Allegro MicroSystems (Worcester, MA) has announced the A1441 full-bridge motor driver designed to drive single-phase, low-voltage, bipolar brushless DC motors. Commutation of the motor is achieved by the use of one Hall element to detect the position of an alternating pole ring magnet. The IC semiconductor process enables the integration of Hall element on the same IC as the motor control circuitry.

An on-chip charge pump circuit allows the use of a MOS full-bridge output that includes body diodes. All necessary circuitry is integrated, and no external devices are required. The switchpoints of the devices are chopper-stabilized. An active braking function and sleep mode can be enabled by an external signal. The device is available in a 2 × 2 × 0.5 mm MLP package with 100% tin plating.