STMicroelectronics EVAL6235Q

Overview

EVAL6235Q from STMicroelectronics is a 3-phase BLDC motor driver evaluation board built around the L6235Q gate driver IC, designed for rapid functional validation and speed-loop integration testing. It supports 8–52 V supply, delivers up to 2.5 A_r.m.s. per phase, features Hall sensor interface (H1/H2/H3), logic-level compatibility with 3.3 V/5 V inputs, and adjustable PWM OFF-time control - used in industrial fan, pump, and small appliance motor control prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL6235Q datasheet, EVAL6235Q pinout, EVAL6235Q application, or EVAL6235Q equivalent, key selection considerations include its J3/J7/J8 connector mapping, VREF sourcing options via J6, thermal performance with QFN7x7-48 L6235Q, and interoperability with STEVAL-PCC009V2 and PractiSPIN™ 2 software for closed-loop speed tuning.

Technical Context

The board implements the L6235Q's full 3-phase gate-driving architecture with integrated current-sensing inputs (SNSA/SNSB), DIAG fault reporting, TACHO output, and RCOFF-based PWM timing control. It routes all critical L6235Q signals-including EN, BRAKE, FW/REV, and Hall inputs-through standardized connectors (J3, J7, J8) with configurable voltage selection (J2) and VREF source switching (J6).

Thermal design centers on the L6235Q's EPAD-exposed QFN7x7-48 package mounted directly to the PCB copper pour, supported by discrete shunt resistors (R13/R14, 0.2 Ω) for current sensing and ceramic/low-ESR electrolytic bulk capacitance (C4/C4A). The board operates across –25 °C to +125 °C ambient, matching the L6235Q's junction temperature rating.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL6235Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control prototyping, embedded motion subsystem validation, and PractiSPIN™ 2-based speed-loop development requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for EVAL6235Q 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 microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

EVAL6235Q belongs to ST's motor control evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of the L6235Q gate driver in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained 3-phase BLDC systems.

FAQ

What communication interface does EVAL6235Q use with the host controller?

EVAL6235Q has no embedded microcontroller or serial interface. It connects to host systems via discrete logic-level signals routed through J3 (direction, enable, brake, Hall inputs/outputs) and analog lines (VREF, TACHO, SLOUT). Communication requires an external controller - typically paired with STEVAL-PCC009V2 for USB-to-GPIO translation and PractiSPIN™ 2 software interaction.

Can EVAL6235Q drive motors without external Hall sensors?

No - EVAL6235Q is designed exclusively for Hall-based commutation. Its J7 connector accepts only three active-Hall inputs (H1/H2/H3), and the L6235Q IC lacks sensorless BEMF detection circuitry. The board provides no provisions for back-EMF sampling, comparator routing, or alternate commutation modes.

What is the purpose of the J6 jumper on EVAL6235Q?

J6 selects the source of the VREF signal applied to the L6235Q's current-limit pin: position 1–2 routes VREF from J3 (control board), while 2–3 routes it from J8 (external speed loop board). This enables either open-loop current control or closed-loop speed regulation using an external op-amp integrator stage.

Does EVAL6235Q include onboard current measurement capability?

Yes - EVAL6235Q integrates two 0.2 Ω, 1 W shunt resistors (R13 and R14) in series with phases A and B. These feed the L6235Q's SNSA and SNSB pins, enabling real-time r.m.s. current monitoring and overcurrent protection. No additional external amplification or ADC is required for basic current limiting.