STMicroelectronics E-L6258EA

Overview

E-L6258EA 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 1.5A continuous current per winding, operates from 12V to 40V supply, supports four-quadrant current control, and integrates internal recirculation diodes and thermal shutdown. It is used in precision motion systems requiring microstepping and bidirectional torque control.

For engineers reviewing the E-L6258EA datasheet, E-L6258EA pinout, E-L6258EA application, or E-L6258EA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.5A continuous output capability, PowerSO36 package thermal performance, integrated charge pump for high-side gate drive, and programmable current levels via 4-bit DAC inputs (I0–I3).

Technical Context

The L6258EA implements two independent PWM current control loops using transconductance amplifiers, each comparing a DAC-set reference voltage against a sense-resistor feedback signal. Its triangular wave generator (12.5–18.5 kHz) drives comparators with 180° phase-shifted references to produce complementary duty-cycle-modulated bridge outputs.

Each full-bridge uses BCD-processed DMOS transistors with integrated flyback diodes, enabling four-quadrant operation without external recirculation diodes. The charge pump (VCP1/VCP2/VBOOT) generates >Vs gate drive for high-side switches, while PH inputs define current direction and I0–I3 select 16 discrete current levels (0–100% of IMAX) with ±2% DAC gain accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO36 - thermally enhanced exposed-pad surface-mount package with 36 leads; optimized for high-power dissipation in compact motor drive PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, the E-L6258EA uniquely combines integrated charge pump, independent 4-bit current scaling per bridge, and PowerSO36 thermal performance-making it optimal for industrial 24–36 V systems demanding reliability, programmability, and compact thermal design.

Availability

E-L6258EA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, medical infusion pumps, automotive HVAC actuators, and lab automation robotic arms requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for E-L6258EA 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, specializing in power management, motion control, and automotive-grade analog/mixed-signal ICs.

The L6258EA belongs to ST's high-current motor driver product line, engineered specifically for industrial and automotive motion systems needing robust, thermally efficient, and digitally programmable full-bridge solutions.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sense resistor value for 1.5 A continuous operation?

With a full-scale sense voltage of 1.25 V and IMAX = 0.5 × VREF / RS, using VREF = 2.5 V yields RS = 0.833 Ω. For 1.5 A continuous current, ST recommends RS ≤ 0.82 Ω (e.g., 0.82 Ω ±1% metal film) to maintain margin below thermal limits and ensure stability across temperature.

Can E-L6258EA operate without external charge pump capacitors?

No. The VCP1, VCP2, and VBOOT pins require external 10 nF (CP) and 100 nF (Cboot) capacitors to generate the boosted gate voltage for high-side DMOS switches. Omitting them disables high-side drive, causing asymmetric output behavior and potential motor stall or overheating.

How does the PH input interact with current direction during microstepping?

The PH input sets the base polarity (OUTA→OUTB or OUTB→OUTA), while the I0–I3 DAC inputs modulate current magnitude within that polarity. During microstepping, PH remains static per half-step; current level changes dynamically via DAC bits to synthesize sinusoidal phase currents.

Is the PowerSO36 package RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes. The E-L6258EA PowerSO36 package conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is fully lead-free, with matte tin (Sn) termination on all leads and compatibility with standard Pb-free reflow profiles (peak 260°C).