IC provides sensorless BLDC motor control

The A4963GLPTR-T three-phase brushless DC (BLDC) motor controller provides reliable sensorless startup and run commutation that can quickly be customized for individual motors. The IC works with external complementary power MOSFETs and output currents (up to 300 ma) can be scaled to fit various devices. DC supply voltage range is 4.2 to 50 V. 

The A4963 uses block commutation (trapezoidal drive) and monitors the motor back EMF. It can operate over a wide range of motor speeds, from less than 100 to in excess of 30,000 rpm. Operating mode and control parameters are set through an SPI compatible serial interface or through adjustable default settings in an on-chip EEPROM. The chip comes in a small, thermally enhanced 20-pin TSSOP with exposed thermal pad. $1.72 ea/1,000.