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L6207

OUTPUT CURRENT CAPABILITY AND IC POWER DISSIPATION

In Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 are shown the approximate relation between the output current and the IC power dissipa-

tion using PWM current control driving two loads, for two different driving types:

– One Full Bridge ON at a time (Fig.17) in which only one load at a time is energized.

– Two Full Bridges ON at the same time (Fig.18) in which two loads at the same time are energized.

For a given output current and driving type the power dissipated by the IC can be easily evaluated, in order to

establish which package should be used and how large must be the on-board copper dissipating area to guar-

antee a safe operating junction temperature (125°C maximum).

Figure 17. IC Power Dissipation versus Output Current with One Full Bridge ON at a time.

Figure 18. IC Power Dissipation versus Output Current with Two Full Bridges ON at the same time.

THERMAL MANAGEMENT

In most applications the power dissipation in the IC is the main factor that sets the maximum current that can be de-

livered by the device in a safe operating condition. Therefore, it has to be taken into account very carefully. Besides

the available space on the PCB, the right package should be chosen considering the power dissipation. Heat sinking

can be achieved using copper on the PCB with proper area and thickness. Figures 20, 21 and 22 show the Junction-

to-Ambient Thermal Resistance values for the PowerSO36, PowerDIP24 and SO24 packages.

For instance, using a PowerSO package with copper slug soldered on a 1.5 mm copper thickness FR4 board

ing methods for this package. Using a multi-layer board with vias to a ground plane, thermal impedance can be

reduced down to 15°C/W.

No PWM

Test Conditions:

Supply Voltage = 24V

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

0

2

4

6

8

10

ONE FULL BRIDGE ON AT A TIME

No PWM

Test Conditions:

Supply Voltage = 24V

00.5

11.5

22.5

3

0

2

4

6

8

10

TWO FULL BRIDGES ON AT THE SAME TIME