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 0.22-μF ceramic capacitor, rated for at least 25 V, must be connected from each output to its corresponding bootstrap input. Specifically, one 0.22-μF capacitor must be connected from OUTPx to BSPx, and one 0.22-μF capacitor must be connected from OUTNx to BSNx. (See the application circuit diagram in Figure 8-1.)

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.