UC3178

The UC3178 full-bridge power amplifier, rated for continuous output current of 0.45 Amperes, is intended for use in demanding servo applications. This device includes a precision current sense amplifier that senses load current with a single resistor in series with the load. The UC3178 is optimized to consume a minimum of supply current, and is designed to operate in both 5V and 12V systems. The power output stages have a low saturation voltage and are protected with current limiting and thermal shutdown. When inhibited, the device will draw less than 1.5mA of total supply current.

Auxiliary functions on this device include a load current sensing and rectification function that can be configured with the device's over-current comparator to provide tight control on the maximum commanded load current. The closed loop transconductance of the configured power amplifier can be switched between a high and low range with a single logic input. The 4:1 change in gain can be used to extend the dynamic range of the servo loop. Bandwidth variations that would otherwise result with the gain change can be controlled with a compensation adjust pin.

This device is packaged a power PLCC, "QP" package which maintains a standard 28-pin outline, but with 7 pins along one edge directly tied to the die substrate for improved thermal performance.