Abstract

Cordless power tools require a small form factor and power stage to deliver up to hundreds of amps to the motor. High-performance tools, such as drills, require robust system performance powered from many types of high-quality and entry-level battery packs used across power tool platforms. To provide high torque, power tools require varying amounts of current which can deplete the battery voltage during stall conditions.

The DRV8329, a 3-phase BLDC gate driver, can help address these challenges through its hybrid bootstrap + trickle charge pump gate drive architecture to make it capable of providing at least 10V of gate-source voltage at low (~6V) supply voltages. In this application note, we will discuss how the DRV8329 meets application requirements for power tool platforms in various operating modes while also enabling system protection, consuming low quiescent current in sleep and standby modes, and maintaining a small form factor.

Figure 1-1 Various Types of Cordless Power Tools Including Drills, Saws, Cutters, Grinders, Rotary Hammers, and Impact Drivers