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TDK Corporation recently introduced the HVC 5481G , an embedded gate driver designed to boost efficiency in automotive thermal management systems. As part of the broader HVC 5x family, the new device targets applications like radiator fans, HVAC blowers, and water pumps, combining a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 core with motor control functionality and LIN connectivity.
The HVC 5481G.
A New Addition to the HVC 5x Family
Unlike earlier chips in the HVC 5x lineup, the HVC 5481G stands out for its ability to drive external B6 bridges, giving it the flexibility to support medium-power BLDC motors in harsh automotive environments. TDK designed the device to handle higher current loads—up to 50 A, depending on the external MOSFETs used—making it a strong fit for thermal management systems such as radiator fans, water pumps, and HVAC blowers. At its core is a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 processor, paired with six integrated gate drivers and support for sensorless control using Back electromotive force (BEMF) detection.
Block diagram of TDK HVC5481G.
BEMF detection is a method for determining a motor’s position without using physical sensors. As the motor spins, its coils generate a small voltage—the “back EMF”—and the controller uses that signal to time the next phase of commutation. It’s a lightweight, cost-effective method that works well at medium to high speeds. This makes it suitable for applications such as engine cooling fans.
While other HVC 5x chips feature half-bridge drivers for lower-power use cases, the 5481G targets applications that need more muscle and smarter control. It also introduces features like single-shunt field-oriented control (FOC), along with an onboard LIN transceiver to make integration into zonal vehicle networks straightforward.
The HVC5481G contains a digital circuit part of the SoC and a gate-drive part. The digital part comprises, among other things, the Arm Cortex-M3 processor, SPI interface, SRAM (8 KB), Flash (64 KB), EEPROM, and BEMF comparator. The HVC5481G has six gate drive outputs.
Other Embedded Gate Drivers for Automotive
BEMF-based control can be an effective option for automotive applications because it reduces wiring, cost, and complexity. By using the motor’s own back EMF to infer position, systems can eliminate external sensors without sacrificing performance. This makes them useful for radiator fans, water pumps, and HVAC blowers. The power and cost savings of all components in the vehicle add up, and they are critical to thermal efficiency and battery longevity.
Similar embedded gate drivers on the market include Infineon’s TLE987x series , which also targets sensorless BLDC control with integrated LIN and gate drivers. NXP’s MM912_637 is likewise built for small smart actuators with LIN connectivity. Another option is STMicroelectronics' L99DZ200G , aimed at HVAC systems but with less flexibility for external power stages.
