N-channel H-bridge brushed DC motor driver
Pin-to-pin, RDS(on), voltage, and current sense/regulation variants (external shunt resistor and integrated current mirror)
DRV8870: 6.5-V to 45-V, 565-mΩ, shunt
DRV8251: 4.5-V to 48-V, 450-mΩ, shunt
DRV8251A: 4.5-V to 48-V, 450-mΩ, mirror
DRV8231: 4.5-V to 33-V, 600-mΩ, shunt
DRV8231A: 4.5-V to 33-V, 600-mΩ, mirror
The DRV8231A device is an integrated motor driver with N-channel H-bridge, charge pump, current sense feedback, current regulation, and protection circuitry. The charge pump improves efficiency by supporting N-channel MOSFET half bridges and 100% duty cycle driving.
An internal current mirror architecture on the IPROPI pin implements current sensing and regulation. This eliminates the need for a large power shunt resistor, saving board area and reducing system cost. The IPROPI current-sense output allows a microcontroller to detect motor stall or changes in load conditions. The external voltage reference pin, VREF, determines the threshold of current regulation during start-up and stall events without interaction from a microcontroller.
A low-power sleep mode achieves ultra-low quiescent current draw by shutting down most of the internal circuitry. Internal protection features include supply undervoltage lockout, output overcurrent, and device overtemperature.
The DRV8231A is part of a family of devices which come in pin-to-pin, scalable RDS(on) and supply voltage options to support various loads and supply rails with minimal design changes. See for information on the devices in this family. View the full portfolio of brushed motor drivers on ti.com.
| Type | Title | Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | Data sheet | DRV8231A 3.7-A Brushed DC Motor Driver with Integrated Current Sense and Regulation datasheet (Rev. A) | PDF | HTML | 15 Jan 2026 |
| Technical article | Using brushed motors to improve battery life and reliability in vacuum robots | PDF | HTML | 17 Jul 2019 |
For additional terms or required resources, click any title below to view the detail page where available.
The DRV8251A evaluation module (EVM) allows for easy evaluation of the DRV8251A device. The EVM has been programmed and configured to work out of the box and begin spinning motors right away.
The DRV8251A is a 4.5V to 48-V rated single H-bridge driver capable of driving up to 3.7 A. The EVM allows (...)
| Package | Pins | CAD symbols, footprints & 3D models |
|---|---|---|
| HSOIC (DDA) | 8 | Ultra Librarian |
| WSON (DSG) | 8 | Ultra Librarian |
Recommended products may have parameters, evaluation modules or reference designs related to this TI product.
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