STMicroelectronics EVAL6226QR

Overview

EVAL6226QR from STMicroelectronics is a compact (27 × 24.5 mm) demonstration board built around the L6226Q dual full-bridge motor driver IC, designed for bipolar stepper, DC, and inductive load control. It supports 8–52 Vdc supply, delivers up to 1.4 A RMS per bridge, operates up to 100 kHz switching frequency, and integrates overcurrent/thermal protection with open-drain DIAG outputs.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6226QR datasheet, EVAL6226QR pinout, EVAL6226QR application, or EVAL6226QR equivalent, this board serves as a validated reference design for rapid prototyping of dual H-bridge motor control systems requiring precise current limiting, compact layout, and robust fault signaling.

Technical Context

The EVAL6226QR implements a complete dual full-bridge drive solution using the L6226Q VFQFPN5x5 package IC. It includes integrated charge pump (D1, C1, C3) for high-side gate drive, configurable current sensing (R5/R6 set ~1.1 A threshold), and active fault management via ENA/ENB tied to DIAGA/DIAGB with 200 µs disable time.

All logic inputs (IN1A/IN2A/IN1B/IN2B) accept 0–5 V TTL-compatible signals; power routing separates PGND (power ground) and SGND (signal ground); thermal performance is enhanced by dedicated GND copper area and 42°C/W junction-to-ambient resistance of the L6226Q.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6226QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, robotics actuation, precision lab equipment, and embedded motion control systems requiring stable component supply and proven reference design validation.

Supply support for EVAL6226QR 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, delivering microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal solutions across industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The EVAL6226QR belongs to ST's motor control evaluation board portfolio, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of their L62xx dual H-bridge drivers in cost-sensitive, thermally demanding motion applications.

FAQ

What motor types can be driven using the EVAL6226QR?

The board supports two-phase bipolar stepper motors (up to 1 A DC), brushed DC motors (dual independent channels), and generic inductive loads such as solenoids or relays. Its 1.4 A RMS per bridge rating and 8–52 Vdc input range make it suitable for 12 V and 24 V industrial actuators and lab-grade positioning stages.

How are overcurrent and thermal faults signaled and handled?

Overcurrent or thermal events on Bridge A or B pull DIAGA or DIAGB low via internal open-drain transistors. These pins are intended to be wired to ENA/ENB to automatically disable the respective bridge within ~200 µs. External pull-up resistors and logic-level interfacing are required for host MCU monitoring.

Is external current sensing required for operation?

No - the EVAL6226QR uses the L6226Q's internal current sense architecture. R5 and R6 (10 kΩ) set the detection threshold to ~1.1 A; no external shunt, amplifier, or ADC is needed for basic overcurrent protection and shutdown functionality.

Can the EVAL6226QR be used with microcontrollers operating at 3.3 V logic levels?

Yes - all logic inputs (IN1A, IN2A, ENA, IN1B, IN2B, ENB) accept 0–5 V signals, making them compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V MCUs. No level-shifting circuitry is required, though signal integrity should be maintained via short PCB traces and proper grounding.