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

STMicroelectronics L6203

Name: L6203
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L6203
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: L6203

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

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

Package:: Multiwatt-11 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)

Datasheet:: L6203.pdf

Description:: IC HALF BRIDGE DRV 4A 11MULTWATT

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

L6203 from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic full-bridge DMOS motor driver IC in Multiwatt11 package, designed for bidirectional DC and bipolar stepper motor control. It delivers up to 5A peak output current (4A RMS), supports supply voltages up to 48V, features 0.3Ω typical R_DS(ON), integrated cross-conduction protection, and TTL/CMOS/µC-compatible logic inputs - deployed in industrial motion control systems requiring robust H-bridge switching.

For engineers reviewing the L6203 datasheet, L6203 pinout, L6203 application, or L6203 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4A RMS current capability, bootstrap-driven high-side gate drive, thermal shutdown at 150°C, dead time >40 ns, and compatibility with current-sense feedback circuits using external Rsense.

Technical Context

The L6203 integrates two independent half-bridges in Multipower-BCD technology, combining isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/bipolar control logic on a single die. Each half-bridge is controlled by dedicated IN1/IN2 inputs with shared ENABLE, supporting diagonal, one-phase, or enable-based chopping modes per Figure 8a–c.

It employs internal bootstrap circuitry (BOOT1/BOOT2) to sustain ≥10 V gate-source voltage for N-channel high-side DMOS transistors, while sensing current via SENSE pin with –1 V to +4 V input range. Thermal shutdown disables all outputs at T_j = 150°C and auto-recovers upon cooling.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply Voltage (V_S)	12–48 V - defines operational rail range; 42 V used in characterization; absolute max 52 V.
Peak Output Current	5 A - non-repetitive pulse (<1 ms); limited by junction temperature and transient thermal impedance.
RMS Output Current	4 A - continuous current capability for L6203 in Multiwatt package with appropriate PCB copper area.
R_DS(ON) (typ.)	0.3 Ω - measured at T_j = 25°C; determines conduction loss: P_ON = 0.3 × I_RMS².
Operating Frequency	Up to 100 kHz - maximum commutation frequency under thermal and timing constraints.
Dead Time	>40 ns - hardware-enforced minimum off-time between complementary switch transitions to prevent shoot-through.
Thermal Shutdown	150 °C - junction temperature threshold; device disables outputs and auto-resumes when cooled.

Pinout & Package

Package: Multiwatt11 (vertical, 11-pin, through-hole, heatsink tab). Pin numbering follows top-view layout per datasheet page 18; pin 1 is at left end of front row (marked "1" near corner).

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1	SENSE	Current-sense input; connects to external Rsense resistor for motor current feedback and regulation.
2	ENABLE	Global enable logic input; high = activate both half-bridges; low = disable all DMOS outputs.
3	N.C.	No connection - internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to GND per layout best practice.
4, 5, 6, 14, 15	GND	Five separate ground terminals - reduce IR drop and improve thermal dissipation via distributed grounding.
7	OUT2	Output of second half-bridge - drives one side of motor winding or load.
8	V_S	Main power supply input - feeds both high-side and low-side DMOS stages; decoupling capacitor required.
9	OUT1	Output of first half-bridge - drives opposite side of motor winding or load.
10	BOOT1	Bootstrap capacitor node for high-side gate drive of OUT1 channel; requires ≥10 nF ceramic capacitor to GND.
11	IN1	Digital control input for first half-bridge - TTL/CMOS/µC compatible; controls OUT1 sourcing/sinking.
12	BOOT2	Bootstrap capacitor node for high-side gate drive of OUT2 channel; requires ≥10 nF ceramic capacitor to GND.
13	IN2	Digital control input for second half-bridge - TTL/CMOS/µC compatible; controls OUT2 sourcing/sinking.
16	V_ref	Internal 13.5 V reference output - bypassed with 0.22 µF capacitor to GND; supplies ≤2 mA sink current.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Integrated Cross-Conduction Protection	Hardware logic prevents simultaneous high-side/low-side turn-on in same half-bridge, eliminating shoot-through risk without external timing control.
Bootstrap High-Side Gate Drive	Internal charge pump + BOOT1/BOOT2 pins enable efficient 10 V gate drive for N-channel upper DMOS transistors without external high-voltage drivers.
TTL/CMOS/µC-Compatible Inputs	Logic thresholds (V_IL ≤ 0.8 V, V_IH ≥ 2 V) allow direct interfacing with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and standard logic families without level-shifting.
Thermal Shutdown with Auto-Restart	Monitors junction temperature and disables outputs at 150°C; resumes operation automatically after safe cooldown - no manual reset required.
Multipower-BCD Process Integration	Combines isolated DMOS power transistors with precision CMOS/bipolar control on one die, enabling optimized gate drive, low R_DS(ON), and compact footprint.

Applications

DC Motor Speed & Direction Control

Bipolar Stepper Motor Driver

Use Scenario: Bidirectional speed-regulated DC motor drive in automated valves, conveyor belts, and robotic joints.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-bridge power stage executing PWM-controlled H-bridge commutation; accepts direction (IN1/IN2) and enable (EN) signals from MCU or analog controller.

Use Value: Delivers 4A RMS continuous current with <0.3Ω R_DS(ON), minimizing heat generation and enabling compact PCB heatsinking instead of bulky external heatsinks.

Use Scenario: Microstepping-capable bipolar stepper motor control in CNC positioning stages and 3D printer extruders.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual half-bridge driver receiving phase and enable commands from translator IC (e.g., L297); supports chopper current control via SENSE feedback.

Use Value: Integrated dead time (>40 ns) and bootstrap drive eliminate external gate drivers and timing components, reducing BOM count and layout complexity.

Industrial Actuator Interface

Automated Test Equipment Load Switch

Use Scenario: High-current solenoid and linear actuator control in factory automation PLC I/O modules.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust H-bridge interface translating low-power logic commands into high-current bidirectional actuation pulses.

Use Value: 5A peak current and 48V supply tolerance support demanding industrial loads; thermal shutdown ensures fault-safe operation during stall or overload.

Use Scenario: Programmable DC load switching in bench power supplies and ATE systems requiring precise current sourcing/sinking.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision-controlled bidirectional current path enabling dynamic load simulation and short-circuit testing.

Use Value: SENSE pin enables real-time current monitoring with ±1% accuracy over –1 V to +4 V range, supporting closed-loop load regulation without external amplifiers.

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
L6202	Powerdip18 package; 1.5A RMS rating; lower thermal resistance (R_{th j-case} = 12°C/W); no V_ref pin.	Targeted at 24V/1.5A systems (e.g., small DC fans); lacks internal reference; requires external voltage reference for current sense scaling.	Select for cost-sensitive, lower-current applications where board space allows Powerdip mounting and reference is externally generated.
DRV8876PWPR	TI part; 3.6A RMS; integrated current regulation; SPI interface; 4.5–37V supply; smaller HTSSOP-20 package.	Designed for embedded systems needing digital diagnostics and programmable current limits; not pin-compatible; requires firmware integration.	Choose when system-level intelligence (fault reporting, current profiling) is prioritized over analog simplicity and legacy design reuse.

Compared with L6202 and DRV8876PWPR, the L6203 offers the highest continuous current (4A RMS) in a through-hole Multiwatt package with integrated V_ref, making it optimal for industrial motor drives where reliability, thermal margin, and analog control simplicity are critical.

Availability

L6203 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automated test equipment, precision actuation, and bipolar stepper motion systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for L6203 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 broad manufacturing and R&D infrastructure.

The L6203 belongs to ST's Multipower-BCD full-bridge driver family, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-current motor control in industrial automation and motion systems where thermal robustness and analog interface simplicity are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous current rating for the L6203?

The L6203 supports up to 4A RMS continuous output current when mounted on a PCB with adequate copper heatsinking (per Figure 25), verified at T_amb = 70°C and T_j ≤ 150°C. Peak current is rated at 5A for non-repetitive pulses under 1 ms, constrained by transient thermal impedance and junction temperature rise.

How does the SENSE pin function in current regulation?

The SENSE pin accepts a differential voltage from an external Rsense resistor placed between motor return and GND. With a valid input range of –1 V to +4 V, it interfaces directly with current-sense amplifiers (e.g., L6506) to implement closed-loop motor current control, enabling precise torque and speed regulation without external signal conditioning.

Can the L6203 operate without external bootstrap capacitors?

No - external bootstrap capacitors (≥10 nF ceramic) are mandatory on BOOT1 and BOOT2 pins to sustain sufficient gate-source voltage (>10 V) for reliable high-side N-channel DMOS turn-on. Omitting them causes incomplete switching, elevated R_DS(ON), excessive heating, and potential device failure under load.

Is the V_ref pin intended for external circuit biasing?

Yes - the V_ref pin provides a stable 13.5 V internal reference (I_OUT ≤ 2 mA) used to bias current-sense amplifier references or set comparator thresholds. It must be bypassed with a 0.22 µF capacitor to GND; short-circuit protection limits sink current to 2 mA, allowing safe use in analog feedback networks.

L6203 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: Multiwatt-11 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)

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:: 4A

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:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: 11-Multiwatt

L6203 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L6203 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6203 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 L6203 reliable?

The price and inventory of L6203 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6203 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L6203?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6203 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L6203?

L6203 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L6203 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 L6203?

For technical support, including L6203 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6203 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L6203 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L6203 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 L6203 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6203?

All L6203 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6203, 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 L6203 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L6203:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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