Date: 24/07/2007

New low cost half bridge driver IC from Atmel for Automotives

Atmel's new hex half-bridge driver IC ATA6836 which can work at high voltage of 40V is released to market for both car and truck with 24V dc power source. Atmel says, due to a technology called BCD on SOI technology (SMARTIS), junction leakage is minimized. This device provide better latch up immunity. There are six high side and low side drivers to drive current up to 650 milliamps via a microcontroller. Three fully independent DC motors can be actuated through ATA6836 in three H-bridges. It also supports operation up to five DC motors sharing four common lines provided motors are not actuated at the same time. Very much made for controlling Air-conditioner's airflow in automotives. Device is protected with over-temperature warning, shutdown, overload, over-voltage, and short circuit. Microcontroller can read error or fault such as under-voltage through SPI output register. Has high ESD rating of 4 KV.

Available in lead free package: QFN24. The chip is priced around US$2.00. Can also avail development board for US$130.