STMicroelectronics E-TEA3718SP

Overview

E-TEA3718SP from STMicroelectronics is a bipolar stepper motor driver IC in Multiwatt™ 15 package, designed to regulate constant current in one winding of a bipolar stepper motor using switch-mode chopper control. It supports full-step and half-step operation, delivers up to 1.5 A output current, operates from 10–50 V motor supply (VS), features integrated H-bridge output stage with built-in protection diodes, and includes thermal alarm output triggered at junction temperature ≥150 °C.

For engineers reviewing the E-TEA3718SP datasheet, E-TEA3718SP pinout, E-TEA3718SP application, or E-TEA3718SP equivalent, this device is selected for precise open-loop current-controlled motion systems where thermal monitoring, TTL-compatible logic interface, analog current scaling via reference voltage, and discrete H-bridge drive capability are required - not for microstepping, CAN bus, or digital communication interfaces.

Technical Context

The TEA3718SP implements a fixed-frequency, current-regulated chopper architecture using three selectable comparator thresholds (VCH/VCM/VCL) controlled by IN0/IN1 logic inputs, enabling discrete current levels (off, low, medium, max) or continuous analog adjustment via REFERENCE pin voltage. Its monostable pulse generator sets OFF time (toff = 0.69·RT·CT) to decay winding current during regulation cycles.

The output stage integrates four Darlington transistors and four protection diodes in an H-bridge configuration, with separate VS(A)/VS(B) supply rails for each half-bridge and dedicated SENSE RESISTOR connection for emitter-current sensing. PHASE input controls current direction with Schmitt-trigger input and internal delay to prevent shoot-through during polarity reversal.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

E-TEA3718SP uses the Multiwatt™ 15 package (12+2+2 lead configuration), thermally optimized for high-power stepper drive applications with direct die-to-PCB copper heat transfer through GND pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with L298N and TB6600HG, E-TEA3718SP offers superior thermal safety via integrated ALARM output and simpler system integration due to self-contained chopper regulation - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained open-loop motion systems where microstepping is unnecessary.

Availability

E-TEA3718SP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, printer paper feed mechanisms, HVAC valve actuation, and lab automation sample carousels requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for E-TEA3718SP 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.

E-TEA3718SP belongs to ST's legacy power driver IC family targeting cost-effective, robust open-loop stepper motor control - emphasizing thermal resilience, minimal external components, and compatibility with TTL/microcontroller logic.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by E-TEA3718SP?

E-TEA3718SP supports ±1.5 A continuous output current per winding, verified under recommended operating conditions (VS = 10–45 V, Tamb = 0–70 °C) with proper heatsinking on the Multiwatt™ 15 package. Current is limited by internal thermal protection and external sense resistor value (e.g., RS = 1 Ω yields ~1.5 A at VR = 5 V).

Can E-TEA3718SP drive a stepper motor directly without external MOSFETs?

Yes - E-TEA3718SP integrates a complete Darlington-based H-bridge output stage with built-in protection diodes, enabling direct connection to one winding of a bipolar stepper motor. No external power transistors or flyback diodes are required for currents ≤1.5 A and VS ≤50 V.

How does the ALARM output behave during thermal overload?

When junction temperature reaches 150 °C, the ALARM pin switches low (open-collector). Simultaneously, internal circuitry reduces motor current using a resistor divider (R/RC) fed to the comparator input - causing current to drop to approximately half its nominal value until temperature falls below the hysteresis threshold.

Is E-TEA3718SP compatible with modern 3.3 V microcontrollers?

E-TEA3718SP's logic inputs (IN0, IN1, PHASE) are LS-TTL compatible with VIH ≥2 V and VIL ≤0.8 V, making them interoperable with 3.3 V GPIOs without level shifters. However, VSS must be supplied with 5 V ±5%, so a local 5 V LDO or regulator is required alongside the 3.3 V MCU rail.