DRV8332 overcurrent and overtemperature tests

Michael Levin45

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DRV8332

Hello support team,

I have built a 3-phase buck converter based upon DRV8332 driver. Each channel drives the output capacitor through a 47 uH inductor. It works fine.

Now that I have it working, I need to test its overcurrent and overtemperature protection features.

Do you have a standard procedure for these tests? I mean, a procedure that brings the driver to a fault condition without damaging it.

Thanks in advance,

Michael

over 9 years ago

0 Luis Riveros over 9 years ago

TI__Expert 4435 points

Hello Michael,

Our experts have been notified and should reply soon. Thank you

0 Rick Duncan over 9 years ago

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Michael,

It is assumed your intent is to test overcurrent and overtemperature during normal operation.

For overcurrent, this can be done by slowing increasing the load until the outputs disable.

For overtemperature, you can use a heat source to increase the temperature of the IC. It is recommended to have a thermal probe or infrared camera to monitor the temperature.

0 Michael Levin45 over 9 years ago in reply to Rick Duncan

Prodigy 170 points

Hi Rick,

Thank you very much for your reply. For overtemperature:

1. Can I use a soldering iron touching the pad on top of the chip as the heat source?
2. This test does not require any electrical load, correct?

Thanks in advance,
Michael

0 Rick Duncan over 9 years ago in reply to Michael Levin45

TI__Guru** 114905 points

Hi Michael,

1) A soldering iron would not be recommended. It is difficult to control the heat. Ideally a thermal chamber is preferred. A low cost alternative is a heat gun on a low setting with the ability to adjust the distance from the DRV8332 to the heat gun.

2) You need some electrical load to monitor the outputs. It does not require much.

You should monitor both OTW/ and FAULT/ since the OTW/ occurs at ~125C.

0 Michael Levin45 over 9 years ago in reply to Rick Duncan

Prodigy 170 points

Hi Rick,

heat gun is of course a better idea than soldering iron. Thank you very much.

Best regards,
Michael

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DRV8332 overcurrent and overtemperature tests