STMicroelectronics EVAL6205N

Overview

EVAL6205N from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L6205 dual full-bridge DMOS motor driver IC, designed to validate bipolar stepper and dual/quad DC motor control in 8–52 V systems. It supports 5.6 A peak (2.8 A DC) per bridge, features non-dissipative overcurrent protection, cross-conduction prevention, thermal shutdown, and integrated fast freewheeling diodes - validated for use with 2-phase stepper motors in industrial motion control.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6205N datasheet, EVAL6205N pinout, EVAL6205N application, or EVAL6205N equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification of L6205-based H-bridge topologies, PWM current control, bootstrap gate drive implementation, and parallel bridge configurations under real load conditions.

Technical Context

The EVAL6205N implements the L6205's dual full-bridge architecture using PowerDIP20-packaged ICs, with dedicated charge pump circuitry (VCP oscillator @ 0.6–1 MHz, VBOOT ≥ VS + 10 V) to drive N-channel high-side MOSFETs. Each bridge includes independent ENA/ENB enable inputs tied to internal open-drain overcurrent fault outputs (4 mA sink capability).

It validates critical protection mechanisms: non-dissipative overcurrent detection (ISOVER = 4–7.1 A threshold), thermal shutdown at 165 °C (15 °C hysteresis), and dead-time-controlled cross-conduction prevention (tdt = 0.5–1 µs). Layout follows ST's recommended practices - separate power/signal grounds, short SENSEA/SENSEB traces, and local 100 nF ceramic decoupling on VSA/VSB.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6205N is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, robotics prototyping, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply and validated reference designs for dual H-bridge motor drivers.

Supply support for EVAL6205N 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 specializing in power management, motor control, and automotive-grade analog/mixed-signal ICs - with over 30 years of expertise in high-voltage DMOS technologies.

The L6205 product line targets industrial and automation applications requiring robust, integrated dual H-bridge solutions for bipolar stepper and DC motors - emphasizing thermal resilience, protection integration, and layout simplicity in harsh environments.

FAQ

What motor types can be evaluated with EVAL6205N?

EVAL6205N is configured to evaluate bipolar stepper motors (2-phase, 4-wire) and dual independent DC motors. It supports both unidirectional and bidirectional operation per bridge, with validated current control up to 2.8 A RMS per channel. The board's layout and component selection align with ST's typical application circuits for stepper microstepping and DC motor PWM drive.

Does EVAL6205N include the L6205 IC pre-mounted?

Yes - EVAL6205N ships with the L6205N (PowerDIP20 package) pre-soldered and fully assembled. All supporting components - including charge pump diodes (1N4148), capacitors (CBOOT = 220 nF, CP = 10 nF), pull-up resistors (100 kΩ on ENA/ENB), and decoupling ceramics (100 nF) - are installed and tested per STMicroelectronics' AN2925 design guidelines.

Can EVAL6205N demonstrate paralleled bridge operation?

Yes - the board provides test points and jumper options to configure parallel operation modes: half-bridge A1+B1 (for higher current), half-bridge A1+A2 (for lower OCD threshold), or full four-half-bridge parallel (for single high-current half-bridge). These configurations are validated per Section 13 of the L6205 datasheet and require external wiring per Figure 12–14.

What thermal performance can be expected during continuous operation?

With the default PowerDIP20 L6205N and recommended 6 cm² PCB copper pour, EVAL6205N sustains 2.8 A RMS per bridge continuously at ambient ≤ 50 °C (per Rth-j-amb1 = 40 °C/W). Junction temperature remains below 125 °C under these conditions. Thermal shutdown activates only if ambient exceeds design limits or copper area is reduced below 4 cm² without forced airflow.