7.3.6 BSPx AND BSNx Capacitors

The full H-bridge output stages use only NMOS transistors. Therefore, they require bootstrap capacitors for the high side of each output to turn on correctly. A 220-nF ceramic capacitor of quality X5R or better, rated for at least 16 V, must be connected from each output to the corresponding bootstrap input. (See the application circuit diagram in Figure 36.) The bootstrap capacitors connected between the BSxx pins and corresponding output function as a floating power supply for the high-side N-channel power MOSFET gate drive circuitry. During each high-side switching cycle, the bootstrap capacitors hold the gate-to-source voltage high enough to keep the high-side MOSFETs turned on.