STMicroelectronics EVAL6230QR

Overview

EVAL6230QR from STMicroelectronics is a compact (32 × 31 mm) demonstration board for the L6230Q three-phase brushless DC motor driver IC, supporting up to 1.4 A RMS output current per phase at 8–52 Vdc supply voltage and switching frequencies up to 100 kHz. It implements a reference design for field-oriented control (FOC) and BEMF zero-crossing detection in BLDC motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6230QR datasheet, EVAL6230QR pinout, EVAL6230QR application, or EVAL6230QR equivalent, this board provides validated hardware for rapid evaluation of L6230Q's half-bridge gate drive, integrated comparator, overcurrent/overtemperature diagnostics, and charge-pump-based high-side MOSFET biasing in embedded motor control systems.

Technical Context

The board hosts the L6230Q VFQFPN5x5 package IC with six external sense resistors (R9–R11), a BAT46SW diode-based charge pump (D1, C3, C4), and configurable comparator inputs (CP+, CP−) and output (CPOUT) for current sensing or back-EMF detection. All half-bridge enable (EN1–EN3) and input (IN1–IN3) signals are brought out to headers for logic-level control.

VS_FB provides a 1:115 divided supply voltage feedback signal; SENSE1–SENSE3 deliver source-node analog signals for external current monitoring; DIAG outputs open-drain fault indication on overcurrent or overtemperature events. The PCB uses dedicated GND copper pour for thermal dissipation and short trace routing to minimize noise coupling in high-frequency switching paths.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6230QR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for BLDC motor control prototyping, industrial actuator development, and HVAC fan driver validation requiring stable component supply and reference-grade layout fidelity.

Supply support for EVAL6230QR 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 microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The EVAL6230QR belongs to ST's motor control evaluation platform family, developed specifically to accelerate adoption of their L6230Q three-phase gate driver IC in cost-sensitive, thermally demanding BLDC applications such as drones, power tools, and smart appliances.

FAQ

What is the function of the CPOUT, CP+, and CP− pins on EVAL6230QR?

CPOUT is an open-drain output of the L6230Q's internal comparator; CP+ and CP− are its non-inverting and inverting inputs. These pins support external current sensing or BEMF zero-crossing detection-enabling sensorless commutation or overcurrent protection without additional ICs. The comparator operates within 0–5 V input range and interfaces directly with MCU GPIOs or ADCs.

Does EVAL6230QR include onboard current sensing resistors?

Yes-three 0.47 Ω, 0.5 W sense resistors (R9, R10, R11) are mounted in series with each half-bridge source path. Their SENSE1–SENSE3 outputs provide analog voltage signals proportional to phase current, enabling real-time monitoring or closed-loop control when conditioned externally.

Can EVAL6230QR operate without external microcontroller control?

No-it requires external logic-level signals on IN1–IN3 and EN1–EN3 to configure half-bridge states and enable/disable operation. The board has no onboard MCU or firmware; it serves strictly as a hardware interface and validation platform for the L6230Q driver IC.

What thermal management features does EVAL6230QR implement?

The board uses the L6230Q's exposed pad (EPAD) soldered to a large GND copper pour on both layers, achieving effective heat conduction from the IC junction to ambient. Measured thermal resistance is 42 °C/W (junction-to-ambient), verified under 1.4 A continuous load with natural convection cooling.