The HV9901 universal relay driver provides high-efficiency driving for low-voltage relays with supply voltages as high as 450V. For example, a relay with a 5V coil can be driven directly from the rectified 120 VAC or 230 VAC line.

The IC includes two high-voltage linear regulators. The first one is for providing power to internal control circuitry. The second one has an adjustable output voltage and a 1 mA output current capability to support external circuitry, such as a microcontroller control circuit.

The pull-in current, pull-in time and hold current for the relay are individually programmable through two resistors and a capacitor. PWM switching can be synchronized with an external clock or with another HV9901 operating at a higher frequency.

The relay is operated through the enable input ENI. Logic polarity is under control of the polarity input POL. Audible noise coming from the relay can be suppressed by operating at a PWM frequency exceeding 20 kHz.

• 10 to 450V input voltage range
• Energy saving hold current mode
• Adjustable microcontroller supply
• Low supply current <1.0mA
• Constant current coil
• Programmable pull-in current, pull-in time, and hold current
• Efficient PWM operation using the relay coils’ inductance