The A4960 is a three-phase, sensorless, brushless DC (BLDC) motor controller for use with external N-channel power MOSFETs. Allegro offers three versions of the A4960. The A4960KJPTR-T and the A4960KJPTR-A-T are automotive grade ICs that have been fully qualified to AEC-Q100 standards. The original A4960KJPTR-T design was enhanced to improve EMC performance. This device, A4960KJPTR-A-T, is a drop-in replacement. While Allegro continues to support existing designs using the A4960KJPTR-T, it will transition all new designs and customers to the “-A” version. Allegro supports designs that are in progress or designs for those who cannot switch to the “-A” version. In addition to this enhanced automotive version, Allegro offers a commercial grade, “S” temperature range version of the A4960, A4960SJPTR-T.
The A4960 drives a motor using block commutation (trapezoidal drive) where phase commutation is determined, without the need for independent position sensors, by monitoring the motor back-EMF. A programmable motor start-up scheme allows the A4960 to be adjusted for a wide range of motor and load combinations.