STMicroelectronics L6230Q

Overview

L6230Q from STMicroelectronics is a fully integrated DMOS 3-phase brushless DC motor driver with independent high-side current sensing, optimized for field-oriented control (FOC) systems. It operates from 8–52 V supply, delivers 2.8 A peak output current (1.4 A RMS), features 0.73 Ω typical R_DS(ON) at 25 °C, integrated fast freewheeling diodes, and non-dissipative overcurrent protection - enabling precise, efficient BLDC motor control in industrial motion and robotics.

For engineers reviewing the L6230Q datasheet, L6230Q pinout, L6230Q application, or L6230Q equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated package mapping (PowerSO36/VFQFPN32), confirmed pin functions including DIAG-EN dual-mode operation and uncommitted comparator I/O, real-world thermal resistance data (36 °C/W and 42 °C/W), and FOC-specific design considerations for current-sense layout and charge pump configuration.

Technical Context

The L6230Q 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 shunts, reducing board area and power loss.

It supports three driving methods: sinusoidal (FOC), six-step with current regulation, and sensorless BEMF-based control. The uncommitted comparator (CP+, CP−, CPOUT) enables flexible current limiting or zero-crossing detection, while the DIAG-EN pin serves both as chip enable input and open-drain fault indicator for overcurrent/thermal events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in two thermally optimized packages: PowerSO36 (R_th(j-amb) = 36 °C/W on 6 cm² copper) and VFQFPN32 (R_th(j-amb) = 42 °C/W on double-layer PCB with 0.5 cm² top copper + ground plane). Both expose GND-connected thermal slugs (PowerSO36 pins 1/18/19/36; VFQFPN32 pins 2–8).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB9051FTG and DRV8305PWP, the L6230Q uniquely combines non-dissipative current sensing, independent per-phase sense inputs for FOC, and dual-package flexibility - making it optimal for thermally constrained industrial servo and medical motion systems where analog precision and power efficiency are prioritized over digital control interfaces.

Availability

L6230Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial servo drives, automotive HVAC blowers, medical infusion pumps, and commercial drone ESCs requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for L6230Q 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6230Q belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for efficient, reliable, and compact control of 3-phase BLDC motors in space- and thermal-constrained applications - emphasizing integration, diagnostic capability, and FOC readiness.

FAQ

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

The DIAG-EN pin serves two distinct roles: as an active-low enable input (logic LOW disables all bridges), and as an open-drain fault indicator (pulled LOW during overcurrent or thermal shutdown). During normal operation, it must be held HIGH via external pull-up; during fault, its internal MOSFET sinks ≥4 mA to signal the event to the host controller without requiring additional interrupt hardware.

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

The L6230Q embeds proportional current-mirror circuits within each high-side DMOS transistor. These mirrors deliver ~1/1000 of the output current to internal comparators, eliminating the need for power-dissipating external shunts. The detection threshold (2.8 A typ.) is set by internal reference current, and fault response is triggered within 200 ns (t_OCD(ON)), ensuring fast short-circuit protection.

Which package offers better thermal performance: PowerSO36 or VFQFPN32?

PowerSO36 achieves lower junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (36 °C/W) when mounted on a multilayer FR4 PCB with 6 cm² copper on the bottom side, whereas VFQFPN32 reaches 42 °C/W on a double-layer board with 0.5 cm² top copper + ground plane. For high-continuous-current applications (>1.2 A RMS), PowerSO36 is preferred; VFQFPN32 suits space-constrained designs where 5×5 mm footprint is critical.

Can the internal comparator be used for sensorless BLDC commutation?

Yes - the uncommitted comparator (CP+, CP−, CPOUT) is explicitly designed for BEMF zero-crossing detection in sensorless control. By connecting CP+ to a filtered midpoint voltage and CP− to a phase node, CPOUT generates timing edges that synchronize commutation without Hall sensors or encoders, as validated in Section 6.3 of DS6996.