.8
V
6
11
25
Ω
rD(100 mA) = (VfBOOT(150 mA) – VfBOOT(50 mA)) /
100 mA
Bootstrap Diode Current Limit
IDBOOT
250
500
750
mA
Top-Off Charge Pump Current Limit
ITOCPM
–
100
–
µA
High-Side Gate Drive Static Load
Resistance
RGSH
250
–
–
kΩ
System Clock Period
tOSC
42.5
50
57.5
ns
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
6
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
–
ns
Gate Output Drive
Turn-On Time
tr
CLOAD = 10 nF, 20% to 80%
–
190
Turn-Off Time
tf
CLOAD = 10 nF, 80% to 20%
–
120
–
ns
TJ = 25°C, IGH = –150 mA1
5
8
11
Ω
Pull-Up On-Resistance
RDS(on)UP
TJ = 150°C, IGH= –150
mA1
10
15
20
Ω
TJ = 25°C, IGL= 150 mA
1.5
2.4
3.1
Ω
TJ = 150°C, IGL= 150 mA
2.9
4
5.5
Ω
VCX – 0.2
–
–
V
–
–
VSX + 0.3
V
VREG – 0.2
–
–
V
–
–
VLSS + 0.3
V
VROFF
–
VREG
V
Pull-Down On-Resistance
RDS(on)DN
GHx Output Voltage High
VGHH
Bootstrap capacitor fully charged
GHx Output Voltage Low
VGHL
–10 µA1 < IGH < 10 µA
GLx Output Voltage High
VGLH
GLx Output Voltage Low
VGLL
–10 µA1 < IGL < 10 µA
Gate-Source Voltage – MOSFET On
VGSon
No faults present
GHx Passive Pull-Down
RGHPD
VGHx – VSx < 0.3 V
–
950
–
kΩ
GLx Passive Pull-Down
RGLPD
VGLx – VLSS < 0.3 V
–
950
–
kΩ
Turn-Off Propagation Delay
tP(off)
Input Change to unloaded gate output change
(Figure 3), DT[5:0]=0
60
90
140
ns
Turn-On Propagation Delay
tP(on)
Input Change to unloaded gate output change
(Figure 3), DT[5:0]=0
50
80
130
ns
Propagation Delay Matching
(Phase-to-Phase)
ΔtPP
Same state change, DT[5:0]=0
–
5
15
ns
Propagation Delay Matching
(On-to-Off)
ΔtOO
Single phase, DT[5:0]=0
–
15
30
ns
Propagation Delay Matching
(GHx-to-GLx)
ΔtHL
Same state change, DT[5:0]=0
–
–
20
ns
Dead Time (Turn-Off to Turn-On
Delay)
tDEAD
Default power-up state (Figure 3)
1.25
1.6
2.15
µs
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
7
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
–
–
0.8
V
Logic Inputs and Outputs
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
VIL
VIH
All logic inputs
2
–
–
V
Input Hysteresis
VIhys
All logic inputs
250
550
–
mV
Input Pull-Down
HA, LB, SDI, SCK, ENABLE
RPD
0 < VIN < 5 V
–
50
–
kΩ
IPD
5 V < VIN < 50 V, HA, LB, ENABLE
–
100
–
µA
RPDR
0 < VIN < 5 V
–
50
–
kΩ
IPDR
5 V < VIN < 50 V
–
100
–
µA
RPU
HBn, LAn, STRn, Input = 0 V
–
100
–
µA
Output Low Voltage
VOL
IOL = 1 mA
–
0.2
0.4
V
Output High Voltage
VOH
IOL = –1 mA1
2.4
–
–
V
SDO, 0 V < VSDO < 3 V, STRn = 1
–1
–
1
µA
Input Pull-Down RESETn
Input Pull-Up Current to VDL
Output Leakage1
IO
Logic I/O – Dynamic Parameters
Reset Pulse Width
tRST
0.5
–
4.5
µs
Clock High Time
tSCKH
A in Figure 2
50
–
–
ns
Clock Low Time
tSCKL
B in Figure 2
50
–
–
ns
Strobe Lead Time
tSTLD
C in Figure 2
30
–
–
ns
Strobe Lag Time
tSTLG
D in Figure 2
30
–
–
ns
Strobe High Time
tSTRH
E in Figure 2
300
–
–
ns
Data Out Enable Time
tSDOE
F in Figure 2
–
–
40
ns
Data Out Disable Time
tSDOD
G in Figure 2
–
–
30
ns
Data Out Valid Time from Clock
Falling
tSDOV
H in Figure 2
–
–
40
ns
Data Out Hold Time from Clock
Falling
tSDOH
I in Figure 2
5
–
–
ns
Data In Setup Time to Clock Rising
tSDIS
J in Figure 2
15
–
–
ns
Data in Hold Time from Clock Rising
tSDIH
K in Figure 2
10
–
–
ns
CREG = 2.2 µF
–
–
2
ms
Wake Up from Sleep
tEN
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
8
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
–4
±1
+4
mV
Current Sense Amplifiers
Input Offset Voltage
Input Offset Voltage Drift
Input Bias Current1
Input Offset
VIOS
ΔVIOS
IBIAS
–
±4
–
µV/°C
0 V < VCSP < VDL, 0 V < VCSM < VDL
–160
–
–60
µA
Current1
IOS
VID = 0, VCM in range
–20
–
+20
µA
Input Common-Mode Range (DC)
VCM
VID = 0
–1
–
2
V
Gain
AV
Default power-up value
–
35
–
V/V
Gain Error
EA
VCM in range
–5
±2
5
%
Default power-up value
–
2.5
–
V
Output Offset
VOOS
Output Offset Error
EVO
Small Signal –3 dB Bandwidth at Gain
= 25
Output Settling Time (to within 40 mV)
Output Dynamic Range
VCM in range, Gain = 10, VOOS ≥ 1 V
–5
–
5
%
VCM in range, Gain = 10, VOOS ≤ 1 V
–75
–
75
mV
BW
VIN = 10 mVpp
500
–
–
kHz
tSET
VCSO = 1 Vpp square wave Gain = 25,
COUT = 200 pF
–
1
1.8
µs
V
VCSOUT
0.3
–
4.8
Output Voltage Clamp
VCSC
ICSO = –2 mA
4.9
5.1
5.5
V
Output Current Sink1
ICSsink
VID = 0 V, VCSO = 1.5 V, Gain = 25
200
–
–
µA
Output Current Sink (Boosted)1,3
ICSsinkb
VOOS = 1.5 V, VID = –50 mV, Gain = 25,
VCSO = 1.5 V
1
–
–
mA
Output Current Source1
ICSsource
VID = 200 mV, VCSO = 1.5 V, Gain = 25,
Offset = 0 V
–
–
–1
mA
DC Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
CMRR
VCM step from 0 to 200 mV
Gain = 25
60
–
–
dB
AC Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
CMRR
VCM = 200 mVpp, 100 kHz, Gain = 25
–
62
–
dB
VCM = 200 mVpp, 1 MHz, Gain = 25
–
43
–
dB
Common-Mode Recovery Time (to
within 100 mV)
tCMrec
VCM step from –4 V to +1 V, Gain = 25,
COUT = 200 pF
–
1
–
µs
SR
VID step from 0 V to 175 mV, Gain = 25,
COUT = 200 pF
–
10
–
V/µs
tIDrec
VID step from 250 mV to 0 V, Gain = 25,
COUT = 200 pF
–
1
–
µs
Output Slew Rate 10% to 90%
Input Overload Recovery (to within
40 mV)
–100 µA1 < ICSO < 100 µA
Continued on the next page…
VCM = (VCSP + VCSM)/2
AV set by
SAG[2:0] in
Config 5
VCSO = [(VCSP – VCSM) × AV] + VOOS
CSP
CSO
RS
AV
VID
CSM
VOOS set by
SAO[3:0] in
Config 5
VCSP
IPH
VCSM
VOOS
VCSO
A3924
AGND
Figure 1: Typical Sense Amp Voltage Definitions
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
9
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
6.5
6.8
V
Diagnostics and Protection
VREG Undervoltage, VRG = 0
VREG Undervoltage, VRG = 1
VREG Overvoltage Warning
VREG Overvoltage Hysteresis
VBB Overvoltage Warning
VRON
VREG rising
6.3
VROFF
VREG falling
5.2
5.4
5.6
V
VRON
VREG rising
7.5
7.95
8.2
V
VROFF
VREG falling
6.7
7
7.2
V
VROV
VREG rising
14.3
14.9
15.4
V
500
700
–
mV
32
–
36
V
1
–
–
V
–
4.0
–
V
–
500
–
mV
VROVHys
VBBOV
VBB Overvoltage Hysteresis
VBB Undervoltage
VBBUV
VBB Undervoltage Hysteresis
VBB rising
VBBOVHys
VBB falling
VBBUVHys
VBB POR Voltage
VBBR
VBB
–
3.5
–
V
Bootstrap Undervoltage
VBCUV
VBOOT rising, VBOOT = VCx – VSx
70
–
79
%VREG
–
14
–
%VREG
Bootstrap Undervoltage Hysteresis
VBCUVHys
Gate Drive Undervoltage Warning HS
VGSHUV
VGSH
VBOOT – 1.2 VBOOT – 1 VBOOT – 0.8
V
Gate Drive Undervoltage Warning LS
VGSLUV
VGSL
VREG – 1.2
VREG – 1
VREG – 0.8
V
2.45
2.7
2.85
V
50
100
150
mV
4
4.8
–
V
–
100
–
mV
6.5
–
9
V
Regulator Undervoltage Warning
Regulator Undervoltage Hysteresis
Regulator Overvoltage Warning
Regulator Overvoltage Hysteresis
Logic Terminal Overvoltage Warning
V3UV
V3 falling
V3UVHys
V3OV
V3 rising
V3OVHys
VLOV
VL rising on HA, HBn, LAn, LB, RESETn,
ENABLE, or DIAG
ENABLE Input Timeout
tETO
90
100
110
ms
VBRG Input Voltage
VBRG
When VDS monitor is active
7
VBB
50
V
IVBRG
VDSTH = default, VBB = 12 V, 0V < VBRG < VBB
–
–
500
µA
IVBRGQ
Sleep mode, VBB < 35 V
–
–
5
µA
1.5
2
2.5
V
–
250
–
mV
Default power-up value
–
1.2
–
V
VBB ≥ 7 V
–
–
3.15
V
5.5 V ≤ VBB < 7 V
–
–
1.95
V
–200
±100
+200
mV
–
1.2
–
V
VBRG Input Current
VBRG Disconnect Threshold
VBRO
VBRG Disconnect Hysteresis
VBROHys
High-Side VDS Threshold
High-Side VDS Threshold
VDSTH
Offset2
Low-Side VDS Threshold
VDSTHO
VDSTL
VBB – VBRG; default value, VBB ≥ 6 V
High-side on, 200 mV ≤ VDSTH ≤ 3.15 V
Default power-up value
VBB ≥ 5.5V
–
–
3.15
V
Low-side on, 200 mV ≤ VDSTL ≤ 3.15 V
–200
±100
+200
mV
tVDQ
Default power-up value (Figure 5)
1.25
1.6
2.15
µs
VPT
Phase voltage
Default power-up value
–
50
–
%VBRG
Overcurrent Voltage
VOCT
Default power-up value
2.7
3
3.3
V
Overcurrent Qualify Time
tOCQ
Default power-up value
6.75
7.5
8.25
µs
VOLTON
Default power-up value
200
225
250
mV
Low-Side VDS Threshold Offset2
VDS Qualify Time
Phase Comparator Threshold
On-State Open-Load Threshold
Voltage
VDSTLO
Continued on the next page…
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
10
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued): Valid at TJ = –40°C to 150°C, VBB = 5.5 to 50 V, unless otherwise specified
Characteristic
Symbol
Test Conditions
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
0.6
1
1.4
V
6
10
14
mA
–
100
–
µA
Diagnostics and Protection (continued)
Off-State Open-Load Threshold Voltage
VOLTOFF
Off-State Sink Current on SB
IOLTS
Off-State Source Current on SA
IOLTT
OLI = 0
Off-State Source Current on SA
IOLTT
OLI = 1
Open-Load Timeout
tOLTO
DIAG Output: Fault Pulse Period
–
400
–
µA
90
100
110
ms
tFP
DG[1:0]=0,1
90
100
110
ms
DIAG Output: Fault Pulse Duty Cycle
DFP
DG[1:0]=0,1: Fault present
–
80
–
%
DIAG Output: Fault Pulse Duty Cycle
DFP
DG[1:0]=0,1: No fault present
–
20
–
%
DIAG Output: Temperature Range
VTJD
DG[1:0]=1,0
–
1440
–
mV
DIAG Output: Temperature Slope
ATJD
DG[1:0]=1,0
–
–3.92
–
mV/°C
Temperature Warning Threshold
TJWH
Temperature increasing
125
135
145
°C
Temperature Warning Hysteresis
TJWHhys
–
15
–
°C
Overtemperature Threshold
TJF
Temperature increasing
170
175
180
°C
Overtemperature Hysteresis
TJHyst
Recovery = TJF – TJHyst
–
15
–
°C
VLSO
4.5
5
5.5
V
Diagnostic Verification
LSS Open Threshold
VLSOHys
–
500
–
mV
LSS Verification Current1
LSS Open Threshold Hysteresis
ILU
–
–100
–
µA
Phase Test Pull-Down Current
ISD
–
200
–
µA
Phase Test Pull-Up
Current1
ISU
–
–200
–
µA
Sense Amplifier Input Open Threshold
(CSP, CSM)
VSAD
–
2.2
–
V
Sense Amplifier Input Verification
Current1
ISAD
–
–20
–
µA
For input and output current specifications, negative current is defined as coming out of (sourcing) the specified device terminal.
VDS offset is the difference between the programmed threshold, VDSTH or VDSTL, and the actual trip voltage.
3 If the amplifier output voltage (V
CSO) is more positive than the value demanded by the applied differential input (VID) and output offset (VOOS)
conditions, output current sink capability is boosted to enhance negative-going transient response.
1
2
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
11
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
OVERCURRENT FAULT TIMING DIAGRAMS
STRn
A
C
D
B
E
SCK
J
SDI
X
K
X
D15
X
X
X
D0
I
F
SDO
D14
Z
D15’
G
Z
D0’
D14’
H
Figure 2: Serial Interface Timing
X = don’t care; Z = high impedance (tri-state)
HA
LAN
tDEAD
tP(off)
tP(on)
tP(off)
GHA
GLA
tP(off)
tP(on)
tDEAD
Synchronous Rectification
High-side PWM
tP(off)
Low-side PWM
Figure 3a: Gate Drive Timing – Phase A Logic Control Inputs
HBN
LB
tDEAD
tP(off)
tP(on)
tP(off)
GHB
GLB
tP(off)
tP(on)
tDEAD
Synchronous Rectification
High-side PWM
tP(off)
Low-side PWM
Figure 3b: Gate Drive Timing – Phase B Logic Control Inputs
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
12
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
VDS FAULT TIMING DIAGRAMS
GHA
GLA
GHB
GLB
tOCQ
OC Monitor
tOCQ
Active Blank
Active
Blank
tOCQ
tOCQ
Active
Blank
Active
Blank
tOCQ
Active
Blank
Figure 4: Overcurrent Fault Monitor – Blank Mode Timing (OCQ=1)
MOSFET turn on
No fault present
MOSFET turn on
Fault present
MOSFET on
Transient disturbance
No fault present
MOSFET on
Fault occurs
Gxx
VDS
tVDQ
tVDQ
DIAG
Fault Bit
Figure 5a: VDS Fault Monitor – Blank Mode Timing (VDQ=1)
MOSFET turn on
No fault present
MOSFET turn on
Fault present
MOSFET on
Transient disturbance
No fault present
MOSFET on
Fault occurs
Gxx
VDS
tVDQ
tVDQ
tVDQ
tVDQ
DIAG
Fault Bit
Figure 5b: VDS Fault Monitor – Debounce Mode Timing (VDQ=0)
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
13
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
LOGIC TRUTH TABLES
Table 1: Control Logic Table: Control by Logic Inputs
Phase A
Phase B
HA
LAn
GHA
GLA
SA
HBn
LB
GHB
GLB
0
1
LO
0
0
LO
1
1
1
0
SB
LO
Z
1
0
LO
LO
Z
HI
LO
1
1
LO
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
0
0
HI
LO
HI
LO
LO
Z
0
1
LO
LO
Z
SA
BH
BL
GHB
GLB
SB
HI ≡ high-side FET active, LO ≡ low-side FET active.
Z ≡ high impedance, both FETs off.
All control register bits set to 0, RESETn = 1, ENABLE = 1.
Table 2: Control Logic Table: Control by Serial Register
Phase A
Phase B
AH
AL
GHA
GLA
0
0
LO
LO
Z
0
0
LO
LO
Z
0
1
LO
HI
LO
0
1
LO
HI
LO
1
0
HI
LO
HI
1
0
HI
LO
HI
1
1
LO
LO
Z
1
1
LO
LO
Z
HI ≡ high-side FET active, LO ≡ low-side FET active.
Z ≡ high impedance, both FETs off.
Logic 0 input on HA,LB. Logic 1 input on LAn, HBn, RESETn = 1, ENABLE = 1.
Table 3: Control Combination Logic Table: Control by Logic Inputs & Serial Register
Phase A
HA
AH
0
0
0
Phase B
LAn
AL
GHA
GLA
SA
HBn
BH
0
1
0
LO
LO
Z
1
0
0
X
1
1
0
0
0
X
1
0
1
X
X
1
1
0
X
1
0
0
1
X
1
0
0
X
0
0
LO
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
LB
BL
GHB
GLB
SB
0
0
LO
LO
Z
X
1
LO
HI
LO
HI
LO
HI
LO
LO
Z
X
1
X
1
X
1
X
1
X
1
0
X
X
1
1
X
1
X
X
1
0
X
X
1
1
X
0
X
0
X
1
X
LO
LO
Z
X ≡ don’t care, HI ≡ high-side FET active, LO ≡ low-side FET active, Z ≡ high impedance, both FETs off.
RESETn = 1; ENBLE = 1.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
14
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The A3924 is full-bridge (H-Bridge) MOSFET driver (pre-driver)
requiring a single unregulated supply of 6 to 50 V. It includes
an integrated linear regulator to supply the internal logic and a
linear regulator controller to provide a 3.3 V supply for external
circuits. All logic inputs are TTL compatible and can be driven by
3.3 or 5 V logic.
the A3924 to meet stringent ASIL D safety requirements.
The four high-current gate drives are capable of driving a wide
range of N-channel power MOSFETs, and are configured as a
full-bridge driver with two high-side drives and two low-side
drives. The A3924 provides all necessary circuits to ensure that
all external power MOSFETs are fully enhanced at supply voltages down to 7 V. For extreme battery voltage drop conditions,
correct functional operation is guaranteed at supply voltages
down to 5.5 V, but with a reduced gate drive voltage.
The A3924 includes a low-side current sense amplifier with
programmable gain and offset. The amplifier is specifically
designed for current sensing in the presence of high voltage
and current transients. The A3924 can also check the connections from the current sense amplifier to the sensing link using
integrated verification circuits.
Gate drives can be controlled directly through the logic input
terminals or through an SPI-compatible serial interface. The
sense of the logic inputs are arranged to allow each bridge to be
driven by a single PWM input if required. Each bridge can also
be driven by direct logic inputs or by two or four PWM signals,
depending on the required complexity. The logic inputs are battery voltage compliant, meaning they can be shorted to ground or
supply without damage up to the maximum battery voltage of
50 V.
Bridge efficiency can be enhanced by using the synchronous
rectification ability of the drives. When synchronous rectification
is used, cross-conduction (shoot-through) in the external bridge
is avoided by an adjustable dead time. A hard-wired logic lockout
ensures that high-side and low-side on any single phase cannot be
permanently active at the same time.
A low-power sleep mode allows the A3924, the power bridge,
and the load to remain connected to a vehicle battery supply
without the need for an additional supply switch.
The A3924 includes a number of diagnostic features to provide
indication of and/or protection against undervoltage, overvoltage,
overtemperature, and power bridge faults. Detailed diagnostic
information is available through the serial interface.
For systems requiring a higher level of safety integrity, the A3924
includes additional overvoltage monitors on the supplies and
the control inputs. In addition, the integrated diagnostics include
self-test and verification circuits to ensure verifiable diagnostic
operation. When used in conjunction with appropriate system
level control, these features can assist power drive systems using
The serial interface also provides access to programmable dead
time, fault blanking time, programmable VDS threshold for short
detection, and programmable thresholds and currents for openload detection.
Input and Output Terminal Functions
• VBB: Main power supply for internal regulators and charge
pump. The main power supply should be connected to VBB
through a reverse voltage protection circuit and should be
decoupled with ceramic capacitors connected close to the
supply and ground terminals.
• VBRG: Sense input to the top of the external MOSFET
bridge. Allows accurate measurement of the voltage at the
drain of the high-side MOSFETs in the bridge.
• CP1, CP2: Pump capacitor connection for charge pump.
Connect a minimum 220 nF, typically 470 nF, ceramic
capacitor between CP1 and CP2.
• V3: Reference input for the linear regulator controller.
Connect to the emitter of an NPN pass element. Connect
a 100 nF ceramic capacitor, CV3, directly between the V3
terminal and the GND terminal.
• V3BD: Drive output for the base of an NPN pass element.
Connect a 220 nF ceramic capacitor, CV3B, directly between
the V3BD terminal and the GND terminal.
• VREG: Programmable regulated voltage, 8 or 13 V, used to
supply the low-side gate drivers and to charge the bootstrap
capacitors. A sufficiently large storage capacitor must be
connected to this terminal to provide the transient charging
current.
• GND: Analog reference, digital, and power ground. Connect
to supply ground—see layout recommendations.
• AGND: Analog reference ground. Connect to supply
ground—see layout recommendations
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
15
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
• CA, CB: High-side connections for the bootstrap capacitors
and positive supply for high-side gate drivers.
• GHA, GHB: High-side, gate-drive outputs for external
n-channel MOSFETs.
• SA, SB: Load phase connections. These terminals sense the
voltages switched across the load. They are also connected
to the negative side of the bootstrap capacitors and are the
negative supply connections for the floating high-side drivers.
• GLA, GLB: Low-side, gate-drive outputs for external
n-channel MOSFETs.
• LSSA, LSSB: Low-side return path for discharge of the
capacitance on the MOSFET gates, connected to the common
sources of the low-side external MOSFETs independently
through a low impedance track.
• HA: Logic inputs with pull-down to control the high-side gate
drive on phase A. Battery voltage compliant terminal.
• HBn: Logic inputs with pull-up to control the high-side gate
drive on phase B. These are active low inputs. Battery voltage
compliant terminal.
• LAn: Logic inputs with pull-up to control the low-side gate
drive on phase A. These are active low inputs. Battery voltage
compliant terminal.
• LB: Logic inputs with pull-down to control the low-side gate
drive on phase B. Battery voltage compliant terminal.
• SDI: Serial data logic input with pull-down. 16-bit serial word
input msb first.
• SDO: Serial data output. High impedance when STRn is high.
Outputs bit 15 of the Status register, the fault flag, as soon as
STRn goes low.
• SCK: Serial clock logic input with pull-down. Data is latched
in from SDI on the rising edge of SCK. There must be 16
rising edges per write and SCK must be held high when STRn
changes.
• STRn: Serial data strobe and serial access enable logic input
with pull-up. When STRn is high, any activity on SCK or SDI
is ignored and SDO is high impedance, allowing multiple SDI
slaves to have common SDI, SCK and SDO connections.
• CSPA, CSMA, CSPB, CSMB: Current sense amplifier
inputs.
• DIAG: Diagnostic output. Programmable output to provide
one of four functions: fault flag, pulsed fault flag, temperature,
and the programmed sense amplifier output offset voltage.
Default is fault flag.
• RESETn: Resets faults when pulsed low. Forces low-power
shutdown (sleep) when held low. Can be pulled to VBB.
• ENABLE: Deactivates all gate drive outputs when pulled low
in direct mode or after a timeout in monitor mode. Provides
an independent output deactivation, directly to the gate drive
outputs, to allow a fast disconnect on the power bridge. Can be
pulled to VBB.
• SAL, SBL: Logic level outputs representing the state of each
phase determined by the output of a programmable threshold
comparator.
Power Supplies
A single power supply voltage is required. The main power supply (VBB) should be connected to VBB through a reverse voltage
protection circuit. A 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor must be
connected close to the supply and ground terminals.
An internal regulator provides the supply to the internal logic.
All logic is guaranteed to operate correctly to below the regulator
undervoltage levels, ensuring that the A3924 will continue to
operate safely until all logic is reset when a power-on-reset state
is present.
The A3924 will operate within specified parameters with VBB
from 5.5 to 50 V and will operate safely between 0 and 50 V
under all supply switching conditions. This provides a very rugged solution for use in the harsh automotive environment.
PUMP REGULATOR
The gate drivers are powered by a programmable voltage internal
regulator which limits the supply to the drivers and therefore
the maximum gate voltage. At low supply voltage, the regulated
supply is maintained by a charge pump boost converter which
requires a pump capacitor, typically 470 nF, connected between
the CP1 and CP2 terminals.
The regulated voltage (VREG) can be programmed to 8 or
13 V and is available on the VREG terminal. The voltage level is
selected by the value of the VRG bit. When VRG = 1, the voltage
is set to 13 V when VRG = 0, the voltage is set to 8 V.
• CSOA, CSOB: Current sense amplifier outputs.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
16
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A sufficiently large storage capacitor (see Applications section)
must be connected to this terminal to provide the transient charging current to the low-side drivers and the bootstrap capacitors.
LINEAR REGULATOR CONTROLLER
An additional integrated 3.3 V regulator controller is provided for
external logic level circuits, if required. This uses an external pass
element to reduce internal power dissipation. The pass element,
usually an NPN transistor, can be sized to provide the required
current for any additional circuits.
The regulator output must always be decoupled by at least a
100 nF ceramic capacitor (CV3) between the V3 terminal and
GND.
Gate Drives
The A3924 is designed to drive external, low on-resistance,
power n-channel MOSFETs. It will supply the large transient
currents necessary to quickly charge and discharge the external
MOSFET gate capacitance to reduce dissipation in the external
MOSFET during switching. The charge current for the low-side
drives and the recharge current for the bootstrap capacitors are
provided by the capacitor on the VREG terminal. The charge
current for the high-side drives is provided by the bootstrap
capacitors connected between the Cx and Sx terminal, one for
each phase. The charge and discharge rate of the gate of the
MOSFET can be controlled using an external resistor in series
with the connection to the gate of the MOSFET.
BOOTSTRAP SUPPLY
When the high-side drivers are active, the reference voltage for
the driver will rise to close to the bridge supply voltage. The
supply to the driver will then have to be above the bridge supply
voltage to ensure that the driver remains active. This temporary
high-side supply is provided by bootstrap capacitors, one for each
high-side driver. These two bootstrap capacitors are connected
between the bootstrap supply terminals (CA and CB) and the
corresponding high-side reference terminal (SA and SB).
The bootstrap capacitors are independently charged to approximately VREG when the associated reference Sx terminal is low.
When the output swings high, the voltage on the bootstrap supply
terminal rises with the output to provide the boosted gate voltage
needed for the high-side n-channel power MOSFETs.
BOOTSTRAP CHARGE MANAGEMENT
The A3924 monitors the individual bootstrap capacitor charge
voltages to ensure sufficient high-side drive. It also includes an
optional bootstrap capacitor charge management system (boot-
strap manager) to ensure that the bootstrap capacitor remains sufficiently charged under all conditions. The bootstrap manager is
enabled by default, but it may be disabled by setting the DBM bit
to 1. This may be required in systems where the output MOSFET
switching must only be allowed by the controlling processor.
Before a high-side drive can be turned on, the bootstrap capacitor
voltage must be higher than the turn-on voltage threshold (VBCUV
+ VBCUVHys). If this is not the case, then the A3924 will attempt
to charge the bootstrap capacitor by activating the complementary
low-side drive. Under normal circumstances, this will charge the
capacitor above the turn-on voltage in a few microseconds, and
the high-side drive will then be enabled. The bootstrap voltage
monitor remains active while the high-side drive is active;
furthermore, if the voltage drops below the turn-off voltage
threshold (VBCUV), a charge cycle is also initiated.
The bootstrap charge management circuit may actively charge the
bootstrap capacitor regularly when the PWM duty cycle is very
high, particularly when the PWM off-time is too short to permit
the bootstrap capacitor to become sufficiently charged.
In some safety systems, the gate driver is not permitted to turn
on a MOSFET without a direct command from the controller.
In this case, the bootstrap manager may be disabled by setting
the DBM bit to 1. If the bootstrap manager is disabled, then the
user must ensure that the bootstrap capacitor does not become
discharged below the bootstrap undervoltage threshold (VBCUV),
or a bootstrap fault will be indicated and the outputs disabled.
This can happen with very high PWM duty cycles when the
charge time for the bootstrap capacitor is insufficient to ensure
a sufficient recharge to match the MOSFET gate charge transfer
during turn on.
If, for any reason, the bootstrap capacitor cannot be sufficiently
charged, a bootstrap fault will occur—see Diagnostics section for
further details.
TOP-OFF CHARGE PUMP.
An additional “top-off” charge pump is provided for each phase,
which will allow the high-side drive to maintain the gate voltage
on the external MOSFET indefinitely, ensuring so-called 100%
PWM if required. This is a low current trickle charge pump
and is only operated after a high-side has been signaled to turn
on. There is a small amount of bias current drawn from the Cx
terminal to operate the floating high side circuit (<40 µA), and
the charge pump simply provides enough drive to ensure the
bootstrap voltage—and hence the gate voltage—will not droop
due to this bias current.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
17
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
In some applications, a safety resistor is added between the gate
and source of each MOSFET in the bridge. When a high-side
MOSFET is held in the on-state, the current through the associated high-side gate-source resistor (RGSH) is provided by the
high-side driver and therefore appears as a static resistive load on
the top-off charge pump. The minimum value of RGSH for which
the top-off charge pump can provide current, without dropping
below the bootstrap undervoltage threshold, is defined in the
Electrical Characteristics table.
In all cases, the charge required for initial turn-on of the high-side
gate is always supplied by the bootstrap capacitor. If the bootstrap
capacitor becomes discharged, the top-off charge pump alone will
not provide sufficient current to allow the MOSFET to turn on.
HIGH-SIDE GATE DRIVE
High-side, gate-drive outputs for external n-channel MOSFETs
are provided on pins GHA and GHB. External resistors between
the gate drive output and the gate connection to the MOSFET (as
close as possible to the MOSFET) can be used to control the slew
rate seen at the gate, thereby controlling the di/dt and dv/dt of the
voltage at the SA and SB terminals. GHx = 1 (or “high”) means
that the upper half of the driver is turned on, and its drain will
source current to the gate of the high-side MOSFET in the external
motor-driving bridge, turning it on. GHx = 0 (or “low”) means
that the lower half of the driver is turned on, and its drain will sink
current from the external MOSFET’s gate circuit to the respective
Sx terminal, turning it off.
The reference points for the high-side drives are the load phase
connections (SA and SB). These terminals sense the voltages at
the load connections. These terminals are also connected to the
negative side of the bootstrap capacitors and are the negative
supply reference connections for the floating high-side drivers. The discharge current from the high-side MOSFET gate
capacitance flows through these connections, which should have
low-impedance traces to the MOSFET bridge.
LOW-SIDE GATE DRIVE
The low-side, gate drive outputs on GLA and GLB are referenced
to the LSS terminal. These outputs are designed to drive external
n-channel power MOSFETs. External resistors between the gate
drive output and the gate connection to the MOSFET (as close
as possible to the MOSFET) can be used to control the slew rate
seen at the gate, thereby providing some control of the di/dt and
dv/dt of the voltage at the SA and SB terminals. GLx = 1 (or
“high”) means that the upper half of the driver is turned on, and
its drain will source current to the gate of the low-side MOSFET
in the external power bridge, turning it on. GLx = 0 (or “low”)
means that the lower half of the driver is turned on, and its drain
will sink current from the external MOSFET’s gate circuit to the
LSS terminal, turning it off.
The LSS terminal provides the return path for discharge of the
capacitance on the low-side MOSFET gates. This terminal is
connected independently to the common sources of the low-side
external MOSFETs through a low-impedance track.
GATE DRIVE PASSIVE PULL-DOWN.
Each gate drive output includes a discharge circuit to ensure that
any external MOSFET connected to the gate drive output is held
off when the power is removed. This discharge circuit appears
as 400 kΩ between the gate drive and the source connections
for each MOSFET. It is only active when the A3924 is not
driving the output to ensure that any charge accumulated on the
MOSFET gate has a discharge path even when the power is not
connected.
DEAD TIME
To prevent cross-conduction (shoot-through) in any phase of the
power MOSFET bridge, it is necessary to have a dead-time delay
between a high- or low-side turn-off and the next complementary
turn-on event. The potential for cross-conduction occurs when
any complementary high-side and low-side pair of MOSFETs
are switched at the same time (for example, at the PWM switch
point). In the A3924, the dead time for both phases is set by
the contents of the DT[5:0] bits in Config 0 register. These six
bits contain a positive integer that determines the dead time by
division from the system clock.
The dead time is defined as:
tDEAD = n × 50 ns
where n is a positive integer defined by DT[5:0] and
tDEAD has a minimum active value of 100 ns.
For example, when
DT[6:0] contains [11 0000] (= 48 in decimal), then tDEAD =
2.4 µs, typically.
The accuracy of tDEAD is determined by the accuracy of the
system clock as defined in the Electrical Characteristics table.
The range of tDEAD is 100 ns to 3.15 µs. A value of 1, or 2 in
DT[5:0] will set the minimum active dead time of 100 ns.
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18
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
If the dead-time is to be generated externally (for example, by
the PWM output of a microcontroller), then entering a value of
zero in DT[5:0] will disable the dead timer, and there will be no
minimum dead time generated by the A3924. However, the logic
that prevents permanent cross-conduction will still be active.
The internally generated dead time will only be present if the on
command for one MOSFET occurs within one dead time after the
off command for its complementary partner. In the case where
one side of a phase drive is permanently off (for example, when
using diode rectification with slow decay), then the dead time
will not occur. In this case, the gate drive will turn on within the
specified propagation delay after the corresponding phase input
goes high. (see Figure 3)
Logic Control Inputs
Four logic level digital inputs provide direct control for the gate
drives, one for each drive. These TTL threshold logic inputs can
be driven from 3.3 or 5 V logic, and all have a typical hysteresis
of 500 mV to improve noise performance. Each input can be
shorted to the VBB supply, up to the absolute maximum supply
voltage, without damage to the input.
Input HA is active-high and controls the high-side drive for phase
A. LAn is active-low and controls the low-side drive for phase
A. Similarly, HBn (active-low) and LB (active-high) control
the high-side and low-side drives respectively for phase B. The
logical relationship between the inputs and the gate drive outputs
is defined in Table 1.
The logic sense of the inputs (active-high or active-low) are
arranged to permit the bridge to be controlled with 1, 2, or 4
inputs. The control inputs to each phase can be driven together
to control both high-side and low-side drives when synchronous
rectification is used. Driving each phase with a single input in
this way provides direction control with one input and slow
decay, synchronous rectification PWM with the other input.
Driving all four control inputs together provides fast decay with
synchronous rectification and can be used to control current in
both directions with a single PWM input.
The two phases can also operate independently providing two
half-bridge drives. In this case, the dead time, blank time, and
VDS threshold will be common to both half bridge drives.
The gate drive outputs can also be controlled through the serial
interface by setting the appropriate bit in the control register. In
the control register, all bits are active-high. The logical relationship between the register bit setting and the gate drive outputs is
defined in Table 2.
The logic inputs are combined (using logical OR) with the corresponding bits in the serial interface control register to determine
the state of the gate drive. The logical relationship between the
combination of logic input and register bit setting and the gate
drive outputs is defined in Table 3. In most applications, either
the logic inputs or the serial control will be used. When using
only the logic inputs to control the bridge, the serial register
should be left in the reset condition with all control bits set to 0.
When using only the serial interface to control the bridge, the
inputs should be tied such that the active-low inputs are connected to DL and the active high inputs connected to GND; that
is, HA and LB should be tied to GND, and HBn and LAn should
be tied to DL. The internal pull-up and pull-down resistors on
these inputs ensure that they go to the inactive state should they
become disconnected from the control signal level. However,
connecting these inputs to a fixed level can allow detection of
control input faults that would not be detected using only the
internal pull-up or pull-down.
Internal lockout logic ensures that the high-side output drive and
low-side output drive cannot be active simultaneously. When the
control inputs request active high-side and low-side at the same
time for a single phase, then both high-side and low-side gate
drives will be forced low.
Output Disable
The ENABLE input is connected directly to the gate drive output
command signal, bypassing all phase control logic. This input can
be used to provide a fast output disable (emergency cutoff) or to
provide non-synchronous fast decay PWM.
ENABLE can also be monitored by a watchdog timer by setting
the EWD bit to 1. In watchdog mode, the first change of state
on the ENABLE input will activate the gate drive outputs under
command from the corresponding phase control signals, and a
watchdog timer is started. The ENABLE input must then change
state before the end of the ENABLE timeout period (tETO). If the
ENABLE input does not change before the end of the timeout
period, then all gate drive outputs will be driven low, and the
ETO bit will be set in the Status register. Any following change
of state on the ENABLE input will reactivate the gate drive
outputs. The ETO bit remains in the Status register until cleared.
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19
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
Sleep Mode
Current Sense Amplifier
RESETn is an active-low input that commands the A3924 to
enter sleep mode. In sleep mode, the part is inactive and the
current consumption from the VBB supply is reduced to a low
level, defined by IBBS. When RESETn is held low for longer than
approximately 200 μs, the gate drive outputs are disabled and
the current consumption from the VBB supply decays. Holding
RESETn low for 1 ms will ensure the part is fully in sleep mode.
A programmable gain, differential sense amplifier is provided
to allow the use of low-value sense resistors or current shunt as
a low-side current sensing element. The input common-mode
range of the CSP and CSM inputs and programmable output
offset allows below ground current sensing typically required
for low-side current sense in PWM control of motors, or other
inductive loads, during switching transients. The output of the
sense amplifier is available at the CSO outputs and can be used
in peak or average current control systems. The output can drive
up to 4.8 V to permit maximum dynamic range with higher input
voltage A-to-D converters.
Taking RESETn high to wake from sleep mode clears all previously reported latched fault states and corresponding fault bits.
When waking up from sleep mode, the protection logic ensures
that the gate drive outputs are held off until the charge pump
reaches its correct operating condition. The charge pump stabilizes in approximately 3 ms, under nominal conditions.
To allow the A3924 to start up without the need for an external
logic input, the RESETn terminal can be pulled to VBB with an
external pull-up resistor.
Note that, if the voltage on the RESETn terminal rises above the
logic terminal overvoltage warning threshold, VLOV, then the
VLO bit will be set in the Status register.
RESETn can also be used to clear any fault conditions without
entering sleep mode by taking it low for the reset pulse width
(tRST). Any latched fault conditions, such as short detection or
bootstrap capacitor undervoltage, which disable the outputs, will
be cleared. RESETn will not reset the fault bits in the Status
registers.
The gain of the sense amplifier is defined by the contents of the
SAG[2:0] variable as:
SAG
Gain
SAG
Gain
0
10
4
30
1
15
5
35
2
20
6
40
3
25
7
50
The output offset, VOOS, of the sense amplifier is defined by the
contents of the SAO[3:0] variable as:
SAO
VOOS
SAO
VOOS
0
0
8
750 mV
1
0
9
1V
2
100 mV
10
1.25 V
3
100 mV
11
1.5 V
4
200 mV
12
1.75 V
5
300 mV
13
2V
6
400 mV
14
2.25 V
7
500 mV
15
2.5 V
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115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
20
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
DIAGNOSTIC MONITORS
Multiple diagnostic features provide three levels of fault monitoring. These include critical protection for the A3924, monitors for
operational voltages and states, and detection of power bridge
and load fault conditions. All diagnostics, except for POR, serial
transfer error and overtemperature can be masked by setting the
appropriate bit in the mask registers.
Except for the two phase state outputs, the fault status is available
from two sources, the DIAG output terminal and the status and
diagnostic registers accessed through the serial interface.
DIAG Diagnostic Output
The DIAG terminal is a single diagnostic output signal that can
be programmed by setting the contents of the DG[1:0] variable
through the serial interface to provide one of three dedicated
diagnostic signals:
The temperature output option provides access to the internal
voltage representing the surface temperature of the silicon.
The sense amplifier option provides the output offset voltage,
(VOOS) of the sense amplifier, defined by the contents of the
SAO[3:0] bits in configuration register 5.
Diagnostic Registers
The serial interface allows detailed diagnostic information to be
read from the diagnostic registers on the SDO output terminal at
any time.
A system Status register provides a summary of all faults in a
single read transaction. The Status register is always output on
SDO when any register is written.
Table 4: Diagnostic Functions
• DG = 0: a general fault flag
Name
• DG = 1: a pulsed fault flag
POR
Diagnostic
Level
Internal logic supply undervoltage causing poweron reset
Chip
OT
Chip junction overtemperature
Chip
SE
Serial transmission error
Chip
• DG = 3: the sense amplifier output offset voltage
TW
High chip junction temperature warning
Monitor
At power-up, or after a power-on-reset, the DIAG terminal
outputs a general logic-level fault flag which will be active-low
if a fault is present. This fault flag remains low while the fault is
present or if one of the latched faults has been detected and the
outputs disabled. When the general fault flag is reset the DIAG
output will be high.
VSO
VBB supply overvoltage (Load dump detection)
Monitor
VSU
VBB supply undervoltage
Monitor
VLO
Logic terminal overvoltage
Monitor
• DG = 2: a voltage representing the temperature of the internal
silicon
The pulsed fault output option provides a continuous lowfrequency low-duty cycle pulsed output when a fault is present
or if one of the latched faults has been detected and the outputs
disabled. When the general fault flag is reset and no fault is
present, the signal output on the DIAG terminal is continuous
low-frequency, high-duty cycle pulses. The period of the DIAG
signal in pulsed mode is defined by tFP and is typically 100 ms.
The two duty cycles are defined by DFP and are typically 20%
when a fault is present and 80% when no fault is present.
DIAG: No Fault
tFP
0.8 tFP
0.2 tFP
DIAG: Fault
Figure 6: DIAG – Pulsed Output Mode
ETO
ENABLE watchdog timeout
Monitor
VRO
VREG output overvoltage
Monitor
VRU
VREG output undervoltage
Monitor
V3U
V3 Regulator output undervoltage
Monitor
V3O
V3 Regulator output overvoltage
Monitor
AHU
A high-side VGS undervoltage
Monitor
ALU
A low-side VGS undervoltage
Monitor
BHU
B high-side VGS undervoltage
Monitor
BLU
B low-side VGS undervoltage
Monitor
OCA
Overcurrent on phase A
Bridge
OCB
Overcurrent on phase B
Bridge
OL
Open load
Bridge
VA
Bootstrap undervoltage phase A
Bridge
VB
Bootstrap undervoltage phase B
Bridge
Phase A high-side VDS overvoltage
Bridge
Bridge
AHO
ALO
Phase A low-side VDS overvoltage
BHO
Phase B high-side VDS overvoltage
Bridge
BLO
Phase B low-side VDS overvoltage
Bridge
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21
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
The first bit (bit 15) of the Status register contains a common
fault flag (FF), which will be high if any of the fault bits in the
Status register have been set. This allows fault condition to be
detected using the serial interface by simply taking STRn low.
As soon as STRn goes low, the first bit in the Status register (bit
15) can be read on SDO to determine if a fault has been detected
at any time since the last fault register reset. In all cases, the fault
bits in the diagnostic registers are latched and only cleared after a
fault register reset.
Once the A3924 is operational, the internal logic supply continues
to be monitored. If, during the operational state, VDL drops below
logic supply undervoltage lockout falling (turn-off) threshold,
derived from VBBR, then the logical function of the A3924 cannot
be guaranteed, and the outputs will be immediately disabled. The
A3924 will enter a power-down state, and all internal activity, other
than the logic regulator voltage monitor, will be suspended. If the
logic supply undervoltage is a transient event, then the A3924 will
follow the power-up sequence above as the voltage rises.
Note that FF (bit 15) does not provide the same function as the
general fault flag output on the DIAG terminal when STRn is
high and the DIAG output is in its default mode. The fault output
on the DIAG terminal provides an indication that either a fault is
present or the outputs have been disabled due to a latched fault
state. FF provides an indication that a fault has occurred since the
last fault reset and one or more fault bits have been set.
CHIP FAULT STATE: OVERTEMPERATURE
If the chip temperature rises above the overtemperature threshold
(TJF) the general fault flag will be active and the overtemperature
bit (OT) will be set in the Status register. If ESF = 1 when an
overtemperature is detected, all gate drive outputs will be disabled automatically. If ESF = 0, then no circuitry will be disabled,
and action must be taken by the user to limit the power dissipation in some way so as to prevent overtemperature damage to the
chip and unpredictable device operation. When the temperature
drops below TJF by more than the hysteresis value (TJFHys), the
fault state will be reset and when ESF = 1 the outputs re-enabled.
The general fault flag remains active until the temperature drops
below the temperature warning threshold (TJW) by more than the
hysteresis value (TJWHys). The overtemperature bit remains in the
Status register until reset.
Chip-Level Protection
Chip-wide parameters critical for correct operation of the A3924
are monitored. These include maximum chip temperature,
minimum internal logic supply voltage, and the serial interface
transmission. These three monitors are necessary to ensure that
the A3924 is able to respond as specified.
CHIP FAULT STATE: INTERNAL LOGIC UNDERVOLTAGE
The A3924 has an independent internal logic regulator to supply
the internal logic. This is to ensure that external events, other
than loss of supply, do not prevent the A3924 from operating
correctly. The internal logic supply regulator will continue to
operate with a low supply voltage, for example if the main supply
voltage drops to a very low value during a severe cold-crank
event. In extreme low-supply circumstances, or during power-up
or power-down, an undervoltage detector ensures that the A3924
operates correctly. The logic supply undervoltage lockout cannot
be masked as it is essential to guarantee correct operation over
the full supply range.
When power is first applied to the A3924, the internal logic is
prevented from operating, and all gate drive outputs are held in
the off state until the internal regulator voltage (VDL) exceeds
the logic supply undervoltage lockout rising (turn-on) threshold,
derived from the VBB POR threshold, VBBR. At this point, all
serial registers will be reset to their power-on state, and all fault
states will be reset. The FF bit and the POR bit in the Status
register will be set to one to indicate that a power-on-reset has
taken place. The A3924 then goes into its fully operational state
and begins operating as specified.
CHIP FAULT STATE: SERIAL ERROR
If there are more than 16 rising edges on SCK, or if STRn goes
high and there are fewer than 16 rising edges on SCK, or the
parity is not odd, then the write will be cancelled without writing
data to the registers, and the SE bit will be set to indicate a data
transfer error. If the transfer is a write, then the Status register
will not be reset. If the transfer is a diagnostic or verification
result read, then the addressed register will not be reset.
Operational Monitors
Parameters related to the safe operation of the A3924 in a system
are monitored. These include parameters associated with external
active and passive components, power supplies, and interaction
with external controllers.
Voltages relating to driving the external power MOSFETs are
monitored, specifically VREG, each bootstrap capacitor voltage,
and the VGS of each gate drive output. The main supply voltage
(VBB) is only monitored for overvoltage and undervoltage events.
The logic inputs are capable of being shorted to the main supply
voltage without damage, but any high voltage on these pins will
be detected. In addition, a watchdog timer can be applied to the
ENABLE input to verify continued operation of the external
controller.
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22
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
MONITOR: VREG UNDERVOLTAGE AND OVERVOLTAGE
The internal charge pump regulator supplies the low-side gate
driver and the bootstrap charge current. It is critical to ensure that
the regulated voltage (VREG) at the VREG terminal is sufficiently
high before enabling any of the outputs.
If VREG goes below the VREG undervoltage threshold (VROFF),
the general fault flag will be active and the VREG undervoltage
bit (VRU) will be set in the Diag 1 register. All gate drive outputs
will go low, the motor drive will be disabled, and the motor will
coast. When VREG rises above the rising threshold (VRON), the
gate drive outputs are re-enabled and the general fault flag is
reset. The VRU bit remains in the Diag 1 register until cleared.
The VREG undervoltage monitor circuit is active during powerup, and all gate drives will be low until VREG is greater than
VRON. Note that this is sufficient to turn on standard threshold
external power MOSFETs at a battery voltage as low as 5.5 V, but
the on-resistance of the MOSFET may be higher than its specified maximum.
The VREG undervoltage monitor can be disabled by setting the
VRU bit in the mask register. Although not recommended, this
can allow the A3924 to operate below its minimum specified
supply voltage level with a severely impaired gate drive. The
specified electrical parameters will not be valid in this condition.
The output of the VREG regulator is also monitored to detect any
overvoltage applied to the VREG terminal.
If VREG goes above the VREG undervoltage threshold (VROV),
the general fault flag will be active and the VREG overvoltage
bit (VRO) will be set in the Diag 1 register. No action will be
taken as the gate drive outputs are protected from overvoltage
by independent Zener clamps. When VREG falls below VROV
by more than the hysteresis voltage (VROVHys), the fault state is
reset, but VRO bit remains in the Diag 1 register until cleared.
MONITOR: TEMPERATURE WARNING
If the chip temperature rises above the temperature warning
threshold (TJW), the general fault flag will be active and the hot
warning bit (TW) will be set in the Status register. No action will
be taken by the A3924. When the temperature drops below TJW
by more than the hysteresis value (TJWHys), the general fault flag
is reset but the TW bit remains in the Status register until cleared.
MONITOR: REGULATOR UNDERVOLTAGE AND OVERVOLTAGE
The output voltage of the linear regulator controller (V3) at the
V3 terminal is monitored to ensure it is within the correct limits.
If V3 drops below the logic regulator undervoltage threshold
(V3UV), the general fault flag will be active and the V3 undervoltage bit (V3U) will be set in the Diag 0 register. No action will be
taken by the A3924. When V3 rises above the rising undervoltage
threshold (V3UV + V3UVHys), the general fault flag is reset but the
V3U bit remains in the Diag 0 register until cleared.
If V3 rises above the logic regulator overvoltage threshold
(V3OV), the general fault flag will be active and the V3 overvoltage bit (V3O) will be set in the Diag 0 register. No action will be
taken by the A3924. When V3 falls below the falling undervoltage threshold (V3OV – V3OVHys), the general fault flag is reset but
the V3O bit remains in the Diag 0 register until cleared.
MONITOR: VBB SUPPLY UNDERVOLTAGE AND OVERVOLTAGE
The main supply to the A3924 on the VBB terminal (VBB) is
monitored to indicate if the supply voltage is above, or has
exceeded, its normal operating range (for example, during a load
dump event). If VBB rises above the VBB overvoltage warning
threshold (VBBOV), then the VSO bit will be set in the Diag 2
register and the general fault flag will be active. No other action
will be taken. When VBB falls below the falling VBB overvoltage
warning threshold (VBBOV – VBBOVHys), the fault flag will be
reset but the VSO bit remains in the Diag 2 register until cleared.
The main supply on the VBB terminal is also monitored to
indicate if the supply voltage is below its normal operating range.
If VBB goes below the VBB undervoltage threshold (VBBUV),
then the VSU bit will be set in the Diag 2 register and the general
fault flag will be active. All gate drive outputs will go low, the
motor drive will be disabled and the motor will coast. When VBB
rises above the rising VBB undervoltage threshold (VBBUV +
VBBUVHys), the fault flag will be reset and the gate drive outputs
are re-enabled. The VSU bit remains in the Diag 2 register until
cleared.
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23
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
MONITOR: VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
To ensure that the gate drive output is operating correctly, each
gate drive output voltage is independently monitored, when
active, to ensure the drive voltage (VGS) is sufficient to fully
enhance the power MOSFET in the external bridge.
If VGS, on any active gate drive output, goes below the gate drive
undervoltage warning (VGSUV), the general fault flag will be
active and the corresponding gate drive undervoltage bit (AHU,
ALU, BHU or BLU) will be set in the Diag 0 register. No other
action will be taken. When VGS rises above VGSUV the general
fault flag will be reset. The fault bits remain in the Diag 0 register
until cleared.
MONITOR: LOGIC TERMINAL OVERVOLTAGE
Seven of the logic terminals are capable of being shorted to
the main supply voltage, up to 50 V, without damage. These
terminals are HA, HBn, LAn, LB, RESETn, ENABLE, and
DIAG. The voltage on these pins (VL) is monitored to provide an
indication of a short-to-battery fault. If VL on any of the terminals
rises above the logic terminal overvoltage warning threshold
(VLOV), then the VLO bit will be set in the Status register and the
general fault flag will be active. If the fault is on one of the input
terminals and the ESF bit is set, then all gate drive outputs will be
disabled. A fault on the DIAG terminal will have no effect on the
gate drive outputs. When VL on all terminals falls below the logic
terminal overvoltage warning threshold (VLOV), the fault flag will
be reset and the outputs will be reactivated. The VLO bit remains
in the Status register until cleared.
MONITOR: ENABLE WATCHDOG TIMEOUT
The ENABLE input provides a direct connection to all gate drive
outputs and can be used as a safety override to immediately deactivate the outputs. The ENABLE input is programmed to operate as a direct logic control by default, but it can be monitored
by a watchdog timer by setting the EWD bit to 1. In the direct
mode, the input is not monitored other than for input overvoltage
as described in the Logic Terminal Overvoltage section above.
In watchdog mode, the first change of state on the ENABLE
input will activate the gate drive outputs under command from
the corresponding phase control signals, and a watchdog timer
is started. The ENABLE input must then change state before the
end of the ENABLE timeout period (tETO). If the ENABLE input
does not change before the end of the timeout period, then all
gate drive outputs will be driven low, the ETO bit will be set in
the Status register, and the general fault flag will be active. Any
following change of state on the ENABLE input will reactivate
the gate drive outputs and reset the general fault flag. The ETO
bit remains in the Status register until cleared.
Power Bridge and Load Faults
BRIDGE: OVERCURRENT DETECT
The output from the sense amplifier can be compared to an
overcurrent threshold voltage (VOCT) to provide indication of
overcurrent events. VOCT is generated by a 4-bit DAC with
a resolution of 300 mV and defined by the contents of the
OCT[3:0] variable and the contents of the SAO[3:0] variable.
VOCT is approximately defined as:
VOCT = [(n + 1) × 300 mV]
where n is a positive integer defined by OCT[3:0].
Any offset programmed on SAO[3:0] is applied to both the
current sense amplifier outputs, CSOx, and the Overcurrent
threshold (VOCT), and has no effect on the overcurrent threshold
(IOCT). The relationship between the threshold voltage and the
threshold current is approximately defined as:
IOCT =
VOCT
(RS × AV)
where VOCT is the overcurrent threshold voltage programmed by
OCT[3:0], RS is the sense resistor value in Ω, and AV is the sense
amp gain defined by SAG[2:0].
The output from the overcurrent comparator is filtered by an
overcurrent qualifier circuit. This circuit uses a timer to verify
that the output from each comparator is indicating a valid
overcurrent event. The qualifier can operate in one of two ways—
debounce or blanking—selected by the OCQ bit.
In the default debounce mode, a timer is started each time a
comparator output indicates on overcurrent detection when the
corresponding low-side MOSFET is active. This timer is reset
when the comparator changes back to indicate normal operation.
If the debounce timer reaches the end of the timeout period, set
by tOCQ, then the overcurrent event is considered valid, and the
corresponding overcurrent bit (OCA or OCB) will be set in the
Diag 2 register.
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24
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
In the optional blanking mode, a timer is started when a lowside gate drive is turned on. The output from the comparator is
ignored (blanked) for the duration of the timeout period, set by
tOCQ. If a comparator output indicates an overcurrent event when
the blanking timer is not active, then the overcurrent event is
considered valid, and the corresponding overcurrent bit (OCA or
OCB) will be set in the Diag 2 register.
The duration of the overcurrent qualifying timer (tOCQ) is
determined by the contents of the TOC[3:0] variable. tOCQ is
approximately defined as:
tOCQ = n × 500 ns
where n is a positive integer defined by TOC[3:0].
When a valid overcurrent is detected, no action is taken. Only the
OCA or OCB bits are set and remain in the Diag 2 register until
cleared.
BRIDGE: OPEN-LOAD DETECT
Two open-load fault detection methods are provided: an on-state
current monitor and an off-state open-load detector. An on-state
is defined by the state of the gate drive outputs as one high-side
switched on and the low-side in the opposite phase switched on.
The resulting two combinations are the only ones where current
can be passed through the low-side sense resistor. An off-state
is defined by the state of the gate drive outputs as all MOSFETs
switched off. In this state, the load connections are high impedance and can be used to detect the presence or otherwise of a
load.
ON-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECTION
When AOL = 0, the on-state open-load detection will be completely inactive. The on-state open-load detection is only enabled
when AOL = 1 and either GHA and GLB are on together, or GHB
and GLA are on together.
During the on-state, the A3924 compares the output from the
sense amplifier against the open-load threshold voltage (VOLTON)
to provide indication of on-state open-load events. VOLTON is
generated by an internal 4-bit DAC with a resolution of 25 mV
and defined by the contents of the OLT[3:0] variable. VOLTON is
approximately defined as:
VOLTON = (n + 1) × 25 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by OLT[3:0].
Any offset programmed on SAO[3:0] is applied to both the
current sense amplifier outputs, CSOx, and the VOLTON threshold
and has no effect on the open-load detect threshold current
threshold (IOLT). The relationship between the threshold voltage
and the threshold current is approximately defined as:
VOLTON
IOLT =
(RS × AV)
where VOLTON is the open-load threshold voltage programmed by
OLT[3:0], RS is the sense resistor value in Ω, and AV is the sense
amp gain defined by SAG[2:0].
If the output of the sense amplifier is less than VOLTON during
the on-state, then a timer is allowed to increment. If the output of
the amplifier is higher than VOLTON during the on-state, then the
timer is reset. If the timer reaches the open-load timeout value
tOLTO (typically 100 ms), then the general fault flag will be active
and the open-load fault bit (OL) will be set in the Diag 2 register
indicating a valid open-load condition.
As soon as the output of the amplifier is higher than VOLTON
during the on‑state, then the general fault flag will be reset but the
OL bit remains in the Diag 2 register until cleared.
If the sense amplifier is not used in an application, then the onstate open-load detection can be completely disabled by setting
AOL to 0.
OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECTION
When DOO = 1, the off-state open-load detection will be completely disabled. The off-state open-load detection is only enabled
when DOO = 0 and all gate drive outputs are off. In the off-state,
a current sink (IOLTS) is applied to the SB terminal and a current
source (IOLTT) is applied to the SA terminal.
IOLTS is typically 10 mA, which is low enough to allow the
A3924 to survive a short to VBB on the SB terminal during the
off-state without damage, and high enough to discharge any
output capacitance in an acceptable time.
The value of IOLTT is selected by the OLI bit. When OLI = 0,
IOLTT = 100 µA; when OLI = 1, IOLTT = 400 µA.
The sink current (IOLTS) pulls the SB terminal to ground, once
any energy remaining in the load, when entering the off state, has
dissipated. The source current (IOLTT) applies a test current to the
load. As the sink current is much larger than the source current,
the current through the load will be the source current. The
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A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
voltage at the SB terminal (VSB) should be close to zero, and the
voltage at the SA terminal (VSA) will allow the load resistance to
be measured. VSA is compared to a fixed threshold (VOLTOFF) of
typically 1 V. If VSA is less than VOLTOFF, then a load is assumed
to be present. If VSA is greater than VOLTOFF, then a timer is
started. If the timer reaches the open-load timeout value tOLTO
(typically 100 ms), then the general fault flag will be active and
the open-load fault bit (OL) will be set in the Diag 2 register
indicating a valid open-load condition.
When OLI = 0, the threshold for load resistance is 10 kΩ; when
OLI = 1, the threshold is 2.5 kΩ. So any load resistance greater
than 10 kΩ or 2.5 kΩ respectively is indicated as an open load.
If the bridge exits, the off-state at any time before the timeout is
complete, then the timer is reset without indicating an open load.
If VSA becomes less than VOLTOFF, or if the bridge exits the offstate after the open-load fault condition has been detected, then
the general fault flag will be reset, but the OL bit remains in the
Diag 2 register until cleared.
BRIDGE: BOOTSTRAP CAPACITOR UNDERVOLTAGE
FAULT
The A3924 monitors the individual bootstrap capacitor charge
voltages to ensure sufficient high-side drive. It also includes an
optional bootstrap capacitor charge management system (bootstrap manager) to ensure that the bootstrap capacitor remains sufficiently charged under all conditions. The bootstrap manager is
enabled by default, but it may be disabled by setting the DBM bit
to 1. This may be required in systems where the output MOSFET
switching must only be allowed by the controlling processor.
If the bootstrap manager is disabled, then the user must ensure
that the bootstrap capacitor does not become discharged below
the bootstrap undervoltage threshold (VBCUV), or a bootstrap
fault will be indicated and the outputs disabled. This can happen
with very high PWM duty cycles, when the charge time for the
bootstrap capacitor is insufficient to ensure a sufficient recharge
to match the MOSFET gate charge transfer during turn-on.
When the bootstrap manager is active, the bootstrap capacitor
voltage must be higher than the turn-on voltage limit before
a high-side drive can be turned on. If this is not the case, then
the A3924 will attempt to charge the bootstrap capacitor by
activating the complementary low-side drive. Under normal
circumstances, this will charge the capacitor above the turn-on
voltage in a few microseconds, and the high-side drive will then
be enabled. The bootstrap voltage monitor remains active while
the high-side drive is active, and if the voltage drops below the
turn-off voltage, a charge cycle is also initiated.
If there is a fault that prevents the bootstrap capacitor charging
during the managed recharge cycle, then the charge cycle will
timeout after typically 200 µs, and the bootstrap undervoltage
fault is considered to be valid. If the bootstrap manager is
disabled and a bootstrap undervoltage is detected when a highside MOSFET is active or being switched on then, the bootstrap
undervoltage is immediately valid.
The action taken when a valid bootstrap undervoltage fault is
detected and the fault reset conditions depend on the state of the
ESF bit.
If ESF = 0, the fault state will be latched, the general fault flag
will be active, the associated bootstrap undervoltage fault bit will
be set, and the associated MOSFET will be disabled. The fault
state and the general fault flag, but not the bootstrap undervoltage
fault bit, will be reset by a low pulse on the RESETn input, by a
power-on reset, or the next time the MOSFET is commanded to
switch on. If the MOSFET is being driven with a PWM signal,
then this will usually mean that the MOSFET will be turned on
again each PWM cycle. If this is the case, and the fault condition
remains, then a valid fault will again be detected after the timeout
period and the sequence will repeat. In this case, the general fault
flag will only be reset for the duration of the validation timer. The
bootstrap undervoltage fault bit will only be cleared by a serial
read of the Diag 2 register or by a power-on reset.
If ESF = 1, the fault will be latched, the general fault flag will be
active, the associated bootstrap undervoltage fault bit will be set,
and all MOSFETs will be disabled. The bootstrap undervoltage
fault bit will remain set until cleared by a serial read of the Diag
2 register or by a power-on reset. The fault state and general fault
flag will be reset by a low pulse on the RESETn input or by a
power-on reset.
The bootstrap undervoltage monitor can be disabled by setting
the VBS bit in the Mask 0 register. Although not recommended,
this can allow the A3924 to operate below its minimum specified
supply voltage level with a severely impaired gate drive. The
specified electrical parameters may not be valid in this condition.
BRIDGE: MOSFET VDS OVERVOLTAGE FAULT
Faults on any external MOSFETs are determined by monitoring
the drain-source voltage of the MOSFET and comparing it to a
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Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
drain-source overvoltage threshold. There are two thresholds:
VDSTH for the high-side MOSFETs, and VDSTL for the low-side.
VDSTH and VDSTL are generated by internal DACs and are
defined by the values in the VTH[5:0] and VTL[5:0] variables
respectively. These variables provide the input to two 6-bit DACs
with a least significant bit value of typically 50 mV. The output of
the DAC produces the threshold voltage approximately defined
as:
VDSTH = n × 50 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by VTH[5:0], or:
VDSTL = n × 50 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by VTL[5:0].
The drain-source voltage for any low-side MOSFET is measured
between the adjacent Sx terminal and the LSS terminal. Using the
LSS terminal rather than the ground connection avoids adding
any low-side current sense voltage to the real low-side drainsource voltage and avoids false VDS fault detection.
The drain-source voltage for any high-side MOSFET is measured
between the adjacent Sx terminal and the VBRG terminal. Using
the VBRG terminal rather than the VBB avoids adding any
reverse diode voltage or high-side current sense voltage to the
real high-side drain-source voltage and avoids false VDS fault
detection.
The VBRG terminal is an independent low-current sense input to
the top of the MOSFET bridge. It should be connected independently and directly to the common connection point for the drains
of the power bridge MOSFETs at the positive supply connection
point in the bridge. The input current to the VBRG terminal is
proportional to the drain-source threshold voltage (VDSTH), and is
approximately:
IVBRG = 11 × VDSTH + 160
where IVBRG is the current into the VBRG terminal in µA, and
VDSTH is the drain-source threshold voltage described above.
Note that the VBRG terminal can withstand a negative voltage
up to –5 V. This allows the terminal to remain connected directly
to the top of the power bridge during negative transients, where
the body diodes of the power MOSFETs are used to clamp the
negative transient. The same applies to the more extreme case,
where the MOSFET body diodes are used to clamp a reverse
battery connection.
The output from each VDS overvoltage comparator is filtered by
a VDS fault qualifier circuit. This circuit uses a timer to verify
that the output from the comparator is indicating a valid VDS
fault. The duration of the VDS fault qualifying timer (tVDQ) is
determined by the contents of the TVD[5:0] variable. tVDQ is
approximately defined as:
tVDQ = n × 100 ns
where n is a positive integer defined by TVD[5:0]
The qualifier can operate in one of two ways: debounce mode, or
blanking mode, selected by the VDQ bit.
In the default debounce mode, a timer is started each time the
comparator output indicates a VDS fault detection when the
corresponding MOSFET is active. This timer is reset when the
comparator changes back to indicate normal operation. If the
debounce timer reaches the end of the timeout period, set by
tVDQ, then the VDS fault is considered valid, and the corresponding VDS fault bit (ALO, AHO, BLO, or BHO) will be set in the
diagnostic register.
In the optional blanking mode, a timer is started when a gate
drive is turned on. The output from the VDS overvoltage comparator for the MOSFET being switched on is ignored (blanked)
for the duration of the timeout period, set by tVDQ. If the comparator output indicates an overcurrent event when the MOSFET
is switched on, and the blanking timer is not active, then the VFS
fault is considered valid, and the corresponding VDS fault bit
(ALO, AHO, BLO, or BHO) will be set in the Diag 1 register.
The action taken when a valid VDS fault is detected and the fault
reset conditions depend on the state of the ESF bit.
If ESF = 0 the fault state will be latched, the general fault flag
will be active, the associated VDS fault bit will be set, and the
associated MOSFET will be disabled. The fault state and the
general fault flag will be reset by a low pulse on the RESETn
input, by a serial read of the Diag 1 register, by a power-on reset
or the next time the MOSFET is commanded to switch on. If the
MOSFET is being driven with a PWM signal, then this will usually mean that the MOSFET will be turned on again each PWM
cycle. If this is the case, and the fault conditions remains, then a
valid fault will again be detected after the timeout period and the
sequence will repeat. In this case, the general fault flag will only
be reset for the duration of the validation timer. The VDS fault bit
will only be cleared by a serial read of the Diag 1 register or by a
power-on reset.
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A3924
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If ESF = 1, the fault will be latched, the general fault flag will be
active, the associated VDS fault bit will be set, and all MOSFETs
will be disabled. The fault state and the general fault flag will
be reset by a serial read of the Diag 1 register, by a low pulse
on the RESETn input or by a power-on reset. The VDS fault bit
will only be reset by a serial read of the Diag 1 register or by a
power-on reset.
If ESF = 0, care must be taken to avoid damage to the MOSFET
where the VDS fault is detected. Although the MOSFET will be
switched off as soon as the fault is detected at the end of the fault
validation timeout, it is possible that it could still be damaged by
excessive power dissipation and heating. To limit any damage
to the external MOSFETs or the motor, the MOSFET should be
fully disabled by logic inputs from the external controller.
MOSFET FAULT STATE: SHORT TO SUPPLY
A short from either of the motor phase connections to the battery
or VBB connection is detected by monitoring the voltage across
the low-side MOSFETs in each phase using the respective Sx
terminal and the LSSx terminal. This drain-source voltage is
then compared to the low-side Drain-Source Threshold Voltage
(VDSTL). If the blanking timer is active, the output from the
VDS overvoltage comparator will be ignored for tVDQ. While
the low-side VDS fault is detected, the associated VDS fault bit,
ALO or BLO, will be set in the Diag 1 register and the associated
MOSFET will be disabled. When ESF is set to 1, all MOSFETs
will be disabled.
MOSFET FAULT STATE: SHORT TO GROUND
A short from either of the motor phase connections to ground
is detected by monitoring the voltage across the high-side
MOSFETs in each phase using the respective Sx terminal and the
voltage at VBRG. This drain-source voltage is then compared
to the high-side Drain-Source Threshold Voltage (VDSTH). If the
blanking timer is active the output from the VDS overvoltage
comparator will be ignored for tVDQ. While the low-side VDS
fault is detected, the associated VDS fault bit, AHO or BHO, will
be set in the Diag 1 register and the associated MOSFET will be
disabled. When ESF is set to 1, all MOSFETs will be disabled.
VBAT
VBB
VBRG
Cx
CBOOTx
GHx
VDSTH
RGH
Sx
VDSTL
GLx
RGL
LSSx
CSPx
CSMx
GND
Figure 7: VDS Overvoltage Fault Detection
MOSFET FAULT STATE: SHORTED WINDING
The short-to-ground and short-to-supply detection circuits will
also detect a short across a motor phase winding. In most cases,
a shorted winding will be indicated by a high-side and low-side
fault latched at the same time in the Diag 1 register. In some
cases, the relative impedances may only permit one of the shorts
to be detected. In any case, when a short of any type is detected,
the associated VDS fault bit, ALO, AHO, BLO, or BHO, will
be set in the Diag 1 register and the associated MOSFET will be
disabled.
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Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Fault Action
The action taken when one of the diagnostic functions indicates a
fault is listed in Table 5.
Table 5: Fault Actions
Fault Description
No fault
Disable Outputs
ESF=0
ESF=1
Fault State
Latched
No
No
-
Power-on reset
Yes1
Yes1
No
VREG undervoltage
Yes1
Yes1
No
Bootstrap undervoltage
Yes2
Yes1
Yes
No
Yes1
No
Yes1
Yes1
No
No
Yes1
No
Yes2
Yes1
Yes
Serial transmission error
No
No
No
V3 undervoltage
No
No
No
V3 overvoltage
No
No
No
Logic terminal overvoltage
ENABLE WD timeout
Overtemperature
VDS fault
VREG overvoltage
No
No
No
VBB undervoltage
Yes1
Yes1
No
VBB overvoltage
No
No
No
VGS undervoltage
No
No
No
Temperature warning
No
No
No
Overcurrent
No
No
No
Open load
No
No
No
1 All
gate drives in the affected bridge low, all MOSFETs in the affected bridge off
2 Gate drive to the affected MOSFET low, only the affected MOSFET off
When a fault is detected, a corresponding fault state is considered
to exist. In some cases, the fault state only exists during the
time the fault is detected. In other cases, when the fault is only
detected for a short time, the fault state is latched (stored) until
reset. The faults that are latched are indicated in Table 5. Latched
fault states are always reset when RESETn is taken low, a poweron-reset state is present, or when the associated fault bit is read
through the serial interface. Any fault bits that have been set in
the status or diagnostic register are only cleared when a poweron-reset state is present or when the associated fault bit is read
through the serial interface. RESETn low will not clear the fault
bits in the status or diagnostic registers.
The fault conditions power-on reset and VREG undervoltage are
considered critical to the safe operation of the A3924 and the
system. If these faults are detected, then the gate drive outputs are
automatically driven low and all MOSFETs in the bridge held in
the off-state. This state will remain until the fault is removed.
If the ENABLE watchdog monitor is enabled by setting EWD
to 1, then this fault state is also considered critical to the safe
operation of the A3924 and the system. If an ENABLE watchdog
timeout is detected, then all gate drive outputs are driven low and
all MOSFETs in the bridge held in the off-state. This state will
remain until the watchdog timer is reset.
For the logic terminal overvoltage and overtemperature fault
conditions, the action taken depends on the status of the ESF bit.
If a fault is detected on any of these two diagnostics and ESF = 1,
then all the gate drive outputs will be driven low and all MOSFETs in the bridge held in the off-state. This state will remain
until the fault is removed. If ESF = 0, then the gate drive outputs
will not be affected.
If a VDS fault or bootstrap undervoltage fault is detected, then
the action taken will also depend on the status of the ESF bit, but
these faults are handled as a special case. If a fault is detected on
any of these two diagnostics and ESF = 1, then all the gate drive
outputs will be driven low and all MOSFETs in the bridge held
in the off-state. When ESF = 1, this fault state will be latched and
remain until reset. If a VDS fault or bootstrap undervoltage fault
is detected and ESF = 0, then only the gate drive output to the
MOSFET where the fault was detected will be driven low and the
MOSFET held in the off-state. When ESF = 0, the VDS fault or
bootstrap undervoltage fault state will be latched but will be reset
the next time the MOSFET is commanded to switch on.
For all other faults, the gate drive outputs will remain enabled.
Fault Masks
Individual diagnostics, except power-on reset, serial transmission error, and overtemperature, can be disabled by setting the
corresponding bit in the mask register. Power-on reset cannot be
disabled, because the diagnostics and the output control depend
on the logic regulator to operate correctly. If a bit is set to one
in the mask register, then the corresponding diagnostic will be
completely disabled. No fault states for the disabled diagnostic
will be generated, and no fault flags or diagnostic bits will be set.
See Mask Register definition for bit allocation.
Care must be taken when diagnostics are disabled to avoid
potentially damaging conditions.
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A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
DIAGNOSTIC AND SYSTEM VERIFICATION
To comply with various aspects of safe system design, it is necessary for higher-level safety systems to verify that any diagnostics
or functions used to guarantee safe operation must also be verified to ensure that theses critical functions are operating within
specified tolerances.
There are four basic aspects to verification of diagnostic functions:
1. Verify connections
2. Verify comparators
3. Verify thresholds
4. Verify fault propagation
These have to be completed for each diagnostic. In addition, the
operation of system functions not directly covered by diagnostics
should also be verified.
The A3924 includes additional verification functions to help the
system design comply with any safety requirements. Many of
these functions can only be completed when the diagnostics are
not required and must be commanded to run by the main system
controller. These functions are referred to as “off-line” verification.
A few of the functions can be continuously active, but the results
must be checked by the main system controller on a regular basis.
These functions are referred to as “on-line” verification.
The frequency with which these off-line verification functions are
run, or on-line verifications results are checked, will depend on
the safety requirements of the system using the A3924.
Example methods of how to use these verification functions to
verify system diagnostics are documented in the A3924 Safety
Manual.
On-Line Verification
The following functions are permanently active and will set the
appropriate bit in the verification result register to indicate that
the verification has failed. No other action will be taken by the
A3924. These verification functions verify that certain of the
A3924 terminals are correctly connected to the power bridge
circuit.
BRIDGE: VBRG DISCONNECTED
The VBRG terminal provides the common drain voltage reference for the high-side MOSFET VDS overvoltage detectors. If
this becomes disconnected, then the high-side VDS detection will
Table 6: Verification Functions
Type
Function Verified
Operation
Connection
VBRG Connection
On-line
Connection
Phase connection
Off-line
Connection
Sense Amp Connection
On-line
Connection
LSS Connection
On-line
Monitor
Over current detectors
Off-line
Monitor
Phase state monitor
On-line
Diagnostic
Over temperature diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
Temperature warning monitor
Off-line
Diagnostic
VBB undervoltage diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
VBB overvoltage diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
VREG diagnostics
Off-line
Diagnostic
VGS undervoltage diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
Logic terminal diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
Open load detectors
Off-line
Diagnostic
Bootstrap capacitor diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
VDS overvoltage diagnostic
Off-line
Diagnostic
V3 regulator diagnotics
Off-line
be invalid, and VDS overvoltage faults may not be detected. If
VBRG is disconnected, the internal current sink from the input
will ensure that the voltage at the VBRG terminal will fall. A
comparator is provided to monitor the voltage between the main
supply connection at the VBB terminal, and the voltage at VBRG
(VBB – VBRG) is compared to the VBRG open threshold voltage
(VBRO), determined by the variable VTB[1:0] as:
VBRO = (n + 1) × 2 V
where n is a positive integer defined by VTB[1:0] giving thresholds at 2 V, 4 V, 6 V, and 8 V.
If VBB – VBRG exceeds the VBRG open threshold voltage, then
the VBR bit will be set in the verification result register, all
high-side VDS fault bits will be set in the Diag 1 register, and
the general fault flag will be active. If ESF = 1, then all gate
drive outputs will be disabled. When VBB – VBRG falls below the
falling VBRG open threshold voltage, VBRO – VBROHys, the fault
flag will be reset and the outputs will be reactivated. The VBR
bit remains in the verification result register until cleared and the
VDS diagnostic bits remain in the Diag 1 register until cleared.
Note that, for accurate VBRG disconnect detection at VBB less
than 12 V, it is important to ensure the selected VBRG disconnect
threshold (VBRO) is no more than 4 V less than VBB.
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BRIDGE: PHASE STATE MONITOR
The bridge phase connections at the SA and SB terminals are
connected to a variable threshold comparator. The output of the
comparator is then output at logic levels on the SAL and SBL
terminals, and stored in the SAS and SBS phase state bits in the
Verify Result 1 register, to provide a logic-level monitor of the
state of the power bridge outputs to the load. The threshold for
the two comparators, VPT, is generated, as a ratio of the bridge
voltage, by a 6-bit DAC and determined by the contents of the
VPT[5:0] variable.
VPT is approximately defined as:
in the verification result register. No other action will be taken
by the A3924. If the function is to verify one of the diagnostic
circuits in the A3924, then the verification is completed by checking that the associated fault bit is set in the diagnostic register.
VBAT
VBB
VBRG
VBRO
IVBRG
n
VPT =
V
64 BRG
where n is a positive integer defined by VPT[5:0].
VPT can be programmed between 0 and 98.4% VBRG.
SENSE AMPLIFIER DISCONNECT
Each sense amplifier includes continuous current sources, ISAD,
that will allow detection of an input open circuit condition. If
an input open circuit is detected, then the SAD or SBD bit will
be set in the verification result register depending on the sense
amplifier.
BRIDGE: LSS DISCONNECTED
Each LSS terminal includes a continuous current source, ILU, to
VREG, that will pull the LSS terminal up if there is no low-impedance path from LSS to ground. If the voltage at an LSS terminal
with respect to ground rises above the LSS open threshold,
VLSO, then the LAD or LBD bit will be set in the Verify Result 0
register, the corresponding low-side VDS fault bit, ALO or BLO
will be set in the Diag 1 register, and the general fault flag will
be active. If ESF = 1, then all gate drive outputs will be disabled.
When the voltage at the LSS terminal falls below the falling LSS
open threshold voltage, VLSO – VLSOHys, the fault flag will be
reset and the outputs will be reactivated. The LAD or LBD bit
remains in the Verify Result 0 register until cleared and the VDS
diagnostic bits remain in the Diag 1 register until cleared.
Off-Line Verification
The following functions are only active when commanded by
setting the appropriate bit in the verification command register
in addition to any required gate drive commands. If the function
only verifies a connection, then a fail will set the appropriate bit
Cx
CBOOTx
GHx
RGH
ISU
VDSTH
Sx
ISD
GLx
RGL
VDSTL
ILU
LSSx
VLSO
ISAD
CSPx
VSAD
ISAD
CSMx
VSAD
GND
Figure 8: Bridge Terminal Connection Verification
BRIDGE: PHASE DISCONNECTED
The connections to each of the phases at the common node at the
source of the high-side and the drain of the low-side MOSFET
can be verified by a combination of MOSFET commands and test
currents.
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Both high-side and low-side tests must be performed to fully
verify the connection for each phase.
Firstly, for the phase A high-side test, GHA is switched on using
the serial command register bits or the logic input terminals. A
pull-down current on phase A (ISD) is then switched on by setting
the YPH bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1. The phase
state monitor is then used to check that the SA connection is
higher than the programmable threshold set by VPT. If the phase
state monitor output is high when YPH is reset to 0, then the
PAC bit will be set in the Verify Result 0 register, indicating the
phase A high-side is connected. The external controller is able to
determine the time required to complete the verification as the
PAC bit will only be set in the Verify Result 0 register when YPH
is reset to 0. The high-side test is then repeated for phase B, with
GHB switched on.
Secondly, for the phase A low-side test, GLA is switched on using
the serial command register bits or the logic input terminals. A
pull-up current on phase A (ISU) is then switched on by setting the
YPL bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1. The phase state
monitor is then used to check that the SA connection is lower
than the programmable threshold set by VPT. If the phase state
monitor is low when YPL is reset to 0, then the PAC bit will be
set in the Verify Result 0 register, indicating the phase B low-side
is connected. The external controller is able to determine the time
required to complete the verification as the PAC bit will only be
set in the Verify Result 0 register when YPL is reset to 0. The
low-side test is then repeated for phase B, with GLB switched on.
Note that, during verification of the phase connections, the VDS
overvoltage detection should be masked to avoid a VDS fault
condition being detected and disabling the MOSFET under
verification.
VERIFY: VREG UNDERVOLTAGE
The VREG undervoltage detector is verified by setting the YRU
bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a voltage
to the comparator that is lower than the undervoltage threshold
and should cause the general fault flag to be active and a VREG
undervoltage fault bit, VRU, to be latched in the Diag 1 register.
When YRU is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be reset and
the VRU bit will remain set in the Diag 1 register until cleared. If
the VRU bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: VREG OVERVOLTAGE
The VREG overvoltage detector is verified by setting the YRO
bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a voltage
to the comparator that is higher than the overvoltage threshold
and should cause the general fault flag to be active and a VREG
overvoltage fault bit, VRO, to be latched in the Diag 1 register.
When YRO is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be reset and
the VRO bit will remain set in the Diag 1 register until cleared. If
the VRO bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: TEMPERATURE WARNING
The temperature warning detector is verified by setting the YTW
bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a voltage
to the comparator that is lower than the temperature warning
threshold and should cause the general fault flag to be active and
a temperature warning fault bit (TW) to be latched in the Status
register. When YTW is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be
reset and the TW bit will remain set in the Status register until
cleared. If the TW bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: OVERTEMPERATURE
The overtemperature detector is verified by setting the YOT bit
in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a voltage to
the comparator that is higher than the overtemperature threshold
and should cause the general fault flag to be active and an
overtemperature fault bit (OT) to be latched in the Status register.
When YOT is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be reset and
the overtemperature fault will remain in the Status register until
cleared. If the OT bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: V3 REGULATOR UNDERVOLTAGE
The V3 regulator undervoltage detector is verified by setting the
Y3U bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a
voltage to the comparator that is lower than the V3 undervoltage
threshold and should cause the general fault flag to be active
and a V3 undervoltage fault bit, V3U, to be latched in the Diag
0 register. When Y3U is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be
reset and the V3U bit will remain set in the Diag 0 register until
cleared. If the V3U bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: V3 REGULATOR OVERVOLTAGE
The V3 regulator overvoltage detector is verified by setting the
Y3O bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a
voltage to the comparator that is higher than the V3 overvoltage
threshold and should cause the general fault flag to be active
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
32
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
and a V3 overvoltage fault bit, V3O, to be latched in the Diag
0 register. When Y3O is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be
reset and the V3O bit will remain set in the Diag 0 register until
cleared. If the V3O bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: VBB SUPPLY UNDERVOLTAGE
The VBB undervoltage detector is verified by setting the YSU bit
in the Verify Command 0 register to1.This applies a voltage to
the comparator that is higher than the VBB overvoltage threshold
and should cause the general fault flag to be active and the VBB
overvoltage fault bit (VSO) to be latched in the Diag 2 register.
When YSU is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be cleared, and
the VSU bit will remain set in the Diag 2 register until cleared. If
the VSU bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: VBB SUPPLY OVERVOLTAGE
The VBB overvoltage detector is verified by setting the YSO bit
in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies a voltage to
the comparator that is higher than the VBB overvoltage threshold
and should cause the general fault flag to be active and the VBB
overvoltage fault bit (VSO) to be latched in the Diag 2 register.
When YSO is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be reset and
the VSO bit will remain set in the Diag 2 register until cleared. If
the VSO bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
The VGS undervoltage high-side detectors are verified by setting
the YGU bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1 and switching
on the corresponding low-side MOSFET in sequence using the
serial command register bits or the logic input terminals. This
should cause the general fault flag to be active and the high-side
VGS undervoltage fault bit (AHU or BHU) to be latched in the
Diag 0 register. The VGS undervoltage low-side detectors are
verified by setting the YGU bit in the Verify Command 1 register
to 1 and switching on the corresponding high-side MOSFET
using the serial command register bits or the logic input terminals. This should cause the low-side VGS undervoltage fault
bit to be latched in the Diag 0 register. This must be repeated
for each MOSFET to verify all VGS undervoltage comparators.
When YGU is reset to 0 or all gate drives are commanded off,
then the general fault flag will be reset, but the VGS undervoltage
fault bits will remain in the Diag 0 register until cleared. If any
VGS fault bit is not set after all MOSFETs have been switched,
then the verification has failed for the corresponding comparator.
VERIFY: BOOTSTRAP CAPACITOR UNDERVOLTAGE
FAULT
The bootstrap capacitor undervoltage detectors are verified by
setting the YBU bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1 and
switching on a high-side MOSFET using the serial Control
register bits or the logic input terminals. This should cause the
general fault flag to be active and the corresponding bootstrap
undervoltage fault bit (VA or VB) to be latched in the Diag 2 register. This must be repeated for each high-side MOSFET to verify
all bootstrap undervoltage comparators. When YBU is reset to 0
or all gate drives are commanded off, then the general fault flag
will be reset, but the bootstrap undervoltage faults will remain in
the Diag 2 register until cleared. If any bootstrap undervoltage
fault bit is not set after all MOSFETs have been switched, then
the verification has failed for the corresponding comparator.
VERIFY: MOSFET VDS OVERVOLTAGE FAULT
The VDS overvoltage high-side detectors are verified by setting
the YDO bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1 and switching
on the corresponding low-side MOSFET using the serial Control
register bits or the logic input terminals. This should cause the
general fault flag to be active and the high-side VDS overvoltage
fault bit (AHO or BHO) to be latched in the Diag 1 register. The
low-side detectors are verified by setting the YDO bit in the
Verify Command 1 register to 1 and switching on the corresponding high-side MOSFET using the serial command register bits
or the logic input terminals. This should cause the low-side VDS
overvoltage fault bit, ALO or BLO, to be latched in the Diag 1
register. This must be repeated for each MOSFET to verify all
VDS overvoltage comparators. When YDO is reset to 0 or all
gate drives are commanded off, then the general fault flag will be
reset, but the VDS overvoltage faults will remain in the Diag 1
register until cleared. If any VDS overvoltage fault bit is not set
after all MOSFETs have been switched, then the verification has
failed.
VERIFY: LOGIC TERMINAL OVERVOLTAGE
The logic terminal overvoltage detector is verified by setting
the YLO bit in the Verify Command 0 register to 1. This applies
a voltage to the comparator that is higher than the logic input
overvoltage threshold and should cause the logic overvoltage
fault bit (VLO) to be latched in the diagnostic register. When
YLO is reset to 0, the general fault flag will be reset, but the VLO
bit will remain set in the Status register until cleared. If the VLO
bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
33
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
VERIFY: ENABLE WATCHDOG TIMEOUT
The ENABLE watchdog timeout is verified by setting the EWD
bit to 1 to select the watchdog mode and then changing the state
of the ENABLE input. This change of state will enable the gate
drive outputs under command from the corresponding phase
control signals and will start the watchdog timer. The ENABLE
input must then be held in this state. At the end of the timeout
period (tETO), the ETO bit should be set in the Status register. If
the ETO bit is not set, then the verification has failed.
VERIFY: OVERCURRENT DETECT AND SENSE AMPLIFIER
The overcurrent detectors are verified by setting the YOC bit in
the Verify Command 1 register to 1. This will force the output of
each sense amplifier to its positive full-scale output which can
then be measured at the sense amplifier output. The sense amplifier outputs remain connected to the overcurrent comparators
and the full-scale outputs apply a voltage to the comparators that
is higher than the overcurrent threshold. This should cause both
overcurrent fault bits, OCA and OCB, to be latched in the Diag
2 register. When YOC is reset to 0, the sense amplifier outputs
will return to normal operation, but the OCA and OCB bits will
remain set in the Diag 2 register until cleared. If the OCA and
OCB bits are not set, then the verification has failed for the
corresponding comparator.
Note that, during verification of the overcurrent detector, the
overcurrent threshold voltage (VOCT) plus any offset programmed
on SAO[3:0] (VOOS) must not exceed the sense amplifier fullscale output of 4.8 V.
If VOCT + VOOS exceeds the sense amplifier full-scale output,
then the OCA and OCB bits will not be set and the verification
will fail.
VERIFY: ON-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECTION AND
SENSE AMPLIFIER
The on-state open-load detector is verified by setting the AOL
bit in the Config 4 register to 1, setting the YOL bit in the Verify
Command 1 register to 1, and switching GLB or GLA on. Setting
the YOL bit to 1 will force the output of the sense amplifier to
its zero current output (zero differential input) which can then
be measured at the sense amplifier output. The sense amplifier
output remains connected to the open-load comparator and the
zero current output applies a voltage to the comparator that is
lower than the open-load threshold. When YOL is first set to 1,
any on-state open-load fault is cleared and the open-load timer is
reset by the A3924 to indicate that the timeout is complete and
the OL fault bit should be reset in the Diag 2 register. When YOL
and AOL are reset to 0, the sense amplifier output will return to
normal operation, but the OL bit will remain set in the Diag 2
register until reset. If the OL bit is not set then the verification has
failed. If YOL is reset to 0 before the timeout has completed, then
the verification will be terminated without setting any fault bits.
VERIFY: OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECTION
The off-state open-load detector is verified in two steps. The
first step verifies the current source, comparator, and timer. The
second step verifies the current sink. In both cases, all gate drive
outputs must be low and all MOSFETs held in the off-state. The
DOO bit in the Config 5 register must be set to 0 to activate
off-state open-load detection. The state of the OP bit in the Verify
Command 1 register determines which phase will be verified. If
OP = 0, the phase A off-state open-load detector will be verified. If OP = 1, the phase B off-state open-load detector will be
verified.
The first off-state open-load detector verification is started by
setting the YOU bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1, with
the OP bit in the Verify Command 1 register set to 0. This connects a resistor to the phase A open-load current source such that
the input voltage to the comparator is greater than the open-load
detection voltage. It also turns off the open-load current sink,
clears any open load faults, and resets the open-load timer. At the
end of the timeout period, the YOU bit will be reset by the A3924
to indicate that the timeout is complete and the OL fault bit
should be set in the Diag 2 register. When YOU is reset to 0, the
resistor will be disconnected from the open-load current source
and the OL bit will remain set in the Diag 2 register until reset.
If YOU is reset to 0 before the timeout has completed, then the
verification will be terminated without setting any fault bits.
The first off-state open-load detector verification is then repeated,
for Phase B, with the OP bit in the Verify Command 1 register
set to 1.
The second off-state open-load detector verification is started
by setting the YOD bit in the Verify Command 1 register to 1,
with the OP bit in the Verify Command 1 register set to 0. This
connects a resistor to the phase A open-load current sink and the
open-load comparator input such that the input voltage to the
comparator is greater than the open-load detection voltage. It
also turns off the open-load current source, clears any open-load
faults and resets the open-load timer. At the end of the timeout
period, the YOD bit will be reset by the A3924 to indicate that
the timeout is complete and the OL fault bit should be set in
the Diag 2 register. When YOD is reset to 0, the resistor will be
disconnected from the open-load current sink and the comparator
and the OL bit will remain set in the Diag 2 register until reset.
If YOD is reset to 0 before the timeout has completed, then the
verification will be terminated without setting any fault bits.
The second off-state open-load detector verification is then
repeated, for Phase B, with the OP bit in the Verify Command 1
register set to 1.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
34
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
SERIAL INTERFACE
Serial Registers Definition*
15
14
13
12
11
0: Config 0
0
0
0
0
WR
1: Config 1
0
0
0
1
WR
2: Config 2
0
0
1
0
WR
3: Config 3
0
0
1
1
WR
4: Config 4
0
1
0
0
WR
5: Config 5
0
1
0
1
WR
6: Verify Command 0
0
1
1
0
WR
7: Verify Command 1
0
1
1
1
WR
8: Verify Result 0
1
0
0
0
0
9: Verify Result 1
1
0
0
1
0
10: Mask 0
1
0
1
0
WR
11: Mask 1
1
0
1
1
WR
12: Diag 0
1
1
0
0
0
13: Diag 1
1
1
0
1
0
14: Diag 2
1
1
1
0
0
15: Control
1
1
1
1
WR
FF
POR
SE
1
1
0
Status
0
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
TOC3
TOC2
TOC1
TOC0
DT5
DT4
DT3
DT2
DT1
DT0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
OCT3
OCT2
OCT1
OCT0
VTL5
VTL4
VTL3
VTL2
VTL1
VTL0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
OCQ
VDQ
VTB1
VTB0
VTH5
VTH4
VTH3
VTH2
VTH1
VTH0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
OLT3
OLT2
OLT1
OLT0
TVD5
TVD4
TVD3
TVD2
TVD1
TVD0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
AOL
EWD
OLI
VRG
VPT5
VPT4
VPT3
VPT2
VPT1
VPT0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
DOO
SAO3
SAO2
SAO1
SAO0
SAG2
SAG1
SAG0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
YSU
YTW
YOT
YRO
YRU
YBU
YLO
YSO
Y3U
Y3O
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
OP
YPH
YPL
YDO
YOC
YGU
YOL
YOU
YOD
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PBC
PAC
VBR
LBD
LAD
0
0
0
0
0
SBS
SAS
SBD
SAD
0
0
0
0
0
BHU
BLU
AHU
ALU
0
0
0
0
BHO
BLO
AHO
ALO
0
0
0
0
BHU
BLU
AHU
ALU
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
V3O
V3U
VBS
TW
0
0
0
0
VRO
VRU
VS
VLO
0
0
0
V3O
V3U
0
0
VRO
VRU
0
0
VSO
VSU
0
0
0
DG1
DG0
DBM
ESF
0
0
0
OT
TW
VS
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BHP
BLO
AHO
ALO
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
VB
VA
OCB
OCA
OL
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
BH
BL
AH
AL
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
VLO
ETO
VR
V3
LDF
BSU
GSU
DSO
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
35
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A three-wire synchronous serial interface, compatible with SPI, is
used to control the features of the A3924. The SDO terminal can
be used during a serial transfer to provide diagnostic feedback
and readback of the register contents.
The A3924 can be operated without the serial interface using the
default settings and the logic control inputs; however, application
specific configurations and several verifications functions are
only possible by setting the appropriate register bits through the
serial interface. In addition to setting the configuration bits, the
serial interface can also be used to control the bridge MOSFETs
directly.
The serial interface timing requirements are specified in the
Electrical Characteristics table and illustrated in Figure 2. Data
is received on the SDI terminal and clocked through a shift
register on the rising edge of the clock signal input on the SCK
terminal. STRn is normally held high, and it is only brought low
to initiate a serial transfer. No data is clocked through the shift
register when STRn is high, allowing multiple slave units to use
common SDI and SCK connections. Each slave then requires
an independent STRn connection. The SDO output assumes a
high-impedance state when STRn is high, allowing a common
data readback connection.
When 16 data bits have been clocked into the shift register, STRn
must be taken high to latch the data into the selected register.
When this occurs, the internal control circuits act on the new data,
and the registers are reset depending on the type of transfer.
If there are more than 16 rising edges on SCK, or if STRn goes
high and there are fewer than 16 rising edges on SCK, the write
will be cancelled without writing data to the registers. In addition, the diagnostic register will not be reset, and the SE bit will
be set to indicate a data transfer error. This fault condition can
be cleared by a subsequent valid serial write and by a power-on
reset.
that the total number of 1s in any transfer should always be an
odd number. This ensures that there is always at least one bit set
to 1 and one bit set to 0, and it allows detection of stuck-at faults
on the serial input and output data connections. The parity bit is
not stored but generated on each transfer.
Register data is output on the SDO terminal msb first while STRn
is low, and it changes to the next bit on each falling edge of SCK.
The first bit, which is always the FF bit from the Status register,
is output as soon as STRn goes low.
Registers 8, 9, 12, 13, and 14 contain verification results and
diagnostic fault indicators and are read only. If the WR bit for
these registers is set to 1, then the data input through SDI is
ignored, and the contents of the Status register is clocked out
on the SDO terminal then reset as for a normal write. No other
action is taken. If the WR bit for these registers is set to 0, then
the data input through SDI is ignored, and the contents of the
addressed register is clocked out on the SDO terminal, and the
addressed register is reset.
In addition to the addressable registers, a read-only Status register
is output on SDO for all register addresses when WR is set to
1. For all serial transfers, the first five bits output on SDO will
always be the first five bits from the Status register.
Configuration Registers
Six registers are used to configure the operating parameters of the
A3924.
CONFIG 0: BRIDGE TIMING SETTINGS:
• TOC[3:0], a 4-bit integer to set the overcurrent verification
time (tOCQ) in 500 ns increments.
• DT[6:0], a 7-bit integer to set the dead time (tDEAD) in 50 ns
increments.
CONFIG 1: BRIDGE MONITOR SETTING:
• OCT[3:0], a 4-bit integer to set the overcurrent threshold
voltage (VOCT) in 300 mV increments.
The first four bits (D[15:12]) in a serial word are the register
address bits, giving the possibility of 16 register addresses. The
fifth bit—WR (D[11])—is the write/read bit. When WR is 1, the
following 10 bits (D[10:1]) clocked in from the SDI terminal are
written to the addressed register. When WR is 0, the following
10 bits (D[10:1]) clocked in from the SDI terminal are ignored,
no data is written to the serial registers, and the contents of the
addressed register are clocked out on the SDO terminal.
• VTL[5:0], a 6-bit integer to set the low-side drain-source
threshold voltage (VDSTL) in 50 mV increments.
The last bit in any serial transfer (D[0]) is a parity bit that is set to
ensure odd parity in the complete 16-bit word. Odd parity means
• VDQ, selects the VDS qualifier mode, blank or debounce.
CONFIG 2: BRIDGE MONITOR SETTING:
• OCQ, selects the overcurrent time qualifier mode, blank or
debounce.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
36
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
• VTB[1:0], a 2-bit integer to set the VBRG disconnect
threshold voltage (VBRO) in 2 V increments.
• VTH[5:0], a 6-bit integer to set the high-side drain-source
threshold voltage (VDSTH) in 50 mV increments.
CONFIG 3: BRIDGE MONITOR SETTING:
• OLT[3:0], a 4-bit integer to set the open-load threshold voltage
(VOLT) in 25 mV increments.
• TVD[5:0], a 6-bit integer to set the VDS fault verification time
(tVDQ) in 100 ns increments.
CONFIG 4: BRIDGE MONITOR SETTING:
• AOL, activates on-state open-load detection.
• EWD, activates ENABLE watchdog monitor.
• OLI, selects the open-load test current.
• VRG, selects the regulator and gate drive voltage.
• VPT[5:0], a 6-bit integer to set the phase comparator threshold
voltage (VPT) as a ratio of the bridge voltage (VBRG) in 1.56%
increments from 0 to 98.4%.
CONFIG 5: SENSE AMP GAIN AND OFFSET:
• DOO, disables the off-state open-load detection.
• SAO[3:0], a 4-bit integer to set the sense amplifier offset
between 0 and 2.5 V.
• SAG[2:0], a 3-bit integer to set the sense amplifier gain
between 10 and 50 V/V.
Verification Registers
Four registers are used to manage the system and diagnostic
verification features.
Diagnostic Registers
In addition to the read-only Status register, five registers provide
detailed diagnostic management and reporting. Two mask register
allow individual diagnostics to be disabled, and three read-only
diagnostic registers provide fault bits for individual diagnostic
tests and monitors. If a bit is set to one in the mask register, then
the corresponding diagnostic will be completely disabled. No
fault states for the disabled diagnostic will be generated, and no
fault flags or diagnostic bits will be set. These bits in the diagnostic registers are cleared on completion of a successful read of the
register.
MASK 0:
Individual bits to disable V3, bootstrap, temperature warning, and
VGS diagnostic monitors.
MASK 1:
Individual bits to disable VREG, VBB, logic, and VDS diagnostic monitors.
DIAGNOSTIC 0 (READ-ONLY):
Individual bits indicating faults detected in V3 and VGS diagnostic monitors.
DIAGNOSTIC 1 (READ-ONLY):
Individual bits indicating faults detected in VREG and VDS
diagnostic monitors.
DIAGNOSTIC 2 (READ-ONLY):
Individual bits indicating faults detected in VBB, bootstrap,
overcurrent, and open-load diagnostic monitors.
Control Register
VERIFY COMMAND 0:
Individual bits to initiate off-line verification tests for temperature, VREG, bootstrap, logic overvoltage, and VBB diagnostics.
The Control register contains one control bit for each MOSFET
and some system function settings:
VERIFY COMMAND 1:
Individual bits to initiate off-line verification tests for phase
disconnect, VDS, VGS, overcurrent, and open-load diagnostics.
• DG[1:0], 2 bits select the output that is to be routed to the
DIAG terminal. The options are a general, active-low fault
flag, a pulsed fault flag, a voltage indicating the approximate
chip junction temperature, or the sense amplifier output offset
voltage.
VERIFY RESULT 0 (READ-ONLY):
Individual bits holding the results of phase disconnect, VBRG
open, and LSS open verification tests. These bits are reset on
completion of a successful read of the register.
VERIFY RESULT 1 (READ-ONLY):
Individual bits holding the results of phase state and sense amp
verification tests. These bits are reset on completion of a successful read of the register.
• DBM: disabled bootstrap management function.
• ESF: defines the action taken when a short is detected. See
diagnostics section for details of fault actions.
• BH,BL: MOSFET Control bits for Phase B.
• AH,AL: MOSFET Control bits for Phase A.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
37
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
Status Register
There is one Status register in addition to the 16 addressable
registers. When any register transfer takes place, the first five bits
output on SDO are always the most significant five bits of the
Status register, irrespective of whether the addressed register is
being read or written. (see Serial Timing diagram). The content
of the remaining eleven bits will depend on the state of the WR
bit input on SDI. When WR is 1, the addressed register will be
written, and the remaining eleven bits output on SDO will be
the least significant ten bits of the Status register followed by a
parity bit. When WR is 0, the addressed register will be read, and
the remaining eleven bits will be the contents of the addressed
register followed by a parity bit. The two verification result
registers and the three diagnostic registers are read-only, and the
remaining eleven bits output on SDO will always be the contents
of the addressed register followed by a parity bit, irrespective of
the state of the WR bit input on SDI.
The read-only Status register provides a summary of the chip
status by indicating if any diagnostic monitors have detected a
fault. The most significant three bits of the Status register indicate
critical system faults. Bits 10, 9, and 8 provide indicators for
specific individual monitors, and the remaining bits are derived
from the contents of the three diagnostic registers. The contents
and mapping to the diagnostic registers are listed in Table 7.
The first and most significant bit in the register is the diagnostic
status flag (FF). This is high if any bits in the Status register are
set. When STRn goes low to start a serial write, SDO outputs the
diagnostic status flag. This allows the main controller to poll the
A3924 through the serial interface to determine if a fault has been
detected. If no faults have been detected, then the serial transfer
may be terminated without generating a serial read fault, by
ensuring that SCK remains high while STRn is low. When STRn
goes high, the transfer will be terminated, and SDO will go into
its high-impedance state.
The second most significant bit is the POR bit. At power-up
or after a power-on reset, the FF bit and the POR bit are set,
indicating to the external controller that a power-on reset has
taken place. All other diagnostic bits are reset, and all other
registers are returned to their default state. Note that a power-on
reset only occurs when the output of the internal logic regulator
rises above its undervoltage threshold. Power-on reset is not
affected by the state of the VBB supply or the VREG regulator
output. In general, the VR and VRU bits will also be set follow-
ing a power-on reset, as the regulators will not have reached their
respective rising undervoltage thresholds until after the register
reset is completed.
The third bit in the Status register is the SE bit, which indicates
that the previous serial transfer was not completed successfully.
Bits 11, 10, 8, and 7 are the fault bits for the four individual
monitors OT, TW, VLO, and ETO. If one or more of these faults
are no longer present, then the corresponding fault bits will be
reset following a successful read of the Status register. Resetting
only affects latched fault bits for faults that are no longer present.
For any static faults that are still present (e.g. overtemperature),
the corresponding fault bit will remain set after the reset.
The remaining bits (VS, VR, V3, LDF, BSU, GSU, and DSO)
are all derived from the contents of the diagnostic registers.These
bits are only cleared when the corresponding contents of the
diagnostic are read and reset—they cannot be reset by reading the
Status register. A fault indicated on any of the related diagnostic
register bits will set the corresponding status bit to 1. The related
diagnostic register must then be read to determine the exact fault
and clear the fault state if the fault condition has cleared.
Table 7: Status Register Mapping
Status Register Bit
FF
POR
SE
Diagnostic
Related Diagnostic
Register Bits
Status flag
None
Power-on reset
None
Serial error
None
VS
VBB monitor
VSU, VSO
OT
Overtemperature
None
TW
Temperature warning
None
VLO
Logic OV
None
ETO
ENABLE timeout
None
VR
VREG monitor
VRU. VRO
V3
V3 monitor
V3U, V3O
LDF
Load monitor
OCA, OCB, OL
BSU
Bootstrap UV
VA, VB
GSU
VGS UV
AHU, ALU, BHU, BLU
DSO
VDS OV
AHO, ALO, BHO, BLO
UV = undervoltage, OV = overvolage
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
38
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
SERIAL REGISTER INTERFACE
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
0: Config 0
0
0
0
0
WR
1: Config 1
0
0
0
1
WR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
TOC3
TOC2
TOC1
TOC0
DT5
DT4
DT3
DT2
DT1
DT0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
OCT3
OCT2
OCT1
OCT0
VTL5
VTL4
VTL3
VTL2
VTL1
VTL0
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Config 0
Config 1
TOC[3:0] – OVERCURRENT VERIFICATION TIME
OCT[3:0] – OVERCURRENT THRESHOLD
tOCQ = n × 500 ns
VOCT = (n + 1) × 300 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by TOC[3:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition TOC[3:0] = [1111], then tOCQ =
7.5 µs.
where n is a positive integer defined by OCT[3:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition OCT[3:0] = [1001], then VOCT =
3 V.
The range of tOCQ is 0 to 7.5 µs.
The range of VOCT is 0.3 to 4.8 V.
DT[5:0] – DEAD TIME
VTL[5:0] – LOW-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE THRESHOLD
tDEAD = n × 50 ns
VDSTL = n × 50 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by DT[5:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition DT[5:0] = [10 0000], then tDEAD
= 1.6 µs.
where n is a positive integer defined by VTL[5:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition VTL[5:0] = [01 1000], then
VDSTL = 1.2 V.
The range of tDEAD is 100 ns to 3.15 µs. Selecting a value of 1
or 2 will set the dead time to 100 ns. A value of zero disables the
dead time.
The range of VDSTL is 0 to 3.15 V.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
39
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
2: Config 2
0
0
1
0
WR
3: Config 3
0
0
1
1
WR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
OCQ
VDQ
VTB1
VTB0
VTH5
VTH4
VTH3
VTH2
VTH1
VTH0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
OLT3
OLT2
OLT1
OLT0
TVD5
TVD4
TVD3
TVD2
TVD1
TVD0
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Config 2
Config 3
OCQ – OVERCURRENT TIME QUALIFIER MODE
OLT[3:0] – ON-STATE OPEN LOAD THRESHOLD
OCQ
Qualifier
0
Debounce
1
Blanking
Default
D
VDQ – VDS FAULT QUALIFIER MODE
VDQ
Qualifier
0
Debounce
1
Blank
Default
D
VOLT = (n + 1) × 25 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by OLT[3:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition OL[3:0] = [1000], then VOLT =
225 mV.
The range of VOLT is 25 to 400 mV.
TVD[5:0] – VDS VERIFICATION TIME
tVDQ = n × 100 ns
VTB[1:0] – VBRG DISCONNECT THRESHOLD
VBRO = (n + 1) × 2 V
where n is a positive integer defined by VTB[1:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition VTB[1:0] = [00], then VBRO =
2 V.
The range of VBRO is 2 V to 8 V.
where n is a positive integer defined by TVD[5:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition TVD[5:0] = [01 0000], then
tVDQ = 1.6 µs
The range of tVDQ is 0 to 6.3 µs.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
VTH[5:0] – HIGH-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE THRESHOLD
VDSTH = n × 50 mV
where n is a positive integer defined by VTH[5:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition VTH[5:0] = [01 1000], then
VDSTH = 1.2 V
The range of VDSTH is 0 to 3.15 V.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
40
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
4: Config 4
0
1
0
0
WR
5: Config 5
0
1
0
1
WR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
AOL
EWD
OLI
VRG
VPT5
VPT4
VPT3
VPT2
VPT1
VPT0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
DOO
SAO3
SAO2
SAO1
SAO0
SAG2
SAG1
SAG0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Config 4
Config 5
AOL – ON-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECT
SAO[3:0] – SENSE AMP OFFSET
AOL
On-State Open-Load Detect
0
Inactive
1
Active
Default
SAO
D
0
0 mV
1
0 mV
2
100 mV
3
100 mV
Default
4
200 mV
D
5
300 mV
6
400 mV
7
500 mV
EWD – ENABLE WATCHDOG
EWD
ENABLE Watchdog
0
Inactive
1
Active
OLI – OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD TEST CURRENT
OLI
Test Current
0
100 µA
1
400 µA
8
750 mV
Default
9
1V
D
10
1.25 V
11
1.5 V
12
1.75 V
13
2V
14
2.25 V
15
2.5 V
VRG – VREG VOLTAGE LEVEL
VRG
VREG Voltage
0
8V
1
13 V
Default
D
VPT[5:0] – PHASE COMPARATOR THRESHOLD.
n
VPT =
V
64 BRG
where n is a positive integer defined by VPT[5:0]. For example,
for the power-on-reset condition VPT[5:0] = [10 0000], then VPT
= 50% VBRG.
The range of VPT is 0 to 98.4% VBRG.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Offset
Default
D
where SAO is a positive integer defined by SAO[3:0].
SAG[2:0] – SENSE AMP GAIN
SAG
Gain
0
10
1
15
2
20
3
25
4
30
5
35
6
40
7
50
Default
D
where SAG is a positive integer defined by SAG[2:0].
Continued on next page...
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
41
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Config 5 (continued)
DOO – OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD DETECT
DOO
Off-State Open-Load Detect
0
Active
1
Inactive
Default
D
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
42
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
6: Verify Command 0
0
1
1
0
WR
7: Verify Command 1
0
1
1
1
WR
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
YSU
YTW
YOT
YRO
YRU
YBU
YLO
YSO
Y3U
Y3O
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
OP
YPH
YPL
YDO
YOC
YGU
YOL
YOU
YOD
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Verify Command 0
Verify Command 1
YSU – VBB SUPPLY UNDERVOLTAGE
OP
YTW – TEMPERATURE WARNING
OP
YOT – OVERTEMPERATURE
YRO – VREG OVERVOLTAGE
Off-State Open-Load Phase Select
0
Phase A
1
Phase B
D
YRU – VREG UNDERVOLTAGE
YPH – PHASE CONNECT HIGH-SIDE
YBU – BOOTSTRAP UNDERVOLTAGE
YPL – PHASE CONNECT LOW-SIDE
YLO – LOGIC OVERVOLTAGE
YDO – VDS OVERVOLTAGE
YSO – VBB SUPPLY OVERVOLTAGE
YOC – OVERCURRENT
Y3U – V3 UNDERVOLTAGE
YGU – VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
Y3O – V3 OVERVOLTAGE
YOL – ON-STATE OPEN-LOAD
Yxx
Verification
0
Inactive
1
Active
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Default
D
Default
YOU – OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD CURRENT SOURCE
YOD – OFF-STATE OPEN-LOAD CURRENT SINK
Yxx
Verification
0
Inactive
1
Active and Initiate
Default
D
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
43
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
8: Verify Result 0
1
0
0
0
0
9: Verify Result 1
1
0
0
1
0
10
0
0
9
8
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
6
5
4
PBC
PAC
VBR
0
0
0
SBS
SAS
0
0
0
3
0
0
2
1
LBD
LAD
0
0
0
SBD
SAD
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Verify Result 0 (read-only)
Verify Result 1 (read-only)
PBC – PHASE B CONNECT
SBS – PHASE B STATE
PAC – PHASE A CONNECT
SAS – PHASE A STATE
VBR – VBRG DISCONNECT
SBD – SENSE AMP DISCONNECT
LBD – LSSB DISCONNECT
SAD – SENSE AMP DISCONNECT
LAD – LSSA DISCONNECT
xxx
Verification Result
0
Not Detected
1
Detected
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
xxx
Verification Result
Default
0
Not Detected
D
1
Detected
Default
D
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
44
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
10: Mask 0
1
0
1
0
WR
11: Mask 1
1
0
1
1
WR
10
9
8
7
V3O
V3U
VBS
TW
0
0
0
0
VRO
VRU
VS
VLO
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
5
0
0
4
3
2
1
BHU
BLU
AHU
ALU
0
0
0
0
0
BHO
BLO
AHO
ALO
0
0
0
0
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Mask 0
Mask 1
V3O – V3 OVERVOLTAGE
VRO – VREG OVERVOLTAGE
V3U – V3 UNDERVOLTAGE
VRU – VREG UNDERVOLTAGE
VBS – BOOTSTRAP UNDERVOLTAGE
VS – VBB OUT OF RANGE
TW – TEMPERATURE WARNING
VLO – LOGIC OVERVOLTAGE
BHU – PHASE B HIGH-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
BHO – PHASE B HIGH-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
BLU – PHASE B LOW-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
BLO – PHASE B LOW-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
AHU – PHASE A HIGH-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
AHO – PHASE A HIGH-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
ALU – PHASE A LOW-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
ALO – PHASE A LOW-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
xxx
Fault Mask
0
Fault Detection Permitted
1
Fault Detection Disabled
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Default
xxx
D
0
Fault Detection Permitted
Fault Mask
1
Fault Detection Disabled
Default
D
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
45
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
14
13
12
11
12: Diag 0
1
1
0
0
0
13: Diag 1
1
1
0
1
0
14: Diag 2
1
1
1
0
0
10
9
V3O
V3U
0
0
VRO
VRU
0
0
VSO
VSU
0
0
8
0
0
0
7
0
6
0
0
0
VB
VA
0
0
5
4
3
2
1
BHU
BLU
AHU
ALU
0
0
0
0
BHP
BLO
AHO
ALO
0
0
0
0
OCB
OCA
OL
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
P
P
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Diag 0 (read-only)
Diag 2 (read-only)
V3O – V3 OVERVOLTAGE
VSO – VBB OVERVOLTAGE
V3U – V3 UNDERVOLTAGE
VSU – VBB UNDERVOLTAGE
BHU – PHASE B HIGH-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
VB – PHASE B BOOTSTRAP UNDERVOLTAGE
BLU – PHASE B LOW-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
VA – PHASE A BOOTSTRAP UNDERVOLTAGE
AHU – PHASE A HIGH-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
OCB – OVERCURRENT ON PHASE B
ALU – PHASE A LOW-SIDE VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
OCA – OVERCURRENT ON PHASE A
xxx
Fault
0
No Fault Detected
1
Fault Detected
OL – OPEN LOAD
xxx
P PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Diag 1 (read-only)
Fault
0
No Fault Detected
1
Fault Detected
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
VRO – VREG OVERVOLTAGE
VRU – VREG UNDERVOLTAGE
BHO – PHASE B HIGH-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
BLO – PHASE B LOW-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
AHO – PHASE A HIGH-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
ALO – PHASE A LOW-SIDE VDS OVERVOLTAGE
xxx
Fault
0
No Fault Detected
1
Fault Detected
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
46
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
15
1
15: Control
14
13
1
12
1
1
11
WR
10
9
8
7
DG1
DG0
DBM
ESF
0
0
0
1
6
0
5
0
4
3
2
1
BH
BL
AH
AL
0
0
0
0
0
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Control
DG[1:0] – SELECTS SIGNAL ROUTED TO DIAG WHEN
STRn = 1
DG1
DG0
Signal on
DIAG pin
Default
0
0
Fault– low true
D
0
1
Pulse Fault
1
0
Temperature
1
1
Sense amplifier
DBM – DISABLE BOOTSTRAP MANAGER
DBM
Bootstrap Manager
0
Active
1
Disabled
Default
D
ESF – ENABLE STOP ON FAIL
ESF
Recirculation
0
No Stop on Fail. Report Fault
1
Stop on Fail. Report Fault.
Default
D
BH – PHASE B, HIGH-SIDE GATE DRIVE
BL – PHASE B, LOW-SIDE GATE DRIVE
AH – PHASE A, HIGH-SIDE GATE DRIVE
AL – PHASE A, LOW-SIDE GATE DRIVE
See Tables 2 and 3 for control logic operation.
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
47
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Serial Register Reference*
Status
15
14
13
FF
POR
SE
1
1
0
12
0
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
OT
TW
VS
VLO
ETO
VR
V3
LDF
BSU
GSU
DSO
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
P
* Power-on-reset value shown below each input register bit.
Status (read-only)
Status Register Bit Mapping
FF
– DIAGNOSTIC REGISTER FLAG
POR
– POWER-ON-RESET
SE
– SERIAL ERROR
OT
– OVERTEMPERATURE
TW
Status
Register
Bit
Related Diagnostic Register Bits
FF
None
POR
None
SE
None
– HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING
OT
None
VS
– VBB OUT OF RANGE
TW
None
VLO
– LOGIC OVERVOLTAGE
ETO
– ENABLE WATCHDOG TIMEOUT
VR
– VREG OUT OF RANGE
V3
– V3 OUT OF RANGE
LDF
– LOAD FAULT
BSU
– BOOTSTRAP UNDERVOLTAGE
GSU
– VGS UNDERVOLTAGE
DSO
– VDS OVERVOLTAGE
xxx
VS
VSU, VSO
VLO
None
ETO
None
VR
V3
LDF
VRU, VRO
V3U, V3O
OC, OL
BSU
VA, VB
GSU
AHU, ALU, BHU, BLU
DSO
AHO, ALO, BHO, BLO
Status
0
No Fault Detected
1
Fault Detected
P – PARITY BIT
Ensures an odd number of 1s in any serial transfer.
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
115 Northeast Cutoff
Worcester, Massachusetts 01615-0036 U.S.A.
1.508.853.5000; www.allegromicro.com
48
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Power Bridge PWM Control
The A3924 provides individual high-side and low-side controls
for each MOSFET drive in the bridge. This allows any full-bridge
control scheme to be implemented by providing four input
control signals. In addition, the sense of the control inputs to
the A3924 are arranged to permit most of the common control
schemes with only one or two control inputs.
When current in a load is only required to be controlled in a
single direction during a specific operation, the most common
control scheme used is slow decay with synchronous rectification. This applies two complementary PWM signal to one side
HA
PWM
LAn
HBn
DIR
LB
DIR=1
(% Full Scale)
Input Connections
Average Load Current
100%
0
DIR=0
of the bridge, while holding the other side of the bridge with one
MOSFET on and the other off. The control inputs in the A3924
for each side of the bridge are a complementary pair. For phase
A, the high-side control input is active-high, and the low-side
is active-low. This means that the gate drives can be driven in a
complementary mode with a single PWM input signal connected
directly to both high-side and low-side control inputs. A dead
timer is provided for each phase to ensure that current shootthrough (cross-conduction) is avoided. Figure 9 shows the control
signal connections and the bridge operation for each combination.
The graph shows the approximate effect of the PWM duty cycle
on the average load current for each state of the DIR control
signal. In this case, the current will only flow in one direction for
each state of the DIR signal.
The sense of the control inputs are also complementary for each
phase in a bridge. Phase A, high-side control input is active-high,
while phase B high-side control input is active-low. This means
that it is also possible to drive each bridge in fast decay mode
(4-quadrant control) with a single PWM input signal, as shown
in Figure 10. In this case, the single PWM signal can be used to
control the average load current in both positive and negative
directions. 100% duty cycle gives full positive load current, 0%
gives full negative, and 50% gives zero average load current.
-100%
50%
0%
100%
100%
HA
DIR=1
LAn
PWM
GHB
GHA
GLA
GHB
GHA
LOAD
HBn
LB
LOAD
GLB
GLA
GLB
(% Full Scale)
Input Connections
PWM
Average Load Current
PWM Duty Cycle
0
-100%
HA=LAn=PWM
HBn=LB=DIR=1
50%
0%
100%
PWM Duty Cycle
PWM
PWM
DIR=0
GHB
GHA
GLA
GHB
GHA
LOAD
GLB
GLA
GHB
GHA
LOAD
GLB
GLA
HA=LAn=PWM
HBn=LB=DIR=0
Figure 9: PWM and DIR Inputs, Slow Decay, SR
GHB
GHA
LOAD
LOAD
GLB
GLA
GLB
HA=LAn=PWM HBn=LB=DIR
Figure 10: Single PWM Input, Fast Decay, SR
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49
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Current Sense Amplifier Configuration
where (VSCP – VCSM) is the difference between the sense amplifier inputs, AV is the gain and VOOS is the offset.
The gain (AV) of the current sense amplifier is defined by the
contents of the SAG[2:0] variable as:
SAG
GAIN
SAG
GAIN
0
10
4
30
1
15
5
35
2
20
6
40
3
25
7
50
The gain and output offset are selected to ensure the voltage at
the CSO output remains within the sense amplifier dynamic range
(VCSOUT) for both positive and negative current directions.
Figure 11 shows the effects that changing the gain and output
offset have on the voltage at the CSO output.
CSO (V)
VCSOUT(max)
The output offset zero point (output voltage corresponding to
zero differential input voltage), VOOS, is defined by the contents
of the SAO[3:0] variable as:
SAO
VOOS
SAO
VOOS
0
0
8
750 mV
1
0
9
1V
2
100 mV
10
1.25 V
3
100 mV
11
1.5 V
RS = 100 mΩ
5
4
3
SAG[2:0] = 10 SAO[3:0] = 0 V
4
200 mV
12
1.75 V
5
300 mV
13
2V
6
400 mV
14
2.25 V
7
500 mV
15
2.5 V
SAG[2:0] = 10 SAO[3:0] = 2 V
2
SAG[2:0] = 20 SAO[3:0] = 0 V
1
VCSOUT(min)
0
0
-2
The current sense amplifier voltage output (VCSO) is defined as:
2
4
IPH (A)
Figure 11: Positive and Negative Current Sensing with
RS = 100 mΩ
VCSO = [(VCSP - VCSM) x AV] + VOOS
VCM = (VCSP + VCSM)/2
AV set by
SAG[2:0] in
Config 5
VCSO = [(VCSP – VCSM) × AV] + VOOS
CSP
CSO
RS
AV
VID
CSM
VOOS set by
SAO[3:0] in
Config 5
VCSP
IPH
VCSM
VOOS
VCSO
A3924
AGND
Figure 12: Typical Sense Amp Voltage Definitions
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50
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Dead Time Selection
is transferred from CBOOT to the MOSFET gate.
The choice of power MOSFET and external series gate resistance
determines the selection of the dead time (tDEAD). The tDEAD
should be made long enough to ensure that one MOSFET has
stopped conducting before the complementary MOSFET starts
conducting. This should also account for the tolerance and variation of the MOSFET gate capacitance, the series gate resistance,
and the on-resistance of the driver in the A3924.
To keep the voltage drop due to charge sharing small, the charge
in the bootstrap capacitor (QBOOT) should be much larger than
QGATE, the charge required by the gate:
QBOOT
A factor of 20 is a reasonable value.
QBOOT = CBOOT × VBOOT = QGATE × 20
VGHA–VSA
CBOOT =
VGLA
tDEAD
QGATE
QGATE × 20
VBOOT
where VBOOT is the voltage across the bootstrap capacitor.
The voltage drop (ΔV) across the bootstrap capacitor as the
MOSFET is being turned on can be approximated by:
V =
Vt0
VGSH
Figure 13: Minimum Dead Time
Figure 13 shows the typical switching characteristics of a pair of
complementary MOSFETs. Ideally, one MOSFET should start to
turn on just after the other has completely turned off. The point
at which a MOSFET starts to conduct is the threshold voltage
(Vt0). tDEAD should be long enough to ensure that the gate-source
voltage of the MOSFET that is switching off is just below Vt0
before the gate-source voltage of the MOSFET that is switching
on rises to Vt0. This will be the minimum theoretical tDEAD, but
in practice tDEAD will have to be longer than this to accommodate
variations in MOSFET and driver parameters for process variations and overtemperature.
Bootstrap Capacitor Selection
The A3924 requires two bootstrap capacitors: CA and CB. To
simplify this description of the bootstrap capacitor selection
criteria, generic naming is used here. For example, CBOOT,
QBOOT, and VBOOT refer to any of the two capacitors, and QGATE
refers to any of the two associated MOSFETs. CBOOT must be
correctly selected to ensure proper operation of the device: too
large and time will be wasted charging the capacitor, resulting
in a limit on the maximum duty cycle and PWM frequency; too
small and there can be a large voltage drop at the time the charge
QGATE
CBOOT
So for a factor of 20, ΔV will be 5% of VBOOT
The maximum voltage across the bootstrap capacitor under
normal operating conditions is VREG (max). However, in some
circumstances, the voltage may transiently reach a maximum
of 18 V, which is the clamp voltage of the Zener diode between
the Cx terminal and the Sx terminal. In most applications, with
a good ceramic capacitor, the working voltage can be limited to
16 V.
Bootstrap Charging
It is good practice to ensure the high-side bootstrap capacitor is
completely charged before a high-side PWM cycle is requested.
The time required to charge the capacitor (tCHARGE), in µs, is
approximated by:
tCHARGE =
CBOOT × V
100
where CBOOT is the value of the bootstrap capacitor in nF and ΔV
is the required voltage of the bootstrap capacitor. At power-up
and when the drivers have been disabled for a long time, the
bootstrap capacitor can be completely discharged. In this case,
ΔV can be considered to be the full, high-side drive voltage
(12 V); otherwise, ΔV is the amount of voltage dropped during the charge transfer, which should be 400 mV or less. The
capacitor is charged whenever the Sx terminal is pulled low and
current flows from the capacitor connected to the VREG terminal
through the internal bootstrap diode circuit to CBOOT.
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51
A3924
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
VREG Capacitor Selection
Supply Decoupling
The internal reference (VREG) supplies current for the low-side
gate-drive circuits and the charging current for the bootstrap
capacitors. When a low-side MOSFET is turned on, the gatedrive circuit will provide the high transient current to the gate
that is necessary to turn the MOSFET on quickly. This current,
which can be several hundred milliamperes, cannot be provided
directly by the limited output of the VREG regulator, but must be
supplied by an external capacitor (CREG) connected between the
VREG terminal and GND
Since this is a switching circuit, there will be current spikes from
all supplies at the switching points. As with all such circuits, the
power supply connections should be decoupled with a ceramic
capacitor (typically 100 nF) between the supply terminal and
ground. These capacitors should be connected as close as possible to the device supply terminal (VBB ) and the power ground
terminal (GND).
The turn-on current for the high-side MOSFET is similar in value
but is mainly supplied by the bootstrap capacitor. However, the
bootstrap capacitor must then be recharged from CREG through
the VREG terminal. Unfortunately, the bootstrap recharge can
occur a very short time after the low-side turn-on occurs. This
means that the value of CREG between VREG and GND should
be high enough to minimize the transient voltage drop on VREG
for the combination of a low-side MOSFET turn-on and a bootstrap capacitor recharge. For most applications, a minimum value
of 20 × CBOOT is a reasonable. The maximum working voltage
of CREG will never exceed VREG, so it can be as low as 15 V.
However, it is recommended to use a capacitor with at least twice
the maximum working voltage to reduce any voltage effects on
the capacitance value. This capacitor should be placed as close as
possible to the VREG terminal.
The A3924 can be used to perform dynamic braking by either
forcing all low-side MOSFETs on and all high-side MOSFETs off
or, inversely, by forcing all low-side off and all high-side on. This
will effectively short-circuit the back EMF of the motor, creating
a braking torque. During braking, the load current (IBRAKE) can
be approximated by:
Vbemf
IBRAKE =
RL
Braking
where Vbemf is the voltage generated by the motor and RL is
the resistance of the phase winding. Care must be taken during
braking to ensure that the power MOSFETs’ maximum ratings
are not exceeded. Dynamic braking is equivalent to slow decay
with synchronous rectification and all phases enabled.
The A3924 can also be used to perform regenerative braking.
This is equivalent to using fast decay with synchronous rectification. Note that the supply must be capable of managing the
reverse current, for example, by connecting a resistive load or
dumping the current to a battery or capacitor.
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52
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
INPUT/OUTPUT STRUCTURES
Cx
16 V
52 V
VBRG
GHx
VBB
6V
CP1
7.5 V
CP2
VREG
Sx
52 V
56 V
20 V
16 V
VREG
16 V
16 V
GLx
AGND
GND
LSS
Figure 14B: Supplies
Figure 14A: Gate Drive Outputs
3.3 V
3.3 V
3.3 V
50 k
2 kΩ
RESETn
ENABLE
HA
LB
2 kΩ
2k
SDI
SCK
STRn
52 V
50 kΩ
50 kΩ
7.5 V
7.5 V
6V
Figure 14D: STRn Input
Figure 14C: SDI & SCK Inputs
25 Ω
2 kΩ
DIAG
6V
LAn
HBn
5.2 V
Figure 14E: RESETn, ENABLE, HA, & LB
V3BD
CSOA
CSOB
3.3 V
V3
52 V
50 kΩ
50 k
7.5 V
Figure 14F: DIAG Output
Figure 14G: LAn & HBn Inputs
7.5 V
Figure 14H: V3 Input &
V3BD, CSOA, & CSOB Outputs
CSPA
CSMA
6V
50 Ω
SDO
SAL
SBL
CSPB
CSMB
6V
7.5 V
7.5 V
Figure 14I: SDO, SAL & SBL Outputs
Figure 14J: CSPA, CSMA, CSPB, & CSMB Inputs
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53
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
PACKAGE OUTLINE DRAWING
For Reference Only – Not for Tooling Use
(Reference JEDEC MO-153 BDT-1)
Dimensions in millimeters
NOT TO SCALE
Dimensions exclusive of mold flash, gate burrs, and dambar protrusions
Exact case and lead configuration at supplier discretion within limits shown
9.70 ±0.10
8º
0º
6.5 NOM
38
0.20
0.09
B
3 NOM
4.40 ±0.10
6.40 ±0.20
0.60 ±0.15
A
1.00 REF
1
2
0.25 BSC
Branded Face
SEATING PLANE
C
38X
0.10
GAUGE PLANE
1.20 MAX
C
SEATING
PLANE
0.27
0.17
0.15
0.00
0.50 BSC
0.50
0.30
38
1.70
A
3.00
1
6.00
Terminal #1 mark area
B
Exposed thermal pad (bottom surface)
C
Reference land pattern layout (reference IPC7351 SOP50P640X120-39M);
All pads a minimum of 0.20 mm from all adjacent pads; adjust as necessary
to meet application process requirements and PCB layout tolerances; when
mounting on a multilayer PCB, thermal vias at the exposed thermal pad land
can improve thermal dissipation (reference EIA/JEDEC Standard JESD51-5)
2
6.5
C
PCB Layout Reference View
Figure 15: Package LV, 38-Pin eTSSOP with Exposed Pad
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54
Automotive, Full-Bridge MOSFET Driver
A3924
Document Revision History
Revision
Date
–
March 8, 2016
Change
Initial Release
Copyright ©2016, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
Allegro MicroSystems, LLC reserves the right to make, from time to time, such departures from the detail specifications as may be required to
permit improvements in the performance, reliability, or manufacturability of its products. Before placing an order, the user is cautioned to verify that
the information being relied upon is current.
Allegro’s products are not to be used in any devices or systems, including but not limited to life support devices or systems, in which a failure of
Allegro’s product can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm.
The information included herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Allegro MicroSystems, LLC assumes no responsibility for its
use; nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use.
For the latest version of this document, visit our website:
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55
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