STMicroelectronics E-L6258E

Overview

E-L6258E from STMicroelectronics is a dual full-bridge PWM-controlled DMOS motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper and dual DC motor control. It delivers up to 1.2A continuous current per winding, operates from 12V to 40V supply, supports four-quadrant current control, and integrates cross-conduction protection and thermal shutdown - used in precision motion control subsystems of industrial automation actuators.

For engineers reviewing the E-L6258E datasheet, E-L6258E pinout, E-L6258E application, or E-L6258E equivalent, key selection considerations include its PowerSO36 package thermal performance, 1.2A per bridge continuous rating, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic interface, integrated recirculation diodes, and phase-shift chopping architecture enabling low-current ripple microstepping.

Technical Context

The L6258E implements two independent current-controlled full bridges using BCD technology, each with a transconductance error amplifier, internal DAC (I0–I3 programmable), triangular wave generator (12.5–18.5 kHz), and charge-pump-driven high-side gate drivers. Its PWM loop uses VREF1/VREF2 (2.5V) and external sense resistors to set precise current limits.

It supports bidirectional current control via PH inputs and enables microstepping through 16-step DAC-based current profiling (9.5%–100% of IMAX). The device features synchronous rectification, no external flyback diodes required, and thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO36 - thermally enhanced 36-pin exposed-pad surface-mount package with integrated heat slug; requires PCB copper pour and ≥16 thermal vias for rated 1.2A operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual full-bridge motor driver applications.

Compared with E-L6258E, STSPIN820 offers modern digital control and smaller footprint but removes analog microstepping flexibility, while TB6600HG scales current capability at the cost of added external components and reduced integration - making E-L6258E optimal for legacy industrial designs requiring proven analog precision and minimal support circuitry.

Availability

E-L6258E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC axis drives, automated valve actuators, medical infusion pumps, and lab automation robotic arm joints requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for E-L6258E includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6258E belongs to ST's legacy motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, thermally robust, analog-controlled motion systems in industrial automation and precision instrumentation where reliability and long-lifecycle support are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum ambient temperature for continuous 1.2A operation in PowerSO36?

At 70°C ambient, the PowerSO36 package dissipates up to 4.0W with 20°C/W thermal resistance when using a 4-layer PCB with ground planes and thermal vias. Derating is required above this temperature: at 85°C ambient, maximum continuous current drops to ~0.95A based on thermal characterization data in Doc ID 8688 Rev 9, Figure 3.

Can E-L6258E drive unipolar stepper motors?

No - the L6258E is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors or dual DC motors. Its dual full-bridge topology requires four-wire bipolar windings; it cannot interface with the center-tapped configuration or simplified drive sequences of unipolar steppers.

Is external recirculation diode placement required?

No - the L6258E integrates body diodes of the DMOS transistors as recirculation paths. ST explicitly states "No need for recirculation diodes" in the feature list and confirms internal diode capability in the block diagram and functional description, eliminating all external diodes for standard operation.

How does the DISABLE pin interact with thermal shutdown?

The DISABLE pin is asynchronous and overrides all logic: when asserted low, it forces both bridges into high-impedance state regardless of PH or Ix inputs. Thermal shutdown is independent - it disables outputs only when Tj exceeds 150°C and remains active until temperature falls by 25°C, even if DISABLE is deasserted during overtemperature event.