A4942: Three-Phase Sensorless Fan Driver

The A4942 three phase motor driver incorporates BEMF sensing to eliminate the requirement for Hall sensors in fan applications.

A closed loop speed control system is integrated into the IC. This allows accurate setting of maximum and minimum speeds via selection of external resistors. The speed is controlled by duty cycle demand applied to the PWM input.

The PWM input is allowed to operate over a wide frequency range.

Current limiting is integrated to allow saving the cost and PCB space of an external sense resistor. The current limit function includes an adjustable soft start to minimize load on the power supply while the fan is ramping up to speed.

The A4942 is supplied in a 20-contact 4 mm × 4 mm QFN package (suffix ES) with exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation. The package is lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating.