STMicroelectronics L6225PD

Overview

L6225PD 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 L6225PD datasheet, L6225PD pinout, L6225PD application, or L6225PD equivalent, this device serves as a high-voltage, thermally robust bridge driver for precision motion control where cross-conduction prevention, bootstrap gate drive, and on-die thermal shutdown are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The L6225PD integrates two independent full H-bridges using MultiPower-BCD technology, combining isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/bipolar logic on a single die. Each bridge features dead-time-controlled complementary switching (1 µs typical) and internal charge-pump circuitry (600 kHz oscillator, V_CP output) to drive N-channel high-side MOSFETs via V_BOOT.

Overcurrent detection is implemented via on-die current-sensing cells in each high-side DMOS, delivering a precise fraction of load current to an internal comparator referenced to 2.8A typical threshold. Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C junction temperature with 15°C hysteresis, and under-voltage lockout disables outputs when V_S falls below 5.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO20 - Exposed thermal slug (internally connected to pins 1, 10, 11, 20) enables low R_th-j-case = 2°C/W and efficient PCB heat transfer via soldered copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6600HG and VNHD7008AY, the L6225PD uniquely combines 52V operation, non-dissipative OCD, integrated diodes, and flexible paralleling - making it optimal for space-constrained industrial 24–48V motion control where BOM reduction and thermal robustness are prioritized over digital interface or ultra-high peak current.

Availability

L6225PD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for bipolar stepper motor control, dual DC motor drives, industrial valve actuation, and quad half-bridge solenoid control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for L6225PD 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, motion control, and automotive-grade ICs, with manufacturing facilities certified to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.

The L6225PD belongs to ST's MultiPower-BCD motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-voltage industrial motion systems requiring integrated protection, thermal resilience, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable V_BOOT voltage for L6225PD?

The absolute maximum V_BOOT is VS + 10 V, with VS rated up to 52 V - meaning V_BOOT must not exceed 62 V. In practice, the internal charge pump limits V_BOOT to ~10 V above VS, and exceeding this risks gate oxide damage to high-side DMOS transistors. External bootstrap capacitor (C_BOOT) must be rated for ≥25 V and placed within 5 mm of V_BOOT/V_CP pins.

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

The L6225PD uses on-die current-mirror structures integrated into each high-side DMOS transistor. These deliver a precise 1/n fraction (n ≈ 50–100) of the main channel current to internal comparators referenced to 2.8A typical threshold. This eliminates external shunt resistors while maintaining ±15% accuracy across temperature and process variation - confirmed in ST's AN2477 application note.

Can L6225PD drive a unipolar stepper motor?

No - the L6225PD is designed exclusively for bipolar stepper motors and dual/quad DC motors. Its dual full-bridge topology requires four-wire bipolar windings (two per phase) and cannot interface with the center-tapped configuration of unipolar steppers. Attempting unipolar use would result in incorrect phase energization and potential device latch-up due to improper current paths.

What PCB layout practices are critical for thermal performance in PowerSO20 package?

For optimal thermal performance, the exposed thermal slug (pins 1/10/11/20) must be soldered to ≥6 cm² of 35 µm-thick copper on the bottom layer, connected via ≥16 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to an internal ground plane. ST's AN4421 specifies that omitting vias increases R_th-j-amb from 16°C/W to 36°C/W - risking thermal shutdown at ≤1.1A continuous per bridge under still-air conditions.