SLVSHI4A October   2025  – December 2025 DRV81545

PRODUCTION DATA  

  1.   1
  2. 1 Features
  3. 2 Applications
  4. 3 Description
  5. 4 Pin Configuration and Functions
  6. 5 Specification
    1. 5.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    2. 5.2 ESD Ratings
    3. 5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 5.4 Thermal Information
    5. 5.5 Electrical Characteristics
    6. 5.6 Typical Characteristics
  7. 6 Detailed Description
    1. 6.1 Overview
    2. 6.2 Functional Block Diagram
    3. 6.3 Feature Description
      1. 6.3.1 Integrated Clamp Diode, VCLAMP
      2. 6.3.2 Protection Circuits
        1. 6.3.2.1 ILIM Analog Current Limit
          1. 6.3.2.1.1 Effect of Load Resistance on Power Dissipation Before TSD
        2. 6.3.2.2 Cut-Off Delay (COD)
        3. 6.3.2.3 Thermal Shutdown (TSD)
        4. 6.3.2.4 Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO)
      3. 6.3.3 Fault Conditions Summary
    4. 6.4 Device Functional Modes
      1. 6.4.1 Hardware Interface Operation
      2. 6.4.2 Parallel Outputs
  8. 7 Application and Implementation
    1. 7.1 Application Information
    2. 7.2 Typical Application
      1. 7.2.1 External Components
      2. 7.2.2 Continuous Current Capability
      3. 7.2.3 Power Dissipation
      4. 7.2.4 Application Curves
    3. 7.3 Power Supply Recommendations
      1. 7.3.1 Bulk Capacitance
    4. 7.4 Layout
      1. 7.4.1 Layout Guidelines
      2. 7.4.2 Layout Example
  9. 8 Device and Documentation Support
    1. 8.1 Documentation Support
      1. 8.1.1 Related Documentation
    2. 8.2 Receiving Notification of Documentation Updates
    3. 8.3 Support Resources
    4. 8.4 Trademarks
    5. 8.5 Electrostatic Discharge Caution
    6. 8.6 Glossary
  10. 9 Revision History
  11. 10Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable Information

6.3.1 Integrated Clamp Diode, VCLAMP

The DRV81545 contains four protected low-side drivers. Each output has an integrated clamp diode connected to a common pin, VCLAMP.

VCLAMP can connect to a Zener or TVS diode to VM or to GND, allowing the switch voltage to exceed the main supply voltage VM. This connection can be beneficial when driving loads that require very fast current decay. Because each output has a diode to the VCLAMP pin, the user can share a single external TVS diode for all 4 channels. Alternatively, VCLAMP can be connected directly to the main power supply voltage (VM).

In all cases, the voltage on the outputs must not be allowed to exceed the DRV81545 maximum output voltage specification. Below are some configurations which are supported by the DRV81545.

DRV81545 Slow Decay (VCLAMP Tied to VLOAD)Figure 6-1 Slow Decay (VCLAMP Tied to VLOAD)
DRV81545 Fast Decay (TVS/Zener CLAMP to GND)Figure 6-3 Fast Decay (TVS/Zener CLAMP to GND)
DRV81545 Fastest Decay (TVS/Zener VCLAMP to VLOAD)Figure 6-2 Fastest Decay (TVS/Zener VCLAMP to VLOAD)
Table 6-1 VCLAMP Decay Modes
VCLAMP CONNECTION DECAY MODE WHEN TO USE VL VOLTAGE
Directly to VLOAD Slow Decay Loads that do not need fast decay. Safe for the full VM operating range.
V L = - V d i o d e
TVS or Zener to VLOAD Fast Decay Fastest current decay. Not recommended when VM or VLOAD > 28V due to chance of exceeding OUTx maximum voltage.
V L = - V d i o d e + V z e n e r
TVS or Zener to GND Fast Decay Lower clamping voltage than TVS to VLOAD, but slightly less fast current decay. TVS needs higher breakdown voltage than VLOAD to prevent leakage current.
V L = - V d i o d e + V z e n e r - V L O A D