The STMicroelectronics A5973D013TR is a highly integrated full-bridge driver designed for precision control of brushed DC motors and stepper motors in a wide range of industrial, automotive, and consumer applications. The device provides dual high-current H-bridge outputs with built-in protection and diagnostic features, enabling efficient, reliable, and compact motor control solutions. It is optimized for low-voltage operation, low electromagnetic interference (EMI), and smooth torque generation, making it suitable for robotics, office automation, automotive actuators, and portable equipment.

## Functional Description

The A5973D013TR integrates two H-bridge circuits with current sensing and control logic for bidirectional motor operation. Each bridge can source and sink current to drive a motor load with precise PWM modulation, enabling speed and direction control. The device includes internal dead-time insertion to prevent shoot-through, overcurrent protection with latch and auto-retry options, thermal shutdown, undervoltage lockout, and fault reporting through dedicated diagnostic pins. These integrated features simplify system design and reduce the need for external components while ensuring robust motor control under varying load conditions.

## Key Features

* Dual H-bridge output capable of driving bipolar DC motors and stepper motors.
* Supply voltage range: 4.5 V to 36 V for flexible system integration.
* Peak output current: 2.5 A per bridge with proper thermal management.
* Logic-level PWM input compatibility (3.3 V and 5 V logic).
* Internal dead-time management to prevent cross-conduction in H-bridges.
* Integrated current sensing with voltage output proportional to load current.
* Thermal shutdown and undervoltage lockout for safe operation.
* Fault diagnostics including overcurrent, thermal, and undervoltage indicators.
* High efficiency output stage optimized for low power dissipation.
* Low EMI design suitable for sensitive applications.
* Compact SO-28 or DFN package options for PCB space optimization.

## Electrical Specifications

* Supply voltage (VBB): 4.5 V to 36 V.
* Logic supply voltage (VCC): 3.0 V to 5.5 V.
* Continuous output current: 1.4 A typical per bridge at 25°C, thermally limited.
* Peak output current: 2.5 A per bridge with appropriate heatsinking and ambient conditions.
* On-resistance: 0.33 Ω per high-side MOSFET and 0.3 Ω per low-side MOSFET, minimizing conduction losses.
* Logic input voltage high (V_IH): 2 V minimum, compatible with standard logic levels.
* Logic input voltage low (V_IL): 0.8 V maximum.
* PWM frequency range: DC up to 100 kHz for high-speed motor control.
* Current sense voltage output: 0.3 V/A typical, enabling monitoring and closed-loop control.
* Thermal shutdown threshold: 150°C typical junction temperature.

## Pin Configuration and Package

The A5973D013TR is offered in a 28-lead DFN or SO-28 package with the following key pins:

* VBB: Power supply input for H-bridge outputs.
* OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, OUT4: H-bridge output terminals for connecting motor windings.
* PWM1A, PWM1B, PWM2A, PWM2B: Logic inputs for speed and direction control.
* CS1, CS2: Current sense outputs proportional to motor current for feedback and monitoring.
* EN1, EN2: Enable pins for H-bridge activation or shutdown.
* FAULT: Open-drain fault output indicating overcurrent, overtemperature, or undervoltage events.
* GND: Power and logic ground connections.
* VCC: Logic supply voltage pin.

The package includes thermal vias and exposed pad to optimize heat dissipation and maintain junction temperature under high load conditions.

## Protection Features

* Overcurrent protection limits peak current and prevents MOSFET damage.
* Thermal shutdown automatically disables outputs when junction temperature exceeds safe limits.
* Undervoltage lockout prevents operation at insufficient supply voltage, avoiding unstable behavior.
* Internal dead-time insertion prevents shoot-through across high- and low-side MOSFETs.
* Fault output allows real-time diagnostic monitoring, enabling system-level protection and control.

## Dynamic and Control Characteristics

* Fast PWM response with propagation delay under 150 ns ensures precise motor speed and torque control.
* Built-in slope control for smooth transitions and reduced motor vibration.
* Current sense outputs allow closed-loop control, implementing torque or speed regulation using external analog or digital controllers.
* Adjustable PWM duty cycle from 0% to 100% permits full-range motor speed control.

## Thermal Considerations

* Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance: 30°C/W typical with appropriate PCB layout.
* Junction-to-case thermal resistance: 5°C/W, allowing efficient heat removal through PCB copper or heatsink.
* Maximum operating junction temperature: 150°C.
* Proper PCB layout, including copper planes and thermal vias, is essential for continuous high-current operation.

## Applications

* Brushed DC motor drivers in robotics and industrial automation.
* Stepper motor drivers for printers, office automation, and instrumentation.
* Automotive actuators such as throttle control, window lift, and seat adjustment.
* Portable and battery-operated devices requiring compact and efficient motor control.
* General-purpose H-bridge applications in consumer electronics, appliances, and HVAC systems.

## Summary

The STMicroelectronics A5973D013TR is a versatile dual H-bridge driver with integrated current sensing, protection, and fault diagnostics. It provides efficient, low-loss, and reliable control of DC and stepper motors in both industrial and consumer applications. Its wide voltage range, high current handling, and compact package make it suitable for space-constrained designs requiring precise motor control, protection, and monitoring.