STMicroelectronics E-L6258EXTR

Overview

E-L6258EXTR 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 for microstepping, and integrates cross-conduction protection and thermal shutdown. It is used in precision motion control systems such as industrial CNC actuators and automated lab equipment.

For engineers reviewing the E-L6258EXTR datasheet, E-L6258EXTR pinout, E-L6258EXTR application, or E-L6258EXTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.5A continuous output capability, PowerSO36 thermal package, integrated recirculation diodes, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic interface, and phase-shift chopping architecture enabling low-current ripple in microstepping modes.

Technical Context

The L6258EXTR implements two independent current-controlled full bridges using BCD process DMOS power transistors, each with integrated flyback diodes and bootstrap high-side gate drive (VBOOT up to 60V). Its PWM current loop uses a transconductance amplifier comparing DAC-set reference voltage against sense-resistor feedback, modulated by dual 180°-phase-shifted triangular waveforms generated internally at 12.5–18.5 kHz.

Direction control is managed via PH inputs, while current amplitude is digitally programmed via four-bit DAC inputs (I0–I3), supporting 16 discrete current levels from 0% to 100% of IMAX. The device includes dedicated error amplifiers (EA_IN1/EA_OUT1, EA_IN2/EA_OUT2), thermal shutdown at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis, and disable functionality for safe switching sequences.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO36 - thermally enhanced 36-pin exposed-pad surface-mount package with integrated heat conduction path to PCB copper layers; requires minimum 12×12 mm 4-layer board with ground planes and ≥16 vias for rated 1.5A continuous operation.

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-L6258EXTR offers superior thermal performance in PowerSO36, true independent dual-bridge control with full 4-quadrant operation, and seamless integration into industrial 24–36V systems - making it optimal for reliability-critical embedded motion subsystems.

Availability

E-L6258EXTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, automated laboratory equipment, medical imaging actuators, and robotics joint control requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for E-L6258EXTR 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 L6258EXTR belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient control of bipolar stepper and dual DC motors in harsh industrial environments with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum sense resistor value supported for 1.5A continuous operation?

The minimum sense resistor is calculated from VSENSE(max) = 1.25 V and IMAX = 1.5 A: Rs(min) = 1.25 V / 1.5 A ≈ 0.83 Ω. ST recommends 1.0 Ω metal-film resistors with 1% tolerance and 1 W power rating for stability and thermal margin under continuous load.

Can E-L6258EXTR operate with a 5V-only supply, or does it require separate VS and VDD rails?

E-L6258EXTR requires two independent supplies: VS (12–40V) for the power bridges and VDD (4.75–5.25V) for logic and DAC circuitry. VDD must be regulated 5V - it cannot be derived from VS without a dedicated LDO, as exceeding 5.25V on VDD risks permanent damage to internal logic gates.

How is microstepping resolution determined, and what is the finest achievable step subdivision?

Microstepping resolution is set by the 4-bit DAC inputs (I0–I3), which select 16 discrete current levels per half-cycle. Combined with external sine-wave lookup tables in the host MCU and PH-driven polarity reversal, this enables true 1/16 microstepping; finer resolution (e.g., 1/32) requires interpolation and is limited by DAC linearity and sense resistor noise floor.

Does the DISABLE pin assert hardware reset of internal logic, or only gate disable?

The DISABLE pin only disables the output power stages - it forces all DMOS transistors into high-impedance state without resetting DAC registers, error amplifier states, or internal oscillators. Logic remains powered and configured; re-enabling restores prior current settings and phase state immediately, enabling glitch-free motion resumption.