STMicroelectronics L6226Q

Overview

L6226Q from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS dual full-bridge motor driver IC designed for bipolar stepper and dual/quad DC motor control, featuring 8–52 V operating supply, 2.8 A peak output current per bridge, 0.73 Ω typical R_DS(on) at 25 °C, programmable high-side overcurrent detection, and integrated fast freewheeling diodes.

For engineers reviewing the L6226Q datasheet, L6226Q pinout, L6226Q application, or L6226Q equivalent, key selection considerations include dual-bridge thermal shutdown behavior, bootstrap charge-pump operation (600 kHz, 10 V), non-dissipative OCD threshold programming via PROGCLA/PROGCLB resistors, and QFN32 5×5 mm package layout constraints for motor drive PCBs.

Technical Context

The L6226Q integrates two independent full-bridge power stages using BCDmultipower technology, each with N-channel high-side and low-side DMOS transistors, intrinsic freewheeling diodes, and cross-conduction protection via 0.5–1 µs dead time. It employs an internal oscillator (600 kHz typ.) driving an external charge-pump network (VCP, C_BOOT, C_P) to generate V_BOOT for high-side gate drive.

Overcurrent detection operates non-dissipatively by sensing a precise fraction of high-side MOSFET current, with threshold programmable via external resistors (R_CL = 0 Ω to 40 kΩ) yielding ±30% or ±10% tolerance on 2.8 A or 0.29–2.21 A thresholds respectively; thermal shutdown triggers at 165 °C (15 °C hysteresis).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in QFN32 5×5 mm package with exposed thermal pad (pins 2–8 internally connected to die PAD, which must be soldered to PCB GND plane for thermal and electrical integrity).

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 VNH7040AS, the L6226Q uniquely combines dual full-bridge topology, non-dissipative OCD programming, and integrated charge pump in a compact QFN32 package-making it optimal for space-constrained, thermally sensitive bipolar stepper and dual DC motor designs requiring self-contained protection.

Availability

L6226Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical device motion control, and embedded robotics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for L6226Q 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 analog/mixed-signal ICs.

The L6226Q belongs to ST's "Motor Driver" product line, engineered specifically for robust, integrated H-bridge solutions in cost-sensitive industrial and consumer motion systems requiring high integration and thermal resilience.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended bootstrap capacitor value for reliable V_BOOT operation?

The datasheet specifies 220 nF for C_BOOT (ceramic, X7R, 16 V rating) placed between V_BOOT and VSA/VSB. Using <220 nF risks insufficient charge hold during high-duty-cycle operation, causing high-side FET dropout and erratic motor behavior. Layout must minimize loop inductance with short, wide traces.

How does the L6226Q handle simultaneous overcurrent events on both bridges?

OCDA and OCDB operate independently; each pulls low upon its respective bridge's fault. When both are tied to a common pull-up, the first fault disables both ENA and ENB if configured in series, ensuring coordinated shutdown. No arbitration logic exists-system-level firmware must interpret dual faults separately via dedicated MCU inputs.

Can the L6226Q drive a unipolar stepper motor?

No-it lacks center-tap drive capability and is designed exclusively for bipolar configurations requiring full-bridge current reversal. Unipolar steppers require five-wire interface with common anode/cathode, which the L6226Q's four-terminal-per-bridge architecture cannot support without external transistor arrays.

What is the maximum allowable trace length between SENSEA and power ground?

ST recommends ≤2 mm trace length with ≥0.5 mm width and direct connection to a solid ground plane. Longer traces introduce inductance that distorts OCD timing and may cause false trips under fast current transients; star-point grounding at the SENSE pin is mandatory for stable operation.