SA303-IHZ and SA53-IHZ Join Apex Precision Power Family of Motor Driver ICs Offering Lower Cost for Industrial Applications in the 3A Power Range

Cirrus Logic Inc. (Nasdaq: CRUS) has added the SA303-IHZ and SA53-IHZ to its Apex Precision Power^™ product family of industry first high current pulse width modulated (PWM) ICs for driving three-phase brush and brushless DC motors. As follow-on products to the 2008 launch of its award-winning SA3XX and SA5X series of single-packaged solutions, these new ICs offer a lower per unit cost of up to 40 percent for industrial motor applications such as fans, pumps and robotics operating on supplies up to 60 V and requiring output current in the 3 A range (10 A PEAK).

“The earlier launch of the SA306-IHZ and SA57-IHZ has garnered strong customer interest because of the performance and protection features they offer in a very small package,” said Greg Brennan, vice president, Cirrus Logic Apex Precision Power business unit. “With the addition of the SA303-IHZ and SA53-IHZ, Cirrus Logic can now provide this same mix of product benefits to customers with applications in a lower power range and at a lower cost.”

Power Quad Package Delivers Thermal Efficiency

The SA303-IHZ and SA53-IHZ make use of the same 64-pin Power Quad package used in the SA3XX and SA5X series. With a footprint of less than two centimeters square, the ICs require up to 70 percent less board space compared to alternate discrete solutions with comparable power requirements. Cost savings can be realized through a reduction in the size, weight and overall system layout, while increasing the thermal efficiency of the motor control circuitry. The power dissipation capabilities of the package can be increased by up to 3X versus a standard on-board mounting configuration by using a patent-pending approach that involves mounting the device upside down through a cutout in the uniquely designed printed circuit board.

The use of pulse width modulation (PWM), or switching technology, further minimize power dissipation issues by allowing the overall operating system to run cooler and thus increase long-term reliability. The SA303-IHZ and the SA53-IHZ also use smaller filter components because they are able to switch at frequencies of up to 100 KHz.

Key Product Specifications

*Per unit pricing through distribution may vary

All The Bells And Whistles

Inside the package, these ICs deliver cycle-by-cycle current limit to precisely control motor current in real time for each motor phase, as well as the ability to soft start the motor by allowing the driver to handle the inrush of start-up current. This functionality negates the necessity to de-rate the driver’s current rating even at 3 A continuous or greater.

All models in the SA3XX and SA5X series are designed to provide customers with a seamless interface to either a digital microcontroller (MCU) or a DSP. The top side and bottom side output FETs on these PWM drivers can be individually controlled via direct signals from the processor. This communication includes current sensing for each phase. Each current path is supplied as an individual input to the ADC of the processor.

Additional protection features such as under voltage and over temperature can generate performance gains in the overall motor control circuitry by eliminating motor shutdown and re-starts. For example, should an over-temperature or short circuit occur, these ICs will not shutdown the outputs, but instead, allow the system to continue running while it signals the external controller to take corrective action. In most cases, the processor can correct the condition by utilizing software to remedy the external interrupt.

Availability, Demo Boards

The SA303-IHZ and SA53-IHZ are available in sample quantities for evaluation and prototyping, as well as volume production. Evaluation kits with a fully populated demo board, including the IC, are available. Complete product information is online at www.cirrus.com. For technical support, contact Apex Precision Power product support toll-free at 800-546-2739, or apex.support@cirrus.com.

Cirrus Logic Inc.

Celebrating its 25th year as a leading fabless semiconductor company in 2009, Cirrus Logic develops high-precision, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits for a broad range of innovative customers. Building on its diverse analog and signal-processing patent portfolio, Cirrus Logic delivers highly optimized products for a variety of audio and energy-related applications. The company operates from headquarters in Austin, Texas, with offices in Tucson, Ariz., Europe, Japan and Asia. More information about Cirrus Logic is available at www.cirrus.com.

A NOTE TO EDITORS: Soft copies of this product news release, product data sheets and product visuals are available for download in the “PRESS ROOM” area of the Cirrus Logic website. Cirrus Logic, Cirrus, Apex Precision Power and Apex, are trademarks of Cirrus Logic Inc. All other product names noted herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Marie Rivera, 520-690-6932
Marketing Communications Specialist
Cell: 520-270-9568
marie.rivera@cirrus.com