Other Parts Discussed in Thread: UCC27710
How do I choose the best half-bridge gate driver for DC motor drive applications?
*Update: Read more detail in the application note: How to Choose a Gate Driver for DC Motor Drives*
Where there’s a motor, there’s a need for a driver component. Given the amount of motor driver options available—even from a single manufacturer—choosing the right one can be overwhelming. And for each one, there is a long list of parameters. Which specifications or features should you focus on to make your decision?
This FAQ will provide some design considerations for choosing half-bridge gate drivers to use in DC motor drive applications like brushed DC, brushless DC, and stepper motors.
As an alternative to three-phase motor drivers, half-bridge gate drivers can help to improve system efficiency and reduce overall system size. A compact half-bridge driver placed at each phase minimizes the space between the driver and the power switch, reducing switching losses & EMI challenges. (Read more in this FAQ about 3-phase vs. 1-phase driver configurations.)
To choose an appropriate half-bridge driver, it’s important to consider the balance of robustness, size/cost, and compatibility with other system components (like the microcontroller and power switches). For example:
- Compact home appliances may value minimizing PCB size and choose small SON packages that integrate components like bootstrap diodes.
- High-volume consumer markets like e-bikes may emphasize finding general-purpose, cost-effective drivers with multisource pinouts.
- Noisy motor systems may prioritize robustness and carefully choose based on voltage ranges or shoot-through protection methods.
- Stepper drive systems may need to accommodate limited-GPIO microcontrollers and seek out drivers that support a single-PWM input.
The table below summarizes some common design considerations for DC motor drive systems and hero gate drivers that can address them. For further detail, check out the application note "How to Choose a Gate Driver for DC Motor Drives".
If you have more questions about choosing a driver for your motor drive application, please select the “+ Ask a related question” button on this page and our experts will advise!
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Design Consideration |
LM2101 – New! |
LM2103 – New! |
LM2105 – New! |
UCC27301A – New! |
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Bootstrap supply voltage Absolute maximum VHB (for margin against motor transients). |
107 V |
107 V |
107 V |
110 V |
700 V |
120 V |
|
Negative voltage handling* Abs. minimum transient VHS (for margin against negative transients). |
–19.5 V |
–19.5 V |
–19.5 V |
–7 V |
–11 V** |
–(24–VDD) V |
|
Interlock or dead time Provides shoot-through protection. |
✗ |
✓ (dead time) |
✗ |
✓ (interlock) |
✓ (interlock) |
✓ (interlock) |
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Integrated bootstrap diode Reduces component count. |
✗ |
✗ |
✓ |
✓ |
✗ |
✓ |
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Package Saves PCB area. Note: Approx. sizes. |
5x4mm (SOIC) |
5x4mm (SOIC) |
5x4mm (SOIC) |
3x3mm (VSON) |
5x4mm (SOIC) |
5x4mm (SOIC) 3x3mm (VSON) |
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Source/sink current Eliminates the need for external booster stages when higher current is required. Not sure what your system needs? Check out our minimum current calculator! |
0.5 A/0.8 A |
0.5 A/0.8 A |
0.5 A/0.8 A |
1.6 A/2.6 A |
0.5 A/1.0 A |
3.7 A/4.5 A |
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Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) Helps protects the power switch from overheating. |
8 V |
8 V |
5 V |
5 V |
10 V |
8 V |
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Single-input compatibility Reduces the number of required MCU GPIO signals. |
✗ |
✓ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
✗ |
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1ku price |
←---------- Lower ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Higher ----------→ |
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Recommended when… |
Minimal features are needed or cost alone is most critical. |
Support for a single PWM input is the top priority. |
Board space and cost are most critical. |
Driving multiple switches in parallel or driving at high frequency. |
High-voltage application requires VHB margin > 120 V. |
Driving coils (linear motors) or high-frequency DC motors. |
*Values are verified by characterization only and are not production tested.
**This is the recommended minimum specification (no absolute minimum specified for this device). Logic operational for HS of –11 V to +600 V at HB–HS = 20 V. See UCC27710 data sheet for more details.