STMicroelectronics L6208D013TR

Overview

L6208D013TR from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS dual full-bridge stepper motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper motors, featuring 5.6 A peak output current (2.8 A RMS), 8–52 V operating supply voltage, and integrated non-dissipative overcurrent protection. It implements constant t_OFF PWM current control, fast/slow decay mode selection, and built-in decoding logic for full/half-step excitation - deployed in industrial motion control systems requiring precise open-loop positioning.

For engineers reviewing the L6208D013TR datasheet, L6208D013TR pinout, L6208D013TR application, or L6208D013TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual independent PWM controllers, bootstrap-driven high-side gate drive, thermal shutdown at 165 °C, and SO24/PowerSO36 package compatibility with PCB heat sinking.

Technical Context

The L6208 integrates two independent DMOS full bridges with R_DS(ON) = 0.34 Ω (high-side, T_j = 25 °C) and intrinsic fast freewheeling diodes. Each bridge uses a dedicated constant t_OFF PWM current controller with external RC timing (RCA/RCB pins) and blanking time (1 µs) to suppress diode reverse-recovery spikes.

It features TTL/CMOS-compatible logic inputs (CLOCK, CW/CCW, HALF/FULL, CONTROL, RESET, EN), internal charge pump (VCP @ 600 kHz typ.) generating V_BOOT, cross-conduction protection via 1 µs deadtime, and non-dissipative overcurrent detection triggered at 5.6 A (typ.) with 200 ns turn-on delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in SO24 (20 + 2 + 2) and PowerSO36 packages. The SO24 variant uses pins 1, 6, 7, 18, and 19 as GND terminals - also serving as thermal conduction paths to PCB copper. PowerSO36 integrates an exposed slug internally connected to pins 1, 18, 19, and 36 (all GND).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bipolar stepper motor driver applications.

Compared with TB6600HG and DRV8825, the L6208D013TR uniquely combines high peak current capability, integrated charge pump, non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and dual independent PWM control - making it optimal for industrial motion systems demanding robustness, thermal resilience, and deterministic current regulation.

Availability

L6208D013TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial CNC positioning, medical infusion pumps, automated test equipment (ATE), and 3D printer extruder control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for L6208D013TR 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 analog/mixed-signal ICs.

The L6208 belongs to ST's high-voltage DMOS stepper driver product line, engineered specifically for industrial and medical motion systems requiring integrated protection, wide supply range, and reliable open-loop torque delivery.

FAQ

What is the recommended external RC network for t_OFF = 25 µs?

For t_OFF ≈ 25 µs, use R_OFF = 47 kΩ and C_OFF = 1 nF. This satisfies the equation t_OFF = 0.6 × R_OFF × C_OFF + 1 µs (deadtime), yielding 28.2 µs - within the device's specified 6.6 µs–6 ms range and compatible with typical stepper motor inductance values (1–10 mH) at 24–48 V.

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

The L6208 monitors voltage drop across its internal high-side DMOS R_DS(ON) using dedicated current-sense transistors - eliminating need for external shunt resistors. When sensed current exceeds 5.6 A (typ.), it disables the affected bridge and asserts fault status on the EN pin, reducing power loss and PCB area versus dissipative solutions.

Can L6208D013TR drive unipolar stepper motors?

No - the L6208D013TR is designed exclusively for two-phase bipolar stepper motors with center-tapped windings. Its dual full-bridge topology requires four-wire connection (OUT1A/OUT2A/OUT1B/OUT2B) and cannot interface with unipolar 5- or 6-wire motors without rewiring or external transistor arrays.

What thermal management is required for 5.6 A peak operation in SO24 package?

At 5.6 A peak (2.8 A RMS), SO24 package requires ≥6 cm² copper pour on bottom layer with thermal vias to inner ground planes. With this layout, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance drops to 15 °C/W, limiting ΔT to ~42 °C above ambient at 2.5 W dissipation - keeping T_j safely below 125 °C at 85 °C ambient.