STMicroelectronics L6208D
- Part No.:
- L6208D
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L6208D.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTR DRVR BIPOLAR 8V-52V 24SO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:487
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Product details
Overview
L6208D from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS dual full-bridge stepper motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper motor control in industrial motion systems. It delivers 5.6 A peak (2.8 A RMS) output current per bridge, operates from 8–52 V supply, features non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and supports full/half-step sequencing with independent constant tOFF PWM current control.
For engineers reviewing the L6208D datasheet, L6208D pinout, L6208D application, or L6208D equivalent, this device is selected for high-current bipolar stepper drive where thermal robustness, fast decay mode flexibility, and integrated charge pump operation are required - especially in CNC, robotics, and automated valve actuation.
Technical Context
The L6208D integrates two independent DMOS full bridges with RDS(ON) = 0.34 Ω (high-side, Tj = 25 °C) and intrinsic fast freewheeling diodes. Its phase sequence generator implements full-step (two-phase-on, one-phase-on) and half-step modes via dedicated logic inputs (HALF/FULL, CW/CCW, CLOCK).
PWM current regulation uses dual independent constant tOFF controllers with external RC networks on RCA/RCB pins; blanking time (1 µs) suppresses diode reverse-recovery spikes at SENSEA/SENSEB. Cross-conduction protection enforces 1 µs deadtime between high- and low-side switching transitions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 8–52 V - Enables direct integration into 12/24/48 V industrial power rails without external DC-DC pre-regulation. |
| Peak Output Current | 5.6 A per bridge - Supports NEMA 23–34 stepper motors with high torque at standstill and low-speed operation. |
| RDS(ON) (High-Side) | 0.34 Ω typ. @ 25 °C - Limits conduction loss to ≤4.5 W per bridge at 2.8 A RMS, easing thermal design on FR4 PCBs. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 100 kHz - Allows fine-grained microstepping implementation when paired with external indexer logic. |
| tOFF Range | 6.6 µs to 6 ms - Configurable via external ROFF (20–100 kΩ) and COFF (0.47–100 nF) to match motor inductance and target current ripple. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 165 °C - Protects against sustained overload or inadequate heatsinking; automatic recovery after cooldown. |
| Logic Compatibility | TTL/CMOS inputs (VIL ≤ 0.8 V, VIH ≥ 2 V) - Interfaces directly with microcontrollers, FPGAs, and PLC I/O without level-shifting. |
Pinout & Package
Available in PowerSO36 (exposed slug, Rth-j-case = 1 °C/W) and SO24 (20 + 2 + 2 lead count) packages. Both variants use GND-connected thermal pads (pins 1, 18, 19, 36 in PowerSO36; pins 6, 7, 18, 19 in SO24) for PCB-level heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CLOCK | Step clock input | Rising-edge-triggered state machine advance - defines step rate; minimum pulse width 1 µs. |
| CW/CCW | Direction control | HIGH = clockwise, LOW = counterclockwise; must be tied to GND or +5 V if unused. |
| HALF/FULL | Step mode select | HIGH = half-step (8 states), LOW = full-step (4 states); enables resolution vs. torque trade-off. |
| CONTROL | Decay mode select | HIGH = slow decay (recirculation), LOW = fast decay (quasi-synchronous rectification). |
| EN | Chip enable | Active-low global disable; internally connected to overcurrent/thermal protection drain - requires series resistor (2.2–180 kΩ) when driven. |
| SENSEA / SENSEB | Current sense return | Connect to ground via external shunt resistor (e.g., 0.1 Ω); feeds PWM comparator reference threshold. |
| VREFA / VREFB | Current reference voltage | Analog input (0–5 V) setting peak current limit; offset error ±5 mV affects regulation accuracy. |
| VSA / VSB | Bridge A/B power supply | Must be shorted externally to common VS rail; each supplies up to 2.8 A RMS per bridge. |
| OUT1A / OUT2A / OUT1B / OUT2B | Full-bridge outputs | Drive bipolar stepper coil ends; configured as H-bridge per phase with internal cross-conduction guard. |
| VBOOT | Bootstrap supply | Internal charge pump output (VCP) drives high-side gate - requires external 220 nF boot capacitor and 1N4148 diode. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent constant tOFF PWM controllers | Enables precise, decoupled current regulation per motor phase using separate RCA/RCB timing networks. |
| Non-dissipative overcurrent protection | Detects overcurrent via high-side sensing and disables affected bridge without external shunt or power loss. |
| Fast/slow decay mode selection | Reduces audible noise and improves torque linearity at low speeds via CONTROL pin-driven recirculation path choice. |
| Integrated charge pump (VCP oscillator) | Generates 600 kHz square wave (10 V amplitude) to drive high-side N-MOSFET gates - eliminates external bootstrap IC. |
| Stepping sequence generator | Hardware-state-machine-based full/half-step generation - offloads timing-critical sequencing from host controller. |
Applications
| Industrial CNC Positioning | Automated Fluid Control Valves |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precision open-loop positioning of linear actuators in milling machine axes with 0.9° or 1.8° step motors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Full-bridge driver executing microstep-compatible full/half-step sequences under PLC or motion controller command. Use Value: 5.6 A peak current sustains holding torque during acceleration; fast decay mode minimizes mid-band resonance in 50–200 Hz range. |
Use Scenario: Bidirectional actuation of proportional solenoid valves in chemical dosing systems requiring repeatable stroke control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar stepper driver translating pulse/direction signals into precise coil energization patterns for valve spool positioning. Use Value: Non-dissipative overcurrent protection prevents latch-up during valve stiction events; 8–52 V operation matches plant-wide DC distribution. |
| Medical Infusion Pumps | Lab Automation Robotic Arms |
|
Use Scenario: Low-noise, high-reliability syringe advancement in IV infusion pumps with strict EMC and safety requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stepper motor driver implementing half-step mode for smoother motion and reduced vibration-induced fluid pulsation. Use Value: Integrated fast freewheeling diodes and quasi-synchronous rectification lower EMI vs. external diode solutions; thermal shutdown ensures fail-safe stop. |
Use Scenario: Joint articulation in compact benchtop robotic arms using NEMA 17 stepper motors with limited board space. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-bridge driver enabling independent control of two motor phases while sharing single 48 V supply rail. Use Value: PowerSO36 package's 1 °C/W Rth-j-case allows >2.5 A continuous current without heatsink; RESET pin enables homing sequence initialization. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bipolar stepper motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB6600HG | Higher voltage rating (up to 50 V), but no integrated charge pump - requires external bootstrap circuitry for high-side drive. | Lacks hardware stepping sequencer; relies on external controller for full/half-step logic. | Select when higher supply margin is needed and system already provides gate-drive support; not drop-in for L6208D's self-contained architecture. |
| DRV8825 | Lower peak current (2.2 A), microstepping up to 1/32, but lacks non-dissipative OCP and thermal shutdown with auto-recovery. | Optimized for low-power, high-resolution applications (e.g., 3D printer extruders); unsuitable for >3 A RMS loads. | Choose for cost-sensitive, low-torque designs where microstepping granularity outweighs robustness; not suitable for industrial overload conditions. |
Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, the L6208D uniquely combines high-current capability (5.6 A), integrated charge pump, hardware stepping logic, and non-dissipative protection - making it optimal for ruggedized, medium-power industrial stepper systems where reliability and minimal external components are critical.
Availability
L6208D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, automated fluid control valves, medical infusion pumps, and lab automation robotic arms requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for L6208D 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, specializing in power management, motion control, and automotive-grade analog/mixed-signal ICs.
The L6208D belongs to ST's "Motor Control & Power" product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, thermally resilient stepper and BLDC motor drive in industrial automation and precision motion equipment.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current per bridge for L6208D?
The L6208D supports 2.8 A RMS continuous output current per bridge under recommended thermal conditions (e.g., PowerSO36 mounted on 6 cm² copper with 16 vias, Rth-j-amb = 15 °C/W). Peak current reaches 5.6 A for short durations (<1 ms), limited by internal non-dissipative overcurrent protection.
How does the L6208D implement non-dissipative overcurrent protection?
It monitors high-side DMOS source voltage during conduction to detect overcurrent without external shunts. When threshold is exceeded, the affected bridge is disabled within 200 ns (tOCD(ON)), and the EN pin is pulled low via an internal open-drain MOSFET - eliminating power loss in traditional sense-resistor-based protection schemes.
Can L6208D operate without an external charge pump circuit?
No. The L6208D requires external components - a 220 nF boot capacitor, 10 nF CP capacitor, 100 Ω RP resistor, and two 1N4148 diodes - to form the charge pump network. The internal VCP oscillator (600 kHz) drives this network to generate VBOOT, which is essential for high-side N-MOSFET gate drive.
What is the function of the RESET pin, and how should it be used in a system?
The RESET pin forces the internal phase sequence generator into its home state (state 1), ensuring deterministic initial motor position. It must be held HIGH (≥2 V) during normal operation; a LOW pulse (>1 µs) triggers reset. If unused, connect to +5 V via a pull-up resistor - floating operation may cause undefined startup behavior.
L6208D Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- STSPIN L62
- Package/Case:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- -
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (4)
- Interface:
- Parallel
- Technology:
- DMOS
- Step Resolution:
- 1, 1/2
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 2.8A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 8V ~ 52V
- Voltage - Load:
- 8V ~ 52V
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SO
L6208D FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L6208D through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6208D 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 L6208D reliable?
The price and inventory of L6208D are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6208D is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L6208D?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6208D transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L6208D?
L6208D orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L6208D 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 L6208D?
For technical support, including L6208D datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6208D requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L6208D is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L6208D 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 L6208D meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6208D?
All L6208D units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6208D, 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 L6208D part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L6208D:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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