EV Engineering News

Allegro’s new gate driver reduces cooling fan noise and vibration

Allegro MicroSystems has introduced the new A89307 automotive-qualified gate driver integrated circuit (IC). Designed for battery cooling fans and HVAC systems in EVs and hybrids, the A89307 offers ultra-low noise and vibration by using a Field Oriented Control (FOC) algorithm to drive continuous sinusoidal current to the load. The company claims its algorithm can help automakers reduce noise and improve battery life, offer more miles per charge and lower carbon footprints.

The A89307’s hardware-based algorithm requires no external sensors or software development—the user simply selects parameters using a simple GUI interface, and loads them into the IC’s on-chip E2EPROM. With only five external components, the A89307 helps designers reduce BOM components and facilitate very small system footprints for in-motor PCBs. Its fully integrated algorithm can even eliminate the need for a separate microprocessor.

Modes of operation include open-loop pulse-width modulation (PWM) and fully programmable closed-loop speed control. In closed-loop mode, the customer can program the PWM-to-speed relationship to match the PWM commands provided by an external ECU. Field weakening is included to improve performance at high speed. Low-speed operation and windmilling start-up are also included in the algorithm.

While designed for xEV battery cooling fans, the A89307 can also be used in HVAC blowers as well as liquid pumps in traction inverter cooling systems. The external gate drive allows the device to drive a wide range of motor powers up to 500 W. The A89307 is available in a 28L wettable flank quad-flat no-leads package. 

“EV and hybrid vehicles are quieter than traditional models with internal combustion engines—especially when they’re stopped—and drivers are becoming increasingly sensitive to noise created by components such as cooling fans,” said Steve Lutz, Product Line Director at Allegro. “The A89307’s hardware-based algorithm makes it easier for designers to reduce fan noise while improving cooling performance and increasing miles per charge.”

Source: Allegro

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