A3968SLBTR-T Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The A3968SLBTR-T is a fully integrated motor driver IC manufactured by Allegro MicroSystems, designed for brushed DC motor control applications. This device integrates both control and power stage functionality in a 16-SOIC package, operating across a 4.75V to 5.5V supply voltage range with 650mA output current capability. The product is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent components to maintain design continuity and ensure long-term component availability for new production runs and system maintenance.

Substiute Parts

A3968SLBTR-T

Allegro MicroSystemsIn Stock: 15825A3968SLBTR-T Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

L293DD013TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 17921L293DD013TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the A3968SLBTR-T is determined by the following critical electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Motor driver function with fully integrated control and power stage
• Half bridge (4) output configuration for brushed DC motor control
• Parallel interface for control signals
• Output current capability of 600mA or greater
• Supply voltage range that encompasses or exceeds 4.75V ~ 5.5V
• Load voltage range compatibility with 4.75V ~ 30V

Mechanical Compatibility Criteria:

• Surface mount package with 16-pin or greater pin count
• SOIC package family (0.295" width standard)
• Operating temperature range of -20°C to 150°C or broader

Compliance Criteria:

• ROHS3 compliance
• MSL rating of 3 or lower

The L293DD013TR from STMicroelectronics qualifies as a functional substitute based on these parameters. While it features a 20-SOIC package (expanded pin count) and broader supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 36V), these represent design improvements that maintain backward compatibility with the original application requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The L293DD013TR is the qualified substitute for the A3968SLBTR-T based on the following engineering factors:

Product Status: The A3968SLBTR-T is obsolete, while the L293DD013TR maintains active production status with established supply chain availability. This ensures long-term component procurement reliability.

Compliance Alignment: Both components maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings, ensuring compatibility with current manufacturing and storage requirements.

Electrical Performance: The L293DD013TR provides equivalent or superior electrical characteristics across all critical parameters. The supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 36V) and load voltage range (4.5V ~ 36V) fully encompass the original specification. Output current rating of 600mA remains within acceptable design margins for applications originally specified at 650mA.

Thermal Performance: The extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 150°C) of the L293DD013TR provides additional design flexibility compared to the original -20°C ~ 150°C specification.

Package Consideration: The transition from 16-SOIC to 20-SOIC requires PCB layout modification. The identical 0.295" (7.50mm) width maintains footprint compatibility in one dimension, but the additional pins necessitate design review and potential board revision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the L293DD013TR be used as a direct pin-for-pin replacement for the A3968SLBTR-T?

A: No. The L293DD013TR uses a 20-SOIC package compared to the 16-SOIC package of the A3968SLBTR-T. While both maintain the same 0.295" width, the additional pins require PCB layout modification. Pin function mapping must be verified against both datasheets before implementation.

Q: What is the significance of the lower output current rating (600mA vs 650mA) on the L293DD013TR?

A: The 600mA rating represents an 8% reduction from the original 650mA specification. For applications operating near the original maximum current limit, this difference may be significant. However, most brushed DC motor control applications include design margin that accommodates this variance. Application-specific current requirements must be evaluated.

Q: Why does the L293DD013TR have a broader supply voltage range (4.5V ~ 36V) compared to the original (4.75V ~ 5.5V)?

A: The L293DD013TR is designed as a general-purpose motor driver supporting a wider range of applications and supply configurations. The broader range does not compromise performance within the original 4.75V ~ 5.5V operating window and provides additional flexibility for future design iterations.

Q: Are there any compatibility concerns with the extended operating temperature range of the L293DD013TR (-40°C ~ 150°C)?

A: No. The extended lower temperature limit of -40°C (compared to -20°C) represents an improvement that maintains full compatibility with the original specification. Applications operating within the original -20°C ~ 150°C range experience no adverse effects.

Q: What documentation is required before implementing the L293DD013TR as a substitute?

A: Complete datasheet review of both components is necessary to verify pin function mapping, electrical characteristics under specific load conditions, and thermal performance in the target application. PCB layout modifications must be documented and validated before production implementation.

Q: Does the L293DD013TR maintain the same RoHS and MSL compliance as the A3968SLBTR-T?

A: Yes. Both components are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating 3 (168 Hours), ensuring compatibility with current manufacturing processes and storage requirements.