STMicroelectronics E-L6258EX

Overview

E-L6258EX 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 across 12V–40V supply, supports four-quadrant current control, and integrates internal recirculation diodes. It enables microstepping via precision PWM current regulation in industrial motion control systems.

For engineers reviewing the E-L6258EX datasheet, E-L6258EX pinout, E-L6258EX application, or E-L6258EX equivalent, key selection criteria include its PowerSO36 package thermal performance, integrated charge pump for high-side gate drive, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic interface, cross-conduction protection, and thermal shutdown at 150°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The L6258EX implements a transconductance-based PWM current control loop using dual internal DACs (VREF1/VREF2 referenced), triangular waveform generators (f_osc = 12.5–18.5 kHz with 1 nF capacitor), and error amplifiers with 70 dB open-loop gain and 400 kHz GBW. Each bridge uses phase-shifted PWM to achieve bidirectional current flow without external flyback diodes.

Its BCD process power stage integrates two independent DMOS full bridges with R_DS(on) ≤ 0.75 Ω, V_BOOT support up to 60 V, and built-in thermal shutdown hysteresis of 25°C. Logic inputs (I0–I3 per channel) select 16 discrete current levels (0–100% of I_MAX) via DAC-coded voltage references.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO36 - thermally enhanced exposed-pad surface-mount package with 36 leads, optimized for high-power motor drive PCB layouts requiring copper pour and thermal vias.

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-L6258EX uniquely combines integrated charge pump, 16-level DAC current control, and PowerSO36 thermal capability - making it optimal for industrial stepper and dual-DC motor systems demanding reliability, programmability, and board-level thermal efficiency.

Availability

E-L6258EX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, automated packaging conveyors, medical infusion pump actuation, and lab automation robotic arm joint designs requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for E-L6258EX 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 ICs with vertical manufacturing and AEC-Q100 qualification capabilities.

The L6258EX belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for industrial and medical motion systems requiring integrated power stages, precision current regulation, and robust thermal protection in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for the E-L6258EX power stage?

The absolute maximum VS rating is 45 V, but the recommended operating range is 12 V to 40 V per the datasheet. Exceeding 40 V risks violating safe operating area limits under transient conditions, especially during inductive kickback. The device includes internal clamp structures, but sustained operation above 40 V voids guaranteed performance and may accelerate wear-out.

Can the E-L6258EX drive unipolar stepper motors?

No - the E-L6258EX is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors or dual DC motors. Its dual full-bridge topology requires center-tap–free windings and bidirectional current control. Unipolar steppers require separate phase drivers with single-ended switching and cannot utilize the L6258EX's current-sense feedback or microstepping architecture.

How is current limit set without an external DAC or microcontroller?

Current limit is set by connecting a stable 2.5 V reference to VREF1/VREF2 and selecting I0–I3 logic states per Table 5. For example, tying I0_1–I3_1 to L/H/L/H yields 47.6% of I_MAX, where I_MAX = 0.5 × 2.5 V / R_s. No external DAC or digital control is needed - all 16 levels are hardwired via logic pins.

Does the E-L6258EX require external recirculation diodes?

No - the PowerSO36 package integrates body diodes of the DMOS transistors as functional recirculation paths. The datasheet explicitly states "No need for recirculation diodes" and confirms diode conduction capability in Figure 4 and Section 2. The internal diodes handle flyback energy during PWM off-times, eliminating eight external components.