Allegro’s A3988 is a quad DMOS full-bridge driver capable of driving up to two stepper motors or four DC motors. Each full-bridge output is rated up to 1.2 A and 36 V. The A3988 includes fixed off-time pulse width modulation (PWM) current regulators, along with 2-bit nonlinear DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that allow stepper motors to be controlled in full, half, and quarter steps, and DC motors in forward, reverse, and coast modes. The PWM current regulator uses the Allegro® patented mixed decay mode for reduced audible motor noise, increased step accuracy, and reduced power dissipation.

Internal synchronous rectification control circuitry is provided to improve power dissipation during PWM operation. Industrial standard PHASE, I0, I1 logic inputs are used to control each full-bridge so the A3988 can easily replace most existing drivers.
Protection features include thermal shutdown with hysteresis, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and crossover current protection.

Special power up sequencing is not required. The A3988 is supplied in two packages, EV and JP, with exposed power tabs for enhanced thermal performance. The EV is a 6 mm x 6 mm, 36 pin QFN package with a nominal overall package height of 0.90 mm. The JP is a 7 mm × 7 mm, 48 pin LQFP package. Both packages are lead (Pb) free, with 100% matte tin leadframe plating.