STMicroelectronics L6204D

Overview

L6204D from STMicroelectronics is a dual full-bridge DMOS motor driver IC in SO24+2+2 package, supporting up to 48 V supply and delivering 0.5 A DC per channel with R_DS(ON) = 1.2 Ω at 25 °C. It integrates cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs, and independent enable controls for each bridge-designed for bidirectional DC and stepper motor control in industrial actuators and motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the L6204D datasheet, L6204D pinout, L6204D application, or L6204D equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-bridge topology, bootstrap high-side drive architecture, current-sense resistor interface, and thermal performance without external heatsink under typical PCB copper area (8 cm²).

Technical Context

The L6204D implements two independent full H-bridges using Multipower BCD technology, integrating isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/Bipolar logic on a single die. Each bridge features dedicated IN/ENABLE inputs, sense-resistor feedback for current limiting, and internal dead-time generation (500 ns) to prevent shoot-through.

It employs an integrated charge-pump oscillator (pin 11, VCP) to generate bootstrap voltage (up to 60 V on VBOOT) for high-side gate drive, enabling efficient chopping operation at 20 kHz commutation frequency. Thermal shutdown activates at 150 °C junction temperature and auto-recovers upon cooling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The L6204D is housed in a 24-pin SOIC package with two additional thermal pads (SO24+2+2), where pins 4, 5, 10, 11, 18, 19, 24, and 25 are not connected. Four center pins (pins 14, 15, 16, 17) serve as thermal pads tied to GND for PCB heat conduction.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with DRV8876PWPR and TB6612FNG, the L6204D offers higher voltage tolerance (48 V), dual independent supply rails, and integrated bootstrap generation-making it uniquely suited for industrial 24–48 V motion systems requiring robust thermal management and flexible current control.

Availability

L6204D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial actuator control, bipolar stepper motor driving, DC brush motor reversal, and multi-axis motion controller applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for L6204D 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 power management, motion control, and automotive-grade ICs with vertical manufacturing capability.

The L6204D belongs to ST's Multipower BCD motor driver product line, engineered for high-voltage industrial motion systems requiring integrated protection, thermal resilience, and efficient high-side gate drive without external bias supplies.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel of the L6204D?

The L6204D supports 0.5 A DC continuous current per half-bridge output under standard thermal conditions (70 °C ambient, 8 cm² PCB copper area). This rating assumes proper layout with thermal pads connected to GND and adequate airflow. Peak pulsed current reaches 3 A, but sustained operation above 0.5 A requires enhanced heatsinking or derating based on junction temperature calculations.

Does the L6204D require external bootstrap components?

Yes-the L6204D requires two external capacitors and two diodes to form a charge-pump network connected to VCP (pin 11) and VBOOT (pin 20). These components generate the elevated voltage needed to drive high-side DMOS gates. The datasheet specifies typical values (e.g., 100 nF ceramic capacitor, fast-recovery diode), and multiple L6204D units can share one charge-pump network if synchronized to the same VS rail.

How does the L6204D implement current regulation?

The L6204D uses external sense resistors connected to SENSE1 and SENSE2 pins to monitor motor phase current. When the voltage across either resistor exceeds ~0.5 V (typical threshold), the internal chopper circuit disables the appropriate FETs to limit current. This operates at a fixed 20 kHz frequency, with dead time enforced to prevent shoot-through during switching transitions.

Is the L6204D still in active production?

No-the L6204D is marked as "Obsolete Product(s)" in the official STMicroelectronics datasheet (Rev. July 2003). While functional and supported by legacy designs, it is no longer manufactured. Aetrix Electronics maintains limited legacy stock and provides technical documentation, but recommends evaluating ST's newer alternatives (e.g., STSPIN series) for new designs requiring long-term supply assurance.