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Confused about DRV8432 in parallel mode

Hi,

I'm planning to use the DRV8432 for controlling a DC motor with a maximum current of 12A. So I need to use he DRV8432 in pararell mode. But, after readind the post 'DRV8432DKD cycle-by-cycle current limit' (http://e2e.ti.com/support/applications/motor_drivers/f/38/t/133322.aspx?pi239031349=2), I'm quite confused. Can I control the motor with a PWM signal in PWM_A and GND in PWM_B? Because, in principle, that's the way to do it. But, if I have understood correctly what it is said in the post, controlling like that causes that the DRV8432 is stuck when the output hits CBC limit.

In pararell mode I can't use the OC latched mode and I need to have control over the maximum current. So, is the only way to control the motor to connect a PWM signal to one input and the complementary PWM signal to the other input? Can I have any problem if I do it this way?

That is, if I want to use the parallel mode and to have the cycle-by-cycle current limit working correctly, how have I to manage the inputs?

Thanks,

Fernando.

  • Fernando,

    Actually, you are not confused at all.  Your understanding is correct and the post you referenced details the issue.  CBC mode relies on a switching input in both channels as a rising edge is required to "wake up" a channel that goes into current limit.  The device remains in OC until the next cycle.  If that never comes, than the device is stuck in current limit and half-bridge is disabled. 

    You will have no problem if you use complimentary inputs.

     

  • OK, thaks for your answer. I have another question. The current limit is independent for each output. Does that mean that if you set OC_ADJ at 7.4 A, you are actually limiting current at 14.8 A? Because each half bridge is managing half of the total current that is going through the motor.

  • Please, could you answer this question? I very important to me in order to decide as soon as possible whether I can use the DRV8432 in my design.

  • That is basically correct.  Although, this assumes perfect current sharing between the half-bridges.  Best to assume that you may have 10% more in one bridge over the other and set Radj accordingly.

  • Okay, everything is clear now..

    Thank you very much for your help.