STMicroelectronics L6225DTR

Overview

L6225DTR from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS dual full-bridge motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper and dual/quad DC motor control, featuring 2.8A peak output current (1.4A DC), 0.73Ω typical R_DS(ON) per switch at T_j = 25°C, 8–52V operating supply voltage, non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and integrated fast freewheeling diodes. It operates up to 100 kHz and supports paralleled operation for higher current or lower R_DS(ON).

For engineers reviewing the L6225DTR datasheet, L6225DTR pinout, L6225DTR application, or L6225DTR equivalent, key selection criteria include bridge configuration flexibility (independent A/B bridges), bootstrap gate drive architecture (V_BOOT, V_CP), thermal shutdown (165°C), cross-conduction protection (1 µs dead time), and ENA/ENB pin dual-role functionality (enable + OCD fault signaling).

Technical Context

The L6225DTR integrates two independent DMOS full bridges using MultiPower-BCD technology, combining isolated power transistors with CMOS/bipolar logic on a single die. Each bridge includes high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFETs with intrinsic fast freewheeling diodes and matched R_DS(ON) (0.73Ω typ. @ 25°C).

It implements non-dissipative overcurrent detection via internal current-sensing cells in the high-side DMOS sources, comparing sensed current against a 2.8A threshold and pulling ENx low via an open-drain transistor (4mA sink). Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C with 15°C hysteresis, and cross-conduction is prevented by programmable 0.5–1 µs dead time between complementary switches.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (16+2+2) - Surface-mount, 20-pin small-outline package with exposed thermal pad (pins 1, 10, 11, 20 internally connected to GND slug) enabling efficient PCB heat dissipation.

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 VNH7040AS, the L6225DTR uniquely combines 52 V operation, dual independent full bridges, non-dissipative OCD, and bootstrap gate drive in a single SO20 package-making it optimal for industrial stepper and dual-motor systems where voltage headroom, thermal safety, and integration density are critical.

Availability

L6225DTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, precision motion systems, and embedded robotics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for L6225DTR 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, motor control, and automotive-grade ICs with broad manufacturing scale and AEC-Q100 qualification capabilities.

The L6225DTR belongs to ST's "Motor Driver and Actuator" product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive yet thermally demanding industrial and automation applications requiring robust dual-bridge integration without external sense resistors or level shifters.

FAQ

What is the recommended external charge pump configuration for L6225DTR?

The L6225DTR requires an external charge pump circuit using V_CP (600 kHz, 10 V square wave) to generate V_BOOT. Recommended components are: C_BOOT = 220 nF ceramic, C_P = 10 nF, R_P = 100 Ω, and diodes D1/D2 = 1N4148. This configuration ensures stable >10 V gate drive for high-side N-MOSFETs across the full 8–52 V supply range.

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

The L6225DTR embeds precision current-sensing cells within the high-side DMOS source regions. These deliver a scaled replica (1/n) of the output current to internal comparators. When the sensed current exceeds 2.8 A, an open-drain transistor pulls ENA or ENB low, disabling the affected bridge-eliminating external shunt resistors and their associated power loss and PCB area.

Can L6225DTR drive a unipolar stepper motor?

No-the L6225DTR is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors and dual/quad DC motors. Its dual full-bridge architecture provides four quadrant control (±V, ±I) required for bipolar phase winding excitation. Unipolar steppers require center-tapped windings and single-polarity drive, which this IC does not support.

What thermal management practices are essential for reliable 1.4 A RMS operation?

To sustain 1.4 A RMS per bridge at ambient temperatures up to 85°C, use the SO20 package's exposed GND slug soldered to ≥6 cm² of 35 µm copper on the PCB bottom layer. With vias to an internal ground plane, junction-to-ambient thermal resistance drops to ~16 °C/W, keeping T_j ≤ 125°C. Avoid routing signal traces under the slug area.