H-bridge driver for 12V brushed DC motors in a tiny SOT-563
The Texas Instruments DRV8220DRLR is a fully integrated H-bridge motor driver that packs two half-bridges with Power MOSFETs into a SOT-563 package, making it a compact solution for bidirectional brushed DC motor control. The PWM interface lets a microcontroller or system controller set motor speed and direction directly.
1.76 A output — sizing the motor load
The 1.76 A continuous output rating sets the practical motor size limit. For a 12 V brushed DC motor, that translates to roughly 21 W of electrical input power before the driver's internal FETs start to thermally limit. In a SOT-563 package with no exposed pad, the thermal path relies on copper pour on the PCB and airflow — expect derating above 85°C ambient if running near the full current. For loads under 1 A continuous, this part runs cool in most layouts.
Supply range — 4.5V to 18V covers the common rails
The 4.5V to 18V supply and load voltage range is wide enough to handle a 12V lead-acid battery during charge (14.4V) or a regulated 5V rail from a USB-C PD source. The lower 4.5V threshold means it can run from a 5V rail with margin, but not from a 3.3V logic supply — that needs a boost converter or a different driver. For 24V systems, this part is out of range; step up to a 40V or 60V rated driver.