STMicroelectronics E-TEA3717DP

Overview

TEA3717DP from STMicroelectronics is a bipolar stepper motor driver IC designed to regulate constant current in one winding of a bipolar stepper motor using switch-mode chopper control. It supports half-step and full-step modes, delivers up to 800 mA output current, operates from 10–40 V motor supply (Vmm), and features built-in protection diodes and TTL-compatible logic inputs. It is used in serial printer carriage drives and precision open-loop motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the TEA3717DP datasheet, TEA3717DP pinout, TEA3717DP application, or TEA3717DP equivalent, key selection factors include its monostable-based current regulation architecture, selectable current levels via I0/I1 logic inputs, PHASE-controlled H-bridge polarity, integrated sensing resistor (RS = 1 Ω), and operation under unstabilized motor supply conditions.

Technical Context

The TEA3717DP implements a fixed-off-time (toff) chopper controller with three discrete current levels (low/medium/max) selected by dual logic inputs I0 and I1, plus off state. Current sensing uses an internal 1 Ω resistor and comparator thresholds (65–440 mV) referenced to VR.

Its output stage is a four-Darlington H-bridge with built-in flyback diodes; phase direction is controlled by the Schmitt-triggered PHASE input with intentional delay to prevent shoot-through. The monostable pulse generator sets toff = 0.69·Rt·Ct (typ. 30 µs), enabling precise current decay timing independent of load inductance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TEA3717DP is housed in a 16-pin PowerDIP package (20.0 × 8.8 mm, 2.54 mm pitch) with through-hole mounting and thermal pad connected to pin 8 (GND). The package supports up to 2.3 W power dissipation when soldered on 35 mm² copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bipolar stepper motor driver applications.

Compared with L297+L298N and TB6560AHQ, the TEA3717DP offers minimal-component, single-winding chopper control with analog current scaling via VR - ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where discrete current steps and 800 mA limit are acceptable.

Availability

TEA3717DP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for serial printer carriage drives, industrial valve positioners, automated test equipment stages, and medical infusion pump motor control requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for TEA3717DP 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, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The TEA3717DP belongs to ST's legacy motor driver IC family, engineered specifically for cost-effective, robust open-loop bipolar stepper control in electromechanical systems with unstabilized supplies and moderate current demands.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable motor supply voltage for TEA3717DP?

The absolute maximum motor supply voltage (Vmm) is 45 V, but the recommended operating range is 10–40 V per datasheet Section "Recommended Operating Conditions." Exceeding 40 V risks exceeding safe junction temperature under load due to increased power dissipation in the Darlington output stage and reduced thermal margin.

Can TEA3717DP drive both windings of a bipolar stepper motor?

No - the TEA3717DP controls only one winding. A complete two-phase bipolar stepper driver requires two TEA3717DP ICs, one per winding, coordinated via shared PHASE, I0, and I1 signals. This dual-IC configuration is explicitly described in the datasheet as the standard implementation method.

How is current level selected and what reference voltage is required?

Current level is selected by logic states on pins I0 and I1 (four combinations: off, low, medium, max). The actual current magnitude depends on VR (pin 11) and internal 1 Ω sense resistor: I = VR / 1 Ω. For example, VR = 0.5 V yields 500 mA max; VR must be ≤ VCC and stable within ±1% for accurate regulation.

Is a heatsink required for continuous 800 mA operation?

Yes - at 800 mA and 40 V Vmm, power dissipation reaches ~2.3 W. With Rth(j-a) = 45 °C/W on a 35 mm² copper area, junction temperature rises ~104 °C above ambient. At Tamb = 70 °C, Tj ≈ 174 °C - exceeding the 150 °C limit. A heatsink or larger copper pour (>100 mm²) is mandatory for sustained 800 mA operation.