POWERQUARK Released an Automotive-grade 8-channel Half-bridge Driver That Supports Limp Mode
2025-07-11
POWERQUARK announced the launch of the automotive-grade 8-channel half-bridge driver PQ77708Q. This driver can control up to 16 external N-channel MOSFETs and supports 24-bit SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or up to 25kHz three-channel PWM input signals for system configuration and control, enabling adaptive output drive currents ranging from 1mA to 100mA. PQ77708Q complies with the AEC-Q100 standard and innovatively integrates a limp mode into the half-bridge driver, providing enhanced safety for various body control applications such as seat control, electric tailgate, central locking, window lifting, and windshield wipers.
Configurable Limp Mode
PQ77708Q supports user-configurable limp mode. In the event of vehicle anomalies such as watchdog timeouts, the control modules for seats, windows, and other components driven by the half-bridge can retain some basic functions based on the engineers' predefined configurations until the vehicle anomaly is resolved. Limp mode has been widely used in high-side drivers and eFuses. By incorporating this feature into the half-bridge driver, PQ77708Q not only offers engineers greater flexibility in product development but also enhances the safety and comfort for end-users.
High-Side Drive Multiplexing
PQ77708Q can be multiplexed as a multi-channel high-side switch driver, reducing the number of external components. When acting as a high-side switch, PQ77708Q supports a flexible soft-start method, allowing users to preset the high-side turn-on time. After a large current triggered by capacitive load causes short-circuit protection, the system can automatically turn on the high-side switch through the preset time and shut it down based on the circuit's state. Traditional methods usually involve adjusting the PWM duty cycle to change the current intensity, which consumes a significant amount of MCU resources. The soft-start method avoids transient current shock, does not occupy MCU states and resources, and allows for independent parameter settings, making the entire system more flexible and efficient.
Current Limiting
Traditional half-bridge drivers can generate high currents during motor startup, causing circuit jitters and affecting the stability and reliability of the entire system. PQ77708Q employs a current-limiting method to restrict the maximum current. Engineers can freely configure the DAC to achieve different current-limiting thresholds, making system design more flexible and reliable.
Other Features
Packaged in VQFN-48, offering excellent thermal performance and minimizing the required PCB size.
Operating voltage up to 28V with a withstand voltage of 40V, meeting the voltage requirements of mainstream automotive motors.
Excellent quiescent current performance.
Integrated with two gain-configurable current sense amplifiers for system protection and diagnostics.
Comprehensive diagnostic functions, including monitoring of supply voltage and charge pump voltage, temperature warning, and over-temperature shutdown.
Each gate driver can independently monitor the source-drain voltage of the external MOSFETs.
