Texas Instruments (TI) DRV870x series primarily refers to automotive-grade (AEC-Q100 certified) and industrial applications of single H-bridge or half-bridge gate drivers, used to drive external N-channel MOSFETs for bidirectional/unidirectional control of brushed DC motors or solenoids. This series adopts a smart gate drive architecture, eliminating the need for external gate resistors/Zener diodes, supports adjustable slew rate control to reduce EMI, and integrates various protection features (such as VDS/VGS overcurrent, overtemperature, undervoltage, etc.).
Main Members of the DRV870x Series
Common models include (with -Q1 suffix for automotive grade):
- DRV8702-Q1 / DRV8702D-Q1 (half-bridge version)
- DRV8703-Q1 / DRV8703D-Q1
- DRV8704 (non-automotive grade, industrial grade)
- DRV8705-Q1 (including H/S variant)
- DRV8706-Q1 (including S/H variant, latest generation)
The following is a detailed comparative analysis of the core models in this series (based on TI’s official data sheets and product specifications, latest information as of November 2025). The comparison focuses on voltage range, interface type, current sensing, power support, configuration flexibility, and typical applications.
| Parameter | DRV8702-Q1 | DRV8703-Q1 | DRV8704 | DRV8705-Q1 | DRV8706-Q1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge Type | Single H-Bridge (Full Bridge) (D variant is half-bridge) | Single H-Bridge (Full Bridge) (D variant is half-bridge) | Dual H-Bridge (can control two motors) | Single H-Bridge (Full Bridge) | Single H-Bridge (Full Bridge) |
| Supply Voltage Range (VM) | 5.5 V – 47 V | 5.5 V – 47 V | 4.5 V – 52 V | 4.5 V – 45 V (driving) supports independent VDRAIN | 4.5 V – 45 V |
| Control Interface | Hardware interface (PH/EN, PWM, Independent Bridge) no SPI | Hardware interface + SPI (full configuration) | SPI + PWM (dual bridge independent control) | Hardware interface + SPI | Hardware interface + SPI (S/H variant) |
| Gate Drive Current (IDRIVE) | Adjustable (hardware pin) | Adjustable (SPI register) | Adjustable (SPI) | Adjustable (SPI) | Adjustable (SPI, more precise) |
| Dead Time | Fixed ~240 ns | Programmable | Programmable | Programmable | Auto-optimized + Programmable |
| Current Sensing Amplifier | Integrated current shunt amplifier (Shunt Amp) PWM current regulation available | Integrated + Sample-and-Hold mode | Integrated dual channel (dual bridge) | Low-Side current sensing | Inline (wide common mode, high precision) supports offline diagnostics |
| Power Separation Support | Not supported (VM = VDRAIN) | Not supported | Not supported | Supports dual power supply (VM and VDRAIN can be separated, difference >10 V) | Supported (more flexible) |
| Protection Features | VDS OC, VGS Fault, UVLO, OTW/OTSD | Same as above + more comprehensive SPI reporting | Same as above + dual bridge independent protection | Same as above + enhanced reverse battery protection | Most comprehensive (including offline VDS/VGS monitoring) |
| Package | 32-pin VQFN (5×5 mm) | 32-pin VQFN (5×5 mm) | 38-pin HTSSOP | 32-pin VQFN | 32-pin VQFN |
| Typical Application Scenarios | Simple hardware control, low-cost automotive/industrial BDCM | Automotive applications requiring SPI configuration diagnostics | Dual motor control (e.g., dual window motors) | Automotive applications requiring power separation and high reliability | High precision current sensing, offline diagnostics, latest automotive applications |
| Advantages | Most straightforward interface, no MCU SPI required | Most flexible configuration, rich diagnostics | Supports dual motors, higher voltage | Dual power supply support, suitable for complex power supply | Highest current sensing accuracy, strongest diagnostics |
| Disadvantages | Fewer configuration options, no SPI diagnostics | Power cannot be separated | Non-automotive grade (no -Q1) | Current sensing is Low-Side | Relatively new, slightly higher cost |
Key Difference Analysis and Selection Recommendations
- Interface and Configuration FlexibilityDRV8702-Q1 is suitable for pure hardware control, low-cost solutions without MCU.DRV8703-Q1 / DRV8705-Q1 / DRV8706-Q1 support SPI, allowing real-time fault reading and adjustment of all parameters, suitable for intelligent systems requiring diagnostics.
- Current Sensing Method (core difference)
- Early models (8702/8703): Traditional shunt amplifier + optional Sample-and-Hold.
- DRV8705-Q1: Low-Side sensing (simple but has voltage drop).
- DRV8706-Q1: Inline (high-side/low-side universal, wide common mode range -0.3 V ~ 60 V), higher precision, supports offline diagnostics when the motor is disconnected, is the current highest-end option.
- Power and Voltage RatingDRV8705-Q1 and DRV8706-Q1 support separation of VM (driving power) and VDRAIN (FET power), suitable for battery reverse polarity protection or multi-power systems (common in automotive KL30/KL15 separation).
- Application Recommendations
- Low-cost, simple control → DRV8702-Q1.
- Requires SPI diagnostics + traditional sensing → DRV8703-Q1.
- Dual motor or higher voltage → DRV8704 (industrial).
- Complex power supply environment → DRV8705-Q1.
- High precision current monitoring + latest protection → DRV8706-Q1 (recommended for new designs).*********************
The DRV870X series from Texas Instruments (TI) is a high-performance H-bridge gate driver designed for automotive and industrial applications, supporting bidirectional brushed DC motor driving. Below is a detailed comparative analysis based on the latest data, covering key parameters and application scenarios of core models DRV8701-Q1, DRV8702-Q1, DRV8703-Q1, DRV8704, DRV8705-Q1, and DRV8706-Q1.
1. Core Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | DRV8701-Q1 | DRV8702-Q1 | DRV8703-Q1 | DRV8704 | DRV8705-Q1 | DRV8706-Q1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 5.9V-45V | 5.5V-45V | 5.5V-45V | 8V-52V | 4.5V-37V | 4.5V-37V |
| Output Current (Peak) | 3.5A | 8A | 5A | 4.5A | 4.5A | 4.5A |
| Motor Type | Brushed DC Motor | Brushed DC Motor | Brushed DC Motor | Brushed DC Motor | Brushed DC Motor | Brushed DC Motor |
| Control Interface | GPIO/PWM | GPIO/PWM | SPI/GPIO/PWM | SPI/GPIO | SPI/GPIO/PWM | SPI/GPIO/PWM |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage, Watchdog | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage |
| Package Type | 24-pin VQFN (4x4mm) | 32-pin VQFN (5x5mm) | 32-pin VQFN (5x5mm) | 48-pin QFN (7x7mm) | 32-pin VQFN (5x5mm) | 32-pin VQFN (5x5mm) |
| Functional Safety | – | Supported | Supported | – | Supported | Supported |
| Typical Applications | Home Appliances, Robotics | Automotive Seats, Windows | Automotive Sunroofs, Pumps | Industrial Equipment, Pumps | Automotive Door Locks, Wipers | Automotive Power Steering |
2. Key Feature Analysis
1. Input Voltage and Power Range
- DRV8702-Q1 with 8A peak current is the most powerful model in the series, suitable for high-power scenarios such as automotive seats and window lifts.
- DRV8704 supports a wide voltage range of 8V-52V, designed for industrial equipment, capable of driving high-pressure pumps or heavy machinery.
- DRV8705-Q1/DRV8706-Q1 cover 4.5V-37V, suitable for low-power automotive subsystems such as door locks and wipers.
2. Control Interface and Flexibility
- DRV8703-Q1 is the only model with an integrated SPI interface, supporting dynamic configuration of gate drive current (10-440mA programmable), slew rate control, and fault diagnostics, significantly simplifying debugging of complex systems.
- Other models (such as DRV8702-Q1) only support GPIO/PWM control, suitable for cost-sensitive basic applications.
3. Protection Features and Reliability
- All models come standard with overcurrent protection (OCP), overtemperature protection (OTP), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO), with response times as low as 50ns.
- DRV8703-Q1 additionally integrates a watchdog timer to prevent abnormal operation due to software faults, meeting automotive functional safety requirements.
- DRV8706-Q1 uses a series current sensing amplifier, supporting high-precision current feedback (±5% error), suitable for power steering systems requiring closed-loop control.
4. Package and Thermal Design
- DRV8701-Q1 has the smallest 4x4mm VQFN package, suitable for space-constrained home appliances or robotics.
- DRV8702-Q1/DRV8703-Q1 with 5x5mm VQFN package optimized for thermal performance through bottom thermal pads, can withstand high temperatures of 125℃, meeting automotive environmental requirements.
- DRV8704 with a 7x7mm QFN package supports multi-channel driving, suitable for high-density layouts in industrial equipment.
5. Functional Safety and Certification
- DRV8702-Q1/DRV8703-Q1/DRV8705-Q1/DRV8706-Q1 are AEC-Q100 certified, supporting automotive functional safety design (ASIL-B level), suitable for safety-critical applications such as braking systems.
- DRV8701-Q1/DRV8704 are non-automotive grade, suitable for industrial or consumer electronics.
3. Recommended Application Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Model | Core Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Seats/Windows | DRV8702-Q1 | 8A peak current, wide voltage range, AEC-Q100 certified, supports high-torque motor driving. |
| Automotive Sunroofs/Pumps | DRV8703-Q1 | SPI interface + watchdog timer, supports dynamic parameter adjustment and fault diagnostics, suitable for complex automotive subsystems. |
| Industrial Pumps/High-Pressure Equipment | DRV8704 | 52V high voltage support, dual H-bridge driving, can control two motors simultaneously, simplifying industrial system design. |
| Automotive Door Locks/Wipers | DRV8705-Q1 | Low static current (2.5μA), wide voltage range of 4.5V-37V, suitable for battery-powered low-power applications. |
| Automotive Power Steering | DRV8706-Q1 | Series current sensing amplifier, high precision feedback, supports closed-loop control to enhance steering accuracy. |
| Home Appliances/Robotics | DRV8701-Q1 | Small size package, low cost, suitable for lightweight devices sensitive to size. |
4. Selection Recommendations
- Power Priority: If high-torque motor driving is required,DRV8702-Q1‘s 8A peak current is the first choice.
- Control Flexibility: When dynamic parameter adjustment or diagnostic functions are needed,DRV8703-Q1‘s SPI interface is key.
- High Voltage Applications: In industrial scenarios,DRV8704‘s 52V input voltage can accommodate more devices.
- Automotive Safety-Critical Systems: Prioritize models supporting ASIL-B,DRV8702-Q1/DRV8703-Q1/DRV8705-Q1/DRV8706-Q1.
- Cost-Sensitive Design: DRV8701-Q1 meets budget constraints with minimal packaging and basic functionality.
5. Conclusion
The DRV870X series covers a wide range of application needs from industrial to automotive through differentiated design. Its core advantages include high integration, wide voltage range, intelligent protection, and functional safety support, helping engineers simplify design and enhance system reliability. When selecting models, it is essential to comprehensively evaluate power, voltage, control complexity, and cost based on specific application requirements, prioritizing models that support SPI interfaces and functional safety to meet future expansion needs.