STMicroelectronics EVALPWD5F60

Overview

EVALPWD5F60 from STMicroelectronics is a demonstration board for the PWD5F60 smart high-voltage full-bridge driver IC, integrating gate drivers and four 600 V N-channel MOSFETs (R_DS(ON) = 1.38 Ω) in a VFQFPN 15×7 package. It supports single-phase BLDC motor and fan control with on-board fast/slow-decay constant OFF-time peak current control, 10–20 V driver supply, and 0–15 V logic-compatible inputs.

For engineers reviewing the EVALPWD5F60 datasheet, EVALPWD5F60 pinout, EVALPWD5F60 application, or EVALPWD5F60 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of full-bridge motor drive topologies using the integrated PWD5F60 power system-in-package - with configurable current limiting, direction control, overcurrent protection via external logic, and bootstrap-diode-enabled high-side drive.

Technical Context

The EVALPWD5F60 implements a complete single-phase full-bridge drive solution centered on the PWD5F60 IC, which embeds dual comparators for real-time peak current sensing and overcurrent fault detection. Its control architecture supports both PWM voltage-mode operation and constant OFF-time current regulation, with DIR, PWM, SD, and VCTRL signals routed to dual-pin-strip (J1) and terminal-block (J2) headers.

Thermal design relies on the PWD5F60's 30 °C/W junction-to-ambient resistance and eliminates external heatsinks via SMT-only layout. High-voltage isolation is maintained by a 450 V bulk capacitor (C26), while VS rail tolerance is limited to 400 VDC despite the IC's 600 V BVDSS rating.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVALPWD5F60 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for BLDC motor control, cooling fan drives, and industrial actuator prototyping requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and reference-layout validation.

Supply support for EVALPWD5F60 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

The EVALPWD5F60 belongs to ST's Power System-in-Package (SiP) evaluation board family, developed to accelerate adoption of highly integrated motor drivers like the PWD5F60 for compact, heatsink-free single-phase motion control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous load current supported by EVALPWD5F60?

The board supports up to 1 A continuous load current, as specified in the data brief and validated by the PWD5F60's R_DS(ON) = 1.38 Ω and thermal resistance (R_JA = 30 °C/W). This rating assumes proper PCB copper area, ambient temperature ≤85 °C, and no forced airflow. Peak transient currents may exceed 1 A briefly under controlled decay modes.

How do I configure fast-decay vs. slow-decay operation?

Fast-decay or slow-decay mode is selected using jumper JP3: connect pins 2–3 for slow-decay, or pins 1–2 for fast-decay. This setting determines the freewheeling path during OFF-time and directly affects motor torque ripple and efficiency. The mode interacts with TR1 (OFF-time trimmer) and TR2 (peak current trimmer) for fine-tuned current regulation.

Can EVALPWD5F60 drive inductive loads other than BLDC motors?

Yes - the board is designed for any single-phase inductive load requiring bidirectional current control, including solenoids, relays, and linear actuators. Its full-bridge topology, overcurrent protection via VCTRL/SD inputs, and 600 V MOSFET rating make it suitable for 24–400 V DC applications where precise current direction and magnitude control are required.

Is an external bootstrap capacitor required when using EVALPWD5F60?

No - the PWD5F60 IC integrates internal bootstrap diodes, eliminating the need for external bootstrap diodes. However, external bootstrap capacitors (e.g., C14, C17) are still required on the board to maintain high-side gate drive voltage during switching; these are included in the BOM as 33 nF/630 V ceramic capacitors placed close to the BOOT1/BOOT2 pins.