STMicroelectronics L6230QTR

Overview

L6230QTR from STMicroelectronics is a DMOS fully integrated 3-phase brushless DC motor driver with independent high-side current sensing, non-dissipative overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown. 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. Used in field-oriented control (FOC) systems for precision BLDC motor drives in industrial automation and HVAC blowers.

For engineers reviewing the L6230QTR datasheet, L6230QTR pinout, L6230QTR application, or L6230QTR equivalent, key selection considerations include bootstrap gate drive architecture, integrated comparator functionality, diagnostic output behavior under overcurrent, and thermal resistance differences between PowerSO36 and VFQFPN32 packages.

Technical Context

The L6230QTR integrates six DMOS power transistors in triple half-bridge topology with intrinsic fast freewheeling diodes and cross-conduction protection via 1 µs internal dead time. Its non-dissipative overcurrent detection uses embedded current-sensing elements per high-side MOSFET, eliminating external sense resistors while maintaining ±14 mV comparator offset and 200 ns OCD turn-on delay.

It implements dual-function DIAG-EN pin (enable input / fault open-drain output), supports TTL/CMOS logic inputs with 0.8 V low-level and 2 V high-level thresholds, and includes a charge pump oscillator (600 kHz typ.) driving VBOOT to enable N-channel high-side gate drive above VS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in two thermally optimized packages: PowerSO36 (R_th(j-amb) = 36 °C/W on 6 cm² bottom copper) and VFQFPN32 (R_th(j-amb) = 42 °C/W on double-layer PCB with 0.5 cm² top copper + ground plane). Both feature exposed thermal pads internally connected to GND.

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 DRV8305PWP, the L6230QTR uniquely combines non-dissipative OCD, independent SENSE pins, and an uncommitted comparator in a single chip-enabling self-contained FOC implementation without external signal conditioning or fault arbitration logic.

Availability

L6230QTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HVAC blowers, automated guided vehicle (AGV) drive systems, and programmable lab centrifuges requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for L6230QTR 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 analog, MEMS, power, and microcontroller products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6230QTR belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for efficient, reliable, and sensor-flexible control of 3-phase BLDC motors in cost-sensitive industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the function of the DIAG-EN pin?

The DIAG-EN pin serves dual roles: as an active-low enable input to globally disable all power stages, and as an open-drain fault output that pulls low during overcurrent or thermal shutdown events. When used as an output, it requires an external pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ) to interface with microcontroller GPIOs for real-time fault reporting.

How does the non-dissipative overcurrent protection work?

Each high-side DMOS transistor integrates a precision current-mirroring element that delivers a scaled replica (≈1/2000) of its output current to the OCD circuit. This avoids external shunt resistors and their associated power loss. When the mirrored current exceeds the internal 2.8 A threshold, the DIAG-EN pin activates within 200 ns to signal the fault.

Can the L6230QTR operate without external bootstrap capacitors?

No. The VBOOT pin requires an external 220 nF ceramic capacitor and two 1N4148 diodes per channel to form the charge pump circuit. Without them, the high-side gate drive voltage collapses after initial startup, causing asymmetric conduction and potential shoot-through in the half-bridges.

What is the maximum allowable PCB temperature rise for continuous 1.4 A RMS operation?

Using the VFQFPN32 package on a double-layer FR4 board (R_th(j-amb) = 42 °C/W), junction-to-ambient thermal resistance limits the allowable ambient temperature to ≤75 °C for continuous 1.4 A RMS operation-assuming 125 °C max junction temperature and 1.4² × 0.73 = 1.43 W conduction loss per channel.