Summary of 3A THERMOELECTRIC COOLER (TEC) DRIVER
The 3A TEC Driver Module is a compact power stage solution designed to drive Thermoelectric Coolers (TEC) using the Texas Instruments DRV593 IC. It accepts a DC control voltage to regulate output current, featuring built-in thermal and over-current protection with LED fault indicators. The board supports flexible frequency configurations (100 kHz or 500 kHz) via jumpers and capacitor changes, offering high efficiency and ease of integration through standard header connectors for various supply voltages.
Parts used in the 3A TEC Driver Module:
- Texas Instruments DRV593 power driver IC
- Discrete passive components
- Jumpers (J1, J2, J3)
- Fault monitoring LEDs
- Output filter (inductor and capacitor)
- 4 Pin header connector for inputs
- 4 Pin header connector for output
- 4 Pin header connector for power supply
- Resistor voltage divider
3A TEC Driver Module is a complete power stage solution to drive Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). The required DC voltage input controls the output current. It consists of the Texas instruments DRV593 power driver IC, along with a few discrete passive components required for operation. It also includes jumpers for configuring the features of the device, LEDs for fault monitoring, and an output filter. The 4 Pin header connector for the inputs, 4 pin header connector for output, and 4 Pin header connector for power supply, provide ease of connection to any system, from an existing design to a bread-boarded prototype. Connect a dc control voltage to CN1 Pin 3 (IN+), ranging from ground to VCC. The Pin 7 of the IC is held to VCC/2 with a resistor voltage divider, as shown in the schematic. Therefore, a dc control voltage of VCC/2 provides 0-V output from PWM to H/C. Input DC voltage range is 1.2V to 3.8V when supply voltage is 5V and 1.2V to 2.1V when supply voltage is 3.3V.
The DRV593 is a high efficiency, high-current power amplifier ideal for driving a wide variety of thermoelectric cooler elements in systems powered with 2.8V to 5.5V. The operation of the device requires only one inductor and capacitor for output filter, saving significant printed-circuit board area. Pulse width modulation (PWM) operation and low output stage on-resistance significantly decrease power dissipation in the amplifier. The IC is internally protected against thermal and current overloads. Logic level fault indicators signal when the junction temperature has reached approximately 128 degree centigrade to allow for system level shutdown before the amplifier’s internal thermal shutdown circuitry activates. The fault indicators also signal when an over current circuitry is tripped, the devices automatically reset. The PWM switching frequency has been set to 500 KHz, this can be changed to 100 KHz by changing capacitor value C2 1nF. The amplifiers gain is at2.3V/V
Note: This board requires DC input voltage to control the TEC temperature, 1.2 V to 3.8 V when using a 5-V supply, and 1.2 V to 2.1 V when using a 3.3-V supply.
FEATURES
- 3A Maximum Output Current
- Low Supply Voltage 2.8V To 5.5V
- Frequency 500 KHz (Refer to Note To change Frequency)
- High Efficiency Generates Less Heat
- Over Current and Thermal Protection
- Fault LED for Over Current, Thermal & Under Voltage Conditions
- When J3-Jumper is closed, the board is configured for 500-kHz operation.
When J3-Jumper is Open, the device is configured for 100-kHz operation. However, capacitor C2 must be removed and replaced with a 1-nF capacitor for proper operation.
- J2-Jumper closed for normal operation
- J1-Jumper Closed for normal operation, when the jumper is open device goes in to shutdown mode
- The common mode input range is 1.2 V to 3.8 V when using a 5-V supply, and 1.2 V to 2.1 V when using a 3.3-V supply
Read more: 3A THERMOELECTRIC COOLER (TEC) DRIVER
- What voltage range controls the TEC temperature when using a 5-V supply?
The required DC control voltage ranges from 1.2V to 3.8V. - How can the PWM switching frequency be changed from 500 KHz to 100 KHz?
Open Jumper J3 and replace capacitor C2 with a 1-nF capacitor. - Does the device have automatic reset capabilities for faults?
Yes, the devices automatically reset when an over current circuitry trip occurs. - What happens if Jumper J1 is opened?
The device goes into shutdown mode when Jumper J1 is open. - At what temperature does the logic level fault indicator signal a thermal issue?
The indicator signals when the junction temperature reaches approximately 128 degrees centigrade. - Can this module operate with a 3.3-V supply voltage?
Yes, the input DC voltage range is 1.2V to 2.1V when the supply voltage is 3.3V. - What is the amplifiers gain specified in the article?
The amplifiers gain is set at 2.3V/V. - Which jumper configuration enables normal operation for the board?
Jumper J2 must be closed for normal operation.
