STMicroelectronics L297D013TR

Overview

L297D013TR from STMicroelectronics is a stepper motor controller IC that generates four-phase drive signals for bipolar two-phase and unipolar four-phase stepper motors. It supports half-step, normal (two-phase-on), and wave (one-phase-on) drive modes, features on-chip dual PWM chopper current regulation with programmable peak current via Vref (0–3 V), operates from 4.75–7 V supply, and delivers phase outputs capable of sinking 10 mA at 0.4 V low-level voltage. It is used in microcomputer-controlled motion systems such as printer paper feeders and CNC positioning stages.

For engineers reviewing the L297D013TR datasheet, L297D013TR pinout, L297D013TR application, or L297D013TR equivalent, key selection criteria include chopper control mode (via CONTROL pin), synchronous multi-controller operation (via SYNC/OSC pins), thermal resistance (100 °C/W in SO20), and compatibility with bridge drivers like L298N or discrete power stages.

Technical Context

The L297D013TR integrates a state-machine translator and dual independent PWM chopper circuits. The translator produces three distinct phase sequences-half-step (8-state), normal (4-state), and wave (4-state)-selected by CLOCK, HALF/FULL, and CW/CCW inputs, with RESET restoring to home state (ABCD = 0101).

Chopper action is configurable: when CONTROL = low, INH1/INH2 are chopped for fast decay in unipolar or L298N-based bipolar configurations; when CONTROL = high, phase lines A/B/C/D are chopped, reducing sense-resistor dissipation. Oscillator frequency is set externally via RC on OSC (f ≈ 1/(0.69·R·C)) and can be synchronized across multiple L297s using the SYNC pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, 0.050" pitch, body width 7.4–7.6 mm). Pin count and function mapping match L297D specification per STMicroelectronics datasheet Rev. 2 (2001).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar stepper motor controller applications.

Compared with TB6560AHQ and LV8729V, the L297D013TR offers unmatched flexibility in drive mode selection, explicit hardware-level homing signaling, and proven multi-axis synchronization - making it ideal for industrial motion control where deterministic behavior and field-serviceability matter more than component count.

Availability

L297D013TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for printer paper feed control, CNC axis positioning, automated lab equipment, and 3D printer extruder drive applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for L297D013TR 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 analog, digital, and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The L297 belongs to ST's motor control IC product line, developed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability open-loop stepper systems requiring flexible excitation modes and robust current regulation without microcontroller overhead.

FAQ

What is the maximum motor winding current supported by the L297D013TR?

The L297D013TR does not drive windings directly but regulates current via external power stages. Peak winding current is programmable through Vref and sense resistors: with Vref = 1 V and R_sense = 0.5 Ω, peak current is 2 A. Higher currents require lower R_sense and appropriate external drivers (e.g., L298N rated for 2 A continuous).

Can the L297D013TR operate with a 3.3 V microcontroller interface?

Yes - input thresholds are TTL-compatible: low-level input voltage is ≤0.6 V, high-level is ≥2 V (with Vs = 5 V). A 3.3 V MCU can directly drive CLOCK, CW/CCW, HALF/FULL, ENABLE, CONTROL, and RESET without level shifters, provided its logic high exceeds 2 V and ground references are shared.

How do I synchronize multiple L297D013TR controllers?

Connect all SYNC pins together and tie OSC to ground on all but one device. Mount the RC timing network (R to Vs, C to GND) only on the master L297D013TR. This ensures identical chopper frequencies and phase-aligned PWM edges across all units, eliminating torque ripple in multi-axis systems.

Does the L297D013TR support microstepping?

No - the L297D013TR implements only full-step, half-step, and wave drive modes (maximum 8 discrete positions per electrical cycle). True microstepping (e.g., 1/16 or 1/32) requires external indexer logic or a dedicated microstepping controller such as the THB7128 or DRV8825.