STMicroelectronics L6230PDTR

Overview

L6230PDTR from STMicroelectronics is a fully integrated DMOS 3-phase brushless DC motor driver IC with independent high-side current sensing, non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and integrated fast freewheeling diodes. It delivers 2.8 A peak output current (1.4 A RMS), operates from 8–52 V supply, features R_DS(ON) = 0.73 Ω (typ. at 25 °C), and supports up to 100 kHz switching frequency for field-oriented control (FOC) of BLDC motors in industrial motion systems.

For engineers reviewing the L6230PDTR datasheet, L6230PDTR pinout, L6230PDTR application, or L6230PDTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its bootstrap gate drive architecture, diagnostic output behavior under overcurrent/thermal fault, uncommitted comparator interface for current regulation, and thermal resistance characteristics across PowerSO36 and VFQFPN32 packages.

Technical Context

The L6230PDTR integrates six DMOS power transistors in triple half-bridge topology with cross-conduction protection via 1 µs internal dead time. Its non-dissipative overcurrent detection uses embedded high-side current mirrors (ISOVER = 2.8 A typ.) instead of external shunt resistors, reducing board area and power loss.

It implements a 600 kHz charge pump oscillator (VCP output) to generate VBOOT for N-channel high-side gate drive, and includes an open-drain uncommitted comparator (CPOUT) with ±14 mV offset voltage and 500 ns turn-off propagation delay - enabling precise peak-current limiting in six-step or FOC motor control loops.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in VFQFPN32 (5×5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) and PowerSO36 packages. The L6230PDTR variant corresponds to the VFQFPN32 package with exposed thermal pad connected to GND (pins 2–8).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-phase BLDC motor driver applications.

Compared with TB9051FTG and DRV8305PAPR, the L6230PDTR offers unique value in externally programmable current regulation via its open-drain comparator and per-phase sense inputs - making it preferred for custom FOC implementations requiring analog loop tuning and wide 8–52 V operation.

Availability

L6230PDTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial fan control, automotive HVAC blowers, robot joint actuators, and medical infusion pump drives requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for L6230PDTR 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 industrial certification coverage.

The L6230PDTR belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, designed specifically for robust, sensorless and sensor-based FOC implementation in 3-phase BLDC systems operating from 8 V to 52 V DC bus.

FAQ

What is the function of the DIAG-EN pin in normal operation versus fault condition?

In normal operation, DIAG-EN serves as an active-low enable input: pulling it low disables all power MOSFETs and places outputs in high-impedance state. During overcurrent or thermal fault, an internal open-drain transistor pulls DIAG-EN low to signal the fault condition to the host controller. External pull-up is required for both modes, and REN/CEN values determine fault recovery timing per DS6996 Rev 4 Section 5.3.

How does the non-dissipative overcurrent protection work without external sense resistors?

The L6230PDTR embeds proportional current mirrors on each high-side DMOS transistor that deliver ~1/1000 of the output current to internal comparators. This eliminates external shunt resistors while maintaining 2.8 A detection accuracy across temperature. The mirrored current is compared against an internal reference; exceeding the threshold triggers immediate gate shutdown and DIAG-EN assertion without dissipating power in external components.

Can the uncommitted comparator be used for overcurrent protection in addition to the built-in OCD circuit?

Yes - the CP+/CP-/CPOUT comparator is fully independent of the internal OCD circuit and can be configured for secondary current limiting, voltage monitoring, or auxiliary protection functions. For example, connecting CP+ to a DAC output and CP- to SENSE1 enables programmable per-phase current clamping, while CPOUT can feed back into a microcontroller interrupt or PWM duty cycle limiter, adding redundancy beyond the primary OCD.

What thermal considerations apply when using the VFQFPN32 package in a double-layer PCB?

When mounted on a double-layer FR4 PCB with 0.5 cm² top-side copper plus 6 cm² ground layer connected via 18 vias (9 under IC), the VFQFPN32 package achieves R_th(j-amb) = 42 °C/W. To sustain 1.4 A RMS continuously, junction temperature must stay below 125 °C - requiring ambient ≤ 68 °C. Thermal relief via solder mask opening over the exposed pad and ≥10 thermal vias is mandatory; insufficient copper area risks thermal shutdown at <1 A load.