STMicroelectronics L6205PD

Overview

L6205PD from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS dual full-bridge motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper and dual/quad DC motor control, featuring 5.6A peak output current (2.8A DC), 0.34Ω typical high-side R_DS(ON) at 25°C, non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and operation from 8–52V supply. It integrates fast freewheeling diodes, cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown, and bootstrap charge pump circuitry for high-side N-MOSFET drive.

For engineers reviewing the L6205PD datasheet, L6205PD pinout, L6205PD application, or L6205PD equivalent, this device is selected for precision bidirectional motor control in industrial motion systems where integrated protection, parallel operation capability, and thermal robustness are critical - especially when evaluating bridge driver alternatives with embedded current sensing and 100kHz switching support.

Technical Context

The L6205PD 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 supports TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs (IN1A/IN2A/IN1B/IN2B) and separate enable pins (ENA/ENB) tied to internal overcurrent and thermal protection MOSFETs.

Its non-dissipative overcurrent detection senses current through high-side DMOS cells (not external shunts), triggering EN-pin pull-down via an open-drain transistor (4mA sink) when load current exceeds 5.6A typ. Dead time is fixed at 1µs to prevent shoot-through, and the internal 600kHz charge pump (VCP output) generates VBOOT for high-side gate drive.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO20 (exposed thermal slug internally connected to pins 1, 10, 11, and 20 - GND). Thermal resistance: R_th-j-case = 1°C/W, R_th-j-amb = 35°C/W with 6 cm² top-side copper + ground layer.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6612FNG and DRV8876N, the L6205PD uniquely balances high-voltage operation (52V), dual-bridge autonomy, and hardware-based protection - making it optimal for standalone 24V/48V stepper or dual-DC motor systems where minimal external components and field-proven ruggedness are prioritized over digital configurability or ultra-low R_DS(ON).

Availability

L6205PD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, automated test equipment, and embedded robotics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging in PowerSO20 format.

Supply support for L6205PD 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 specializing in power management, motor control, and automotive-grade ICs, with manufacturing facilities certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.

The L6205PD belongs to ST's MultiPower-BCD motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, thermally robust control of brushed DC and bipolar stepper motors in harsh industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per bridge for L6205PD?

The L6205PD supports 2.8A RMS continuous output current per bridge under proper thermal conditions - verified at T_j ≤ 125°C with ≥35°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (e.g., PowerSO20 mounted on 6 cm² copper + ground plane). Peak current reaches 5.6A for short durations, limited by internal overcurrent protection.

How does the non-dissipative overcurrent protection work without a sense resistor?

The L6205PD embeds precision current-sensing cells within each high-side DMOS transistor, delivering a scaled replica (1/n) of the output current to internal comparators. When this replica exceeds the 5.6A threshold, an open-drain transistor pulls ENA or ENB low - disabling the affected bridge without dissipating power in an external shunt resistor.

Can L6205PD drive a single 48V DC motor requiring 5A continuous current?

No - the L6205PD is rated for 2.8A RMS per bridge. To drive a 5A continuous load, configure both bridges in parallel (e.g., OUT1A || OUT1B and OUT2A || OUT2B), achieving 5.6A RMS capability with 0.15Ω effective R_DS(ON). This requires synchronized input signals and shared EN control, as detailed in Figure 12 of the datasheet.

What external components are mandatory for basic L6205PD operation?

Mandatory components include: (1) 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VSA/VSB and GND; (2) 220nF bootstrap capacitor (C_BOOT) and 1N4148 diode per VBOOT path; (3) 10nF charge pump capacitor (C_P) and 100Ω resistor (R_P); (4) 100kΩ pull-up resistors and 5.6nF capacitors on ENA/ENB for OCD timing. No external sense resistor is required.