Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers

STMicroelectronics L6201

Name: L6201
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L6201
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: L6201

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers

Package:: 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Datasheet:: L6201.pdf

Description:: IC HALF BRIDGE DRIVER 1A 20SO

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:768

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

L6201 from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic full-bridge DMOS motor driver IC in Multipower-BCD technology, designed for bidirectional DC motor and bipolar stepper motor control. It delivers up to 2 A peak output current (5 A for L6201PS/L6202/L6203 variants), supports supply voltages up to 48 V, features 0.3 Ω typical R_DS(ON), integrated cross-conduction protection, and TTL/CMOS/µC-compatible logic inputs.

For engineers reviewing the L6201 datasheet, L6201 pinout, L6201 application, or L6201 equivalent, this device is selected for high-efficiency H-bridge power stage design requiring precise current sensing (via SENSE pin), bootstrap-driven high-side drive (BOOT1/BOOT2), thermal shutdown at 150 °C, and dead-time–protected commutation up to 100 kHz.

Technical Context

The L6201 integrates two independent half-bridges with N-channel DMOS power transistors and on-chip CMOS/Bipolar control logic. Each channel is driven by dedicated IN1/IN2 inputs, while a shared ENABLE pin globally gates both bridges. Internal logic ensures >40 ns dead time between complementary switching transitions to prevent shoot-through.

It employs an internal charge-pump–assisted bootstrap circuit to sustain ≥10 V gate-to-source voltage for high-side N-MOSFETs, enabling efficient operation without external high-voltage drivers. Current sensing is implemented via a dedicated SENSE pin referenced to an internal 13.5 V V_REF, supporting closed-loop motor current regulation with external Rsense.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply Voltage (V_S)	12–48 V - defines usable rail range for motor power stage; 42 V typical max operating voltage per test conditions
Peak Output Current	2 A - maximum non-repetitive pulsed current per half-bridge for L6201 (SO20 package); limits short-circuit capability
R_DS(ON) (typ.)	0.3 Ω - determines conduction loss: P_ON = 0.3 × I_RMS²; enables 1 A RMS continuous current at low thermal stress
Operating Frequency	Up to 100 kHz - sets maximum PWM/chopping rate; constrained by propagation delays (t₁–t₈: 200–400 ns)
Thermal Shutdown	150 °C - junction temperature threshold that disables outputs until safe cooldown; protects against sustained overload
V_REF Output	13.5 V @ 2 mA - stable internal reference for current-sense amplifier biasing; requires 0.22 µF bypass capacitor
Dead Time	>40 ns - hardware-enforced minimum off-time between high-side and low-side turn-on to eliminate cross-conduction

Pinout & Package

L6201 is supplied in SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin) package with 12 + 4 + 4 pin layout (power, logic, ground distribution). Thermal resistance is 15 °C/W (junction-to-pins), suited for PCB copper heatsinking without external heatsink under moderate loads.

Pin	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1, 5, 6, 14, 15	GND	Common ground return for logic, sense, and power stages; multiple pins reduce impedance and improve noise immunity
2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18, 19	N.C.	No internal connection; must be left unconnected or tied to GND per layout guidelines to avoid parasitic coupling
4	OUT2	Output of second half-bridge; connects to one motor terminal in H-bridge configuration
10	VS	Main motor supply input (up to 48 V); feeds both high-side and low-side DMOS sources/drain paths
11	OUT1	Output of first half-bridge; connects to opposite motor terminal; forms diagonal pair with OUT2
13	IN1	Digital input controlling OUT1 state (H/L); TTL/CMOS compatible; defines direction and braking mode with IN2
16	IN2	Digital input controlling OUT2 state; used with IN1 to select forward/reverse/brake/coast states per truth table
17	BOOT1	Bootstrap node for high-side gate drive of first half-bridge; requires ≥10 nF external capacitor to sustain gate voltage
19	BOOT2	Bootstrap node for high-side gate drive of second half-bridge; independent from BOOT1 for dual-channel isolation
20	V_REF	Internal 13.5 V reference output; powers external current-sense amplifier; limited to 2 mA sink capability
18	ENABLE	Global enable/disable control; logic high activates both half-bridges; low forces all DMOS transistors OFF
12	SENSE	Current-sense feedback input; accepts voltage drop across external Rsense resistor for overcurrent protection and regulation

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Multipower-BCD Integration	Monolithic integration of isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/Bipolar logic eliminates need for external gate drivers or level shifters
TTL/CMOS/µC-Compatible Inputs	Input thresholds (V_INL ≤ 0.8 V, V_INH ≥ 2 V) allow direct interfacing with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and logic families without buffering
Integrated Cross-Conduction Protection	Hardware-dead-time logic (>40 ns) prevents simultaneous high-side/low-side conduction, eliminating shoot-through risk in H-bridge operation
Thermal Shutdown with Auto-Restart	Junction temperature cutoff at 150 °C disables outputs; automatic recovery occurs once T_j drops to safe level, enabling fault-tolerant operation
Bootstrap-Driven High-Side Gate Drive	On-chip charge pump + external bootstrap capacitors (≥10 nF) ensure reliable 10 V gate drive for N-channel high-side switches without auxiliary supplies

Applications

DC Motor Speed & Direction Control

Bipolar Stepper Motor Driver

Use Scenario: Bidirectional speed control of 12–48 V brushed DC motors in industrial actuators, robotic joints, and automated valves.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full H-bridge power stage executing PWM-based current control; receives direction signals (IN1/IN2) and global enable (ENABLE) from motion controller.

Use Value: Enables precise torque/speed regulation using external current-sense resistor and L6506 transconductance amplifier, leveraging 2 A peak current and 0.3 Ω R_DS(ON) for <1 W conduction loss at 1 A RMS.

Use Scenario: Driving two-phase bipolar stepper motors in CNC positioning systems, 3D printer extruders, and medical infusion pumps.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual half-bridge per motor phase; synchronized with L297 or L6506 translator to execute full/half-step sequences at up to 100 kHz chopper frequency.

Use Value: Eliminates discrete MOSFETs and gate drivers; integrated dead time and bootstrap support simplify PCB layout and reduce BOM count for compact stepper modules.

Industrial Actuator Interface

Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Load Switch

Use Scenario: Controlling solenoid valves and linear actuators in programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules with 24 V nominal supply.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust power interface translating TTL-level PLC outputs into high-current bidirectional actuation; uses ENABLE for safety interlock gating.

Use Value: Withstands 48 V transients and provides overtemperature/overcurrent fault signaling via SENSE pin, meeting IEC 61000-4-4 surge immunity requirements in industrial environments.

Use Scenario: Programmable load switching in benchtop power supplies and ATE systems requiring fast, controlled current sourcing/sinking.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision H-bridge load switch enabling four-quadrant operation (source/sink, positive/negative voltage); driven by arbitrary waveform generator outputs.

Use Value: 100 ns propagation delay symmetry and 200 ns rise/fall times support accurate transient load profiling; thermal shutdown prevents damage during test fault conditions.

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar full-bridge motor driver applications.

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
L6201PS	Same die, PowerSO20 package; lower R_th(j-amb) (13 °C/W vs. 85 °C/W), 4 A RMS rating, 5 A peak current	Supports higher continuous current (4 A vs. 1 A) and improved thermal performance; requires larger PCB copper area or heatsink slug	Select when >1 A RMS motor current or extended ambient temperature (>70 °C) is required; not pin-compatible due to different footprint
L6202	Same functionality, Powerdip18 package; 1.5 A RMS, 5 A peak, R_th(j-case) = 12 °C/W	Offers intermediate current capability and through-hole mounting; optimized for cost-sensitive industrial boards with manual assembly	Choose for legacy through-hole designs or where mechanical robustness outweighs surface-mount density; shares logic interface but differs in pinout and thermal path

Compared with L6201, L6201PS delivers 4× higher RMS current capacity and superior thermal dissipation via exposed slug, while L6202 trades SO20 miniaturization for through-hole reliability and 1.5× RMS current-both require PCB redesign but retain identical control logic and protection features.

Availability

L6201 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DC motor control, bipolar stepper drive, industrial actuator interface, and programmable load switching requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for L6201 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with vertical manufacturing and broad analog/mixed-signal portfolio.

The L6201 belongs to ST's Motor Control & Power Drivers product line, engineered specifically for integrated H-bridge solutions in cost-sensitive, thermally constrained motion control applications where board space and external component count are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous motor current supported by L6201 in SO20 package?

The L6201 in SO20 package supports 1 A RMS continuous current, as specified in its absolute maximum ratings and thermal data (R_th(j-amb) = 85 °C/W, T_j(max) = 150 °C, T_amb = 70 °C). Exceeding this requires derating or forced cooling; peak current remains 2 A for <1 ms pulses.

Can L6201 drive a 48 V motor without external components?

Yes-L6201 supports up to 48 V supply voltage and integrates bootstrap charge pumps for high-side gate drive. However, external components are mandatory: ≥10 nF bootstrap capacitors per BOOT pin, 0.22 µF V_REF bypass capacitor, and a sense resistor for current monitoring; snubber networks are recommended for inductive loads.

How does the SENSE pin function in overcurrent protection?

The SENSE pin monitors voltage across an external Rsense resistor placed between motor return and GND. When sensed voltage exceeds internal threshold (typically ~1–4 V), the IC reduces output duty cycle or shuts down-this analog feedback enables real-time current limiting and closed-loop regulation when paired with external amplifiers like L6506.

Is L6201 pin-compatible with L6202 or L6203?

No-L6201 (SO20), L6202 (Powerdip18), and L6203 (Multiwatt11) use distinct packages and pinouts. Pin functions differ significantly: e.g., L6201 has 5 GND pins and 8 N.C. pins in SO20 layout, while L6202 consolidates grounds and reassigns BOOT/SENSE positions. Board redesign is required for substitution.

L6201 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Active

Output Configuration:: Half Bridge (2)

Applications:: DC Motors, General Purpose

Interface:: Logic

Load Type:: Inductive

Technology:: BCDMOS

Rds On (Typ):: 300mOhm

Current - Output / Channel:: 1A

Current - Peak Output:: -

Voltage - Supply:: 12V ~ 48V

Voltage - Load:: 12V ~ 48V

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Features:: Bootstrap Circuit

Fault Protection:: Over Temperature

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 20-SO

L6201 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L6201 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6201 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for L6201 reliable?

The price and inventory of L6201 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6201 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L6201?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6201 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L6201?

L6201 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L6201 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L6201?

For technical support, including L6201 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6201 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L6201 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L6201 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L6201 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6201?

All L6201 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6201, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The L6201 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L6201:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

Tech Hub

2026-09-03 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-01 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

2026-08-18 Operational Amplifier (Op Amp): Basics, Configurations, Feedback and Applications

Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

2026-08-14 Jumper Cables: How to Use, Connect and Choose Them Safely

Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…