DRV8308RHAT - 42V Sensored BLDC Gate Driver w/ SPI | Texas Instruments
MPN: DRV8308RHAT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.69 | $56.90 |
| 100 | $5.05 | $505.00 |
| 500 | $4.55 | $2,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.04 | $4,040.00 |
DRV8308RHAT Overview
A brushless DC (BLDC) motor controller is an integrated circuit that sequences power to the three stator windings of a brushless motor in the correct order, converting DC bus voltage into rotating magnetic fields. Within the broader product hierarchy, BLDC motor controllers belong to motor-driver ICs, which are a subset of motion control and ignition ICs within power management. The DRV8308 specifically sits in the gate-driver (pre-driver) category because it does not contain integrated power FETs; instead, it controls external MOSFETs, allowing designers to scale the power stage for higher current motors than integrated-driver ICs can support.
Key specifications include an 8.5 V to 32 V (42 V abs max) supply-voltage range, integrated SPI interface for parameter tuning, configurable gate-drive current (10 mA to 130 mA), cycle-by-cycle current limit, and built-in protection including undervoltage lockout, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown. The device supports both sensored and sensorless sinusoidal control, enabling smooth low-speed torque and quiet high-speed operation. Hall-sensor inputs are configurable for 60-degree or 120-degree mechanical placement.
Typical applications include cordless power tools, e-bikes and electric scooters, drones and multicopter flight controllers, CPU cooling fans, pumps, and small HVAC blowers. The wide 8.5-32 V supply range is compatible with both single-cell Li-ion (with boost) and multi-cell Li-ion packs up to 8S, while the configurable gate drive allows pairing with low-side MOSFETs of various RDS(on) and Qg values to optimize efficiency and EMI for each motor platform.
When designing with the DRV8308RHAT, ensure the SPI pull-up resistor on the SDATA line is sized correctly for the selected clock rate, and that the bootstrap capacitors are placed close to the BSTx pins with short traces to minimize switching losses and ringing. The thermal pad of the VQFN-40 must be soldered to a copper pour of at least 1 square inch for reliable operation at sustained high gate-drive currents.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select and source the DRV8308RHAT with confidence for BLDC motion-control designs.
Drop-in alternatives for DRV8308RHAT — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with DRV8308RHAT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in MSL Level, Package, Operating Temperature Range, Topology, Hall Sensor Inputs.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DRV8308RHAR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →DRV8308RHAT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →DRV8303DCAR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →DRV8308RHAT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | BLDC motor pre-driver / gate driver |
| Motor Type | 3-phase brushless DC (BLDC) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 8.5 V to 32 V |
| Absolute Maximum Supply Voltage | 42 V |
| Number of Outputs | 3 (3-phase) |
| Gate-Drive Current | 10 mA to 130 mA (configurable) |
| Number of External FETs Driven | 6 (N-channel MOSFETs) |
| Control Interface | SPI |
| Commutation Method | Sensored trapezoidal + sensorless sinusoidal via 1 Hall sensor |
| Hall Sensor Inputs | 3 (60-deg or 120-deg configurable) |
| Package | VQFN-40 (RHA) 6x6 mm with thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 2 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant |
DRV8308RHAT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 2 | VM — Motor supply voltage (8.5-32 V) |
| Pin 3 | CP1 — Charge-pump capacitor pin 1 |
| Pin 4 | CP2 — Charge-pump capacitor pin 2 |
| Pin 5 | VCP — Charge-pump output for high-side gate drive |
| Pin 6 | BST_A — Bootstrap supply for phase A high-side FET |
| Pin 7 | GH_A — Phase A high-side gate drive output |
| Pin 8 | SH_A — Phase A switching node (half-bridge output) |
| Pin 9 | GL_A — Phase A low-side gate drive output |
| Pin 10 | DL_A — Phase A low-side FET drain sense |
| Pin 11 | BST_B — Bootstrap supply for phase B high-side FET |
| Pin 12 | GH_B — Phase B high-side gate drive output |
| Pin 13 | SH_B — Phase B switching node |
| Pin 14 | GL_B — Phase B low-side gate drive output |
| Pin 15 | DL_B — Phase B low-side FET drain sense |
| Pin 16 | BST_C — Bootstrap supply for phase C high-side FET |
| Pin 17 | GH_C — Phase C high-side gate drive output |
| Pin 18 | SH_C — Phase C switching node |
| Pin 19 | GL_C — Phase C low-side gate drive output |
| Pin 20 | DL_C — Phase C low-side FET drain sense |
| Pin 21 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 22 | SPISDO — SPI serial data out |
| Pin 23 | SPISDI — SPI serial data in |
| Pin 24 | SPISCK — SPI serial clock |
| Pin 25 | SPICSn — SPI chip select (active low) |
| Pin 26 | nFAULT — Active-low fault indicator |
| Pin 27 | RESETn — Active-low reset input |
| Pin 28 | IGS — Gate-drive current programming resistor |
| Pin 29 | HALL1 — Hall sensor 1 input |
| Pin 30 | HALL2 — Hall sensor 2 input |
| Pin 31 | HALL3 — Hall sensor 3 input |
| Pin 32 | DIR — Direction control input |
| Pin 33 | BRAKE — Brake input (active high) |
| Pin 34 | PWM — PWM speed-control input |
| Pin 35 | FGOUT — FG (frequency-generator) tachometer output |
| Pin 36 | RSTOUTn — Reset output to external MCU |
| Pin 37 | V3P3 — Internal 3.3 V LDO output (decouple with 1 uF) |
| Pin 38 | AVSS — Analog ground reference |
| Pin 39 | SNSOUT — Current-sense amplifier output |
| Pin 40 | SNSIN — Current-sense amplifier input |
| Pin EP | Thermal Pad — Exposed thermal pad - solder to PCB ground pour |
Typical Applications
DRV8308RHAT is suitable for 6 applications: Cordless Power Tools, E-Bike and Electric Scooter Motor Control, Drone and Multicopter ESC, CPU and Server Cooling Fans, Pumps and Small HVAC Blowers, Robotics and AGV Drive Modules.
Cordless Power Tools
The DRV8308RHAT is well suited to cordless drill, impact-driver, and saw motor control where sustained high torque and variable speed are required. Its sensored trapezoidal startup delivers strong low-speed torque, and the automatic transition to sensorless sinusoidal commutation reduces audible noise at high RPM. The 8.5-32 V supply range covers 18 V and 36 V tool packs directly, and the configurable 10-130 mA gate drive lets designers pick MOSFETs that trade off switching loss against EMI for each motor. Compared with integrated drivers such as DRV8301, the external FET stage scales to the 20-40 A continuous currents typical of professional-grade tools. SPI parameter storage also enables one firmware image to support multiple product variants without hardware rework.
Recommended
E-Bike and Electric Scooter Motor Control
For e-bike and e-scooter traction drives the DRV8308RHAT provides the SPI-tunable, sensored-to-sensorless control that helps deliver smooth pedal-assist takeoff and quiet high-speed cruising. The 32 V absolute-maximum rating directly supports 6S-8S Li-ion packs, and the cycle-by-cycle current limit set via SPI protects the battery and motor during hill-climb transients. Designers pair the DRV8308 with low-Qg N-channel MOSFETs in a 3-phase half-bridge to minimize switching losses that would otherwise drain the battery, and the integrated protections (UVLO, OCP, thermal shutdown) reduce external component count on a size-constrained controller PCB. Field-Oriented Control (FOC) is supported via SPI-configurable commutation timing, enabling higher torque per amp than trapezoidal commutation.
Recommended
Drone and Multicopter ESC
In drone electronic speed controllers (ESCs), the DRV8308RHAT enables the high PWM frequencies and sensorless sinusoidal commutation that deliver smooth propeller response and low acoustic signature. The SPI port lets the flight controller tune gate-drive current, current limit, and commutation mode without hardware changes, which simplifies firmware iteration across different propeller and motor combinations. The wide 8.5-32 V input range covers 4S-8S Li-Po packs used in racing and cinematography drones, and the small 6x6 mm VQFN footprint helps keep the ESC board size minimal. Compared with discrete gate-driver designs, the DRV8308 integrates protections and Hall-sensor decoding, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
CPU and Server Cooling Fans
The DRV8308RHAT is a strong fit for high-performance 12 V and 24 V server cooling fans where acoustic noise and reliability are critical. Its sensorless sinusoidal commutation at high speed dramatically reduces the commutation-induced buzz typical of trapezoidal drivers, while the sensored startup guarantees clean ramp-up from zero RPM. The configurable gate drive lets designers use small-outline MOSFETs that minimize board footprint, which matters in dense 1U and 2U server chassis. SPI access also allows in-system tuning of the speed-control loop to match different fan curves without firmware rebuilds.
Recommended
Pumps and Small HVAC Blowers
For liquid pumps and HVAC blower motor control, the DRV8308RHAT provides the sensorless sinusoidal mode that delivers quiet, low-vibration operation - important in residential and medical environments. The integrated cycle-by-cycle current limit protects the motor during stalled-rotor events common in pump applications, and the 42 V abs-max rating supports 24 V industrial HVAC rails with adequate transient headroom. SPI-based parameter storage lets one controller hardware platform support multiple pump/blower SKUs with different current and speed profiles, reducing inventory complexity. The VQFN-40 thermal pad is well-suited to a small PCB where copper pour provides sufficient heatsinking.
Recommended
Robotics and AGV Drive Modules
In robotics, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and small industrial servo drives, the DRV8308RHAT provides SPI-tunable FOC-friendly sinusoidal commutation and precise current limit, both critical for smooth position control and battery protection. The 8.5-32 V input range accepts the 24 V industrial bus common in AGV fleets, and the sensored startup guarantees torque at zero speed for lifting and pushing tasks. The integrated protections reduce the safety-analysis effort required to certify the drive, and the small 6x6 mm VQFN footprint leaves board area for encoder and CAN interface circuitry. Designers often pair the DRV8308 with an external current-sense amplifier and a small Cortex-M MCU for closed-loop torque control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DRV8308RHAT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DRV8308RHAR | DRV8308RHAT | DRV8303DCAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | VQFN-40 (RHA) 6x6 mm | VQFN-40 (RHA) 6x6 mm - same | VQFN-40 (RHA) 6x6 mm - same | HTSSOP-28 (DCA) - DIFFERENT, requires PCB rework |
| Motor Type | 3-phase BLDC (sensored + sensorless sinusoidal) | 3-phase BLDC - same | 3-phase BLDC - same | 3-phase BLDC - same |
| Supply Voltage Range | 8.5 V to 32 V | 8.5 V to 32 V | 8.5 V to 32 V | 8.0 V to 60 V (wider range) |
| Absolute Max Supply Voltage | 42 V | 42 V | 42 V | 65 V |
| Gate-Drive Current | 10 mA to 130 mA (configurable) | 10 mA to 130 mA | 10 mA to 130 mA | configurable, similar range |
| Control Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI / HW pins |
| Reel Quantity | 250 (RHAT) | 2500 (RHAR) | 250 (RHAT) | 2500 (DCAR) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Single-Hall-sensor sensorless sinusoidal commutation (vs DRV8303DCAR)
- Configurable gate-drive current via single resistor (vs DRV8301)
- Wide 8.5-32 V supply range covers 4S-8S Li-ion directly (vs DRV8303DCAR (8-60 V))
Design Notes
The DRV8308RHAT uses a VQFN-40 package with an exposed thermal pad (EP) on pin 41 that must be soldered to a PCB ground copper pour of at least 1 square inch (645 mm^2) to keep junction temperature within spec. Estimated: at 130 mA gate-drive current and 20 kHz PWM into low-Qg MOSFETs (Qg ~10 nC), the DRV8308 itself dissipates roughly 0.3 W internally, which is manageable. However, when the board is mounted in an enclosed motor housing with no airflow, ensure the copper pour area is increased to at least 2 square inches. Theta_JA on the standard JEDEC 4-layer test board is approximately 32 C/W.
Place the charge-pump capacitor between CP1 and CP2 as close to the IC as possible (within 2-3 mm) using short, wide traces to minimize voltage ripple on VCP that powers the high-side gate drivers. Each bootstrap capacitor (BST_A, BST_B, BST_C) must be placed adjacent to its corresponding BSTx and SHx pins. A 100 nF ceramic on VM within 5 mm of the IC pin is required to absorb the bulk motor-current transients; an additional 10 uF bulk aluminum-polymer cap should sit within 25 mm.
Do not exceed 32 V on VM (42 V abs max) - the integrated protection only flags undervoltage and overcurrent, not overvoltage on VM. Ensure the SPI SDATA line has a pull-up resistor to V3P3 of 10-100 kohm, and that the SCS (chip select) idle-high level is at V3P3 not VM, otherwise the SPI port latches up. The IGS resistor to GND sets gate-drive current - use 1% tolerance and place it adjacent to the IC to avoid noise injection.
The HALL1/HALL2/HALL3 inputs are 5 V tolerant and debounced internally; for long cable runs between motor and controller (>100 mm) use a twisted 3-pair cable and add 1 nF X7R bypass caps near each Hall pin. The PWM input should be pulled high with a 10 kohm resistor to V3P3 if driven by an open-drain source. The FGOUT tachometer output is open-drain and requires a pull-up to whatever logic rail the MCU uses.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per TI product page. Lead-free VQFN-40 (RHA) package. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive BLDC applications, contact TI for automotive-grade alternatives.
