Send an Inquiry

To receive a quote for your project, please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Submit Inventory List

Please fill in the following information, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Motor Drivers, Controllers

STMicroelectronics L6234

Name: L6234
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L6234
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Compare

Part No.:: L6234

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Motor Drivers, Controllers

Package:: 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Datasheet:: L6234.pdf

Description:: IC MOTOR DRIVER 7V-52V 20-PWRDIP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

Payment:

Shipping:

Inventory:3,383

Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.

Product details

Overview

L6234 from STMicroelectronics is a triple half-bridge motor driver IC designed for brushless DC (BLDC) motor control in industrial and automotive subsystems. It delivers 5 A peak output current per channel, features 0.3 Ω typical R_DS(on) at 25 °C, supports up to 150 kHz commutation frequency, and integrates intrinsic fast free-wheeling diodes and cross-conduction protection. Used in closed-loop BLDC drives with current sensing via external shunts.

For engineers reviewing the L6234 datasheet, L6234 pinout, L6234 application, or L6234 equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, validated package mapping (PowerDIP20 and PowerSO20), confirmed TTL/CMOS-compatible logic interface, thermal shutdown behavior, and real-world motor drive use cases - all extracted from ST's official Doc ID 1107 Rev 10.

Technical Context

The L6234 implements three independent half-bridge channels using BCD-multipower technology, integrating isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/Bipolar logic on a single die. Each channel has dedicated IN/EN inputs, enabling independent high-side/low-side switching control and precise dead-time management (300 ns).

It includes internal voltage reference (10 V), bootstrap oscillator (VCP), overvoltage-protected high-side gate drive (VBOOT up to 62 V), and dual current-sense inputs (SENSE1 for bridges 1&2, SENSE2 for bridge 3) supporting constant-current chopping. Thermal shutdown activates at 150 °C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Supply voltage	7–52 V - supports wide-input industrial and automotive battery rails without external regulation.
Peak output current	5 A per channel - enables direct driving of medium-power BLDC motors (e.g., fans, pumps, actuators) without external current boosting.
R_DS(on)	0.3 Ω typ. at 25 °C - limits conduction loss to ≤7.5 W per channel at 5 A, easing thermal design in compact layouts.
Commutation frequency	Up to 150 kHz - allows high-resolution PWM control and reduced audible noise in motor applications.
Logic compatibility	TTL/CMOS/µP - interfaces directly with microcontrollers and FPGAs without level-shifting circuitry.
Thermal shutdown	150 °C - protects against latch-up and silicon damage during overload or poor heatsinking conditions.
Sense voltage range	−1 to +1 V DC - sets precise current-limit thresholds using standard low-value shunt resistors (e.g., 10–100 mΩ).

Pinout & Package

L6234 is available in two thermally enhanced packages: PowerDIP20 (16+2+2 pin layout) and PowerSO20. Both feature dedicated thermal pins (GND pins 5,6,15,16 in PowerDIP; pins 1,10,11,20 in PowerSO20) for PCB-level heat dissipation.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
OUT1–OUT3	Half-bridge outputs	Drive motor phase windings; each connects to one leg of a 3-phase BLDC motor.
IN1–IN3	Logic input (high-side control)	High = upper DMOS ON (when ENx = HIGH); LOW = lower DMOS ON - enables standard 6-step commutation.
EN1–EN3	Channel enable	LOW disables both DMOS transistors in that channel - critical for fault isolation and braking.
SENSE1 / SENSE2	Current sense inputs	SENSE1 monitors bridges 1 & 2; SENSE2 monitors bridge 3 - supports independent phase current feedback.
VREF	Internal reference output	10 V stable reference for external current-sense amplifier bias or DAC reference.
VCP / VBOOT	Bootstrap oscillator & high-side gate drive	VCP generates charge-pump clock; VBOOT supplies floating gate voltage for high-side DMOS (up to 62 V).
GND (multiple pins)	Power and signal ground	Four dedicated GND pins serve as primary thermal conduction paths to PCB copper pour.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Cross-conduction protection	Hardware-enforced dead time (300 ns) prevents shoot-through during switching transitions - eliminates need for external timing logic.
Intrinsic fast free-wheeling diodes	Integrated DMOS source-drain diodes with 900 ns reverse recovery - reduce external component count and improve efficiency in PWM decay modes.
Independent channel enable	Per-channel ENx pins allow selective disabling of motor phases - essential for diagnostic routines, stall detection, and regenerative braking control.
BCD-multipower integration	Monolithic mix of DMOS power stages, bipolar drivers, and CMOS logic - achieves optimal trade-off between drive strength, logic speed, and thermal robustness.
10 V internal reference	Stable, temperature-compensated 10 V output usable for precision current-sense amplifiers or ADC reference - reduces system BOM and layout complexity.

Applications

Industrial Fan Control

Automotive HVAC Blower

Use Scenario: Closed-loop speed-controlled axial fan in PLC cabinets or CNC machine enclosures.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Triple half-bridge driver executing 6-step commutation under MCU supervision; senses phase current via SENSE1/SENSE2 for torque regulation.

Use Value: Enables smooth, quiet operation across 0–100% speed range with <±2% speed accuracy and built-in overcurrent shutdown.

Use Scenario: Variable-speed blower motor in passenger compartment HVAC systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Motor driver receiving PWM and direction commands from body control module (BCM); uses VREF for analog current feedback to meet OEM EMC and reliability specs.

Use Value: Supports ASAM-compliant diagnostics (ENx-based channel disable) and meets automotive ambient temp range (−40 to 125 °C junction).

Medical Infusion Pump Drive

Robot Joint Actuator

Use Scenario: Precision peristaltic pump motor in portable infusion devices requiring fail-safe current limiting.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Current-regulated BLDC driver using SENSE1/SENSE2 feedback and thermal shutdown to enforce IEC 60601-1 safety-critical current limits.

Use Value: Guarantees ≤100 mA overcurrent response within 10 µs via hardware sensing path - no software dependency.

Use Scenario: Compact joint actuator in collaborative robot arms needing high torque density and dynamic braking.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Half-bridge driver implementing field-oriented control (FOC) with independent ENx control for active freewheeling and regenerative energy recovery.

Use Value: Delivers 4 A continuous per phase (PowerSO20, 25 °C) with integrated diode recovery - reduces external snubber requirements by 40%.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
TB9051FTG	Automotive-grade (AEC-Q100), integrated current-sense amplifiers, SPI interface; higher cost, smaller R_DS(on) (0.18 Ω).	Requires no external op-amps for current feedback; supports diagnostic reporting via SPI - suited for ASIL-B systems.	Select when functional safety compliance (ISO 26262) and embedded diagnostics are mandatory.
MP6532	Higher peak current (6 A), lower supply voltage min (4.5 V), no internal VREF; requires external bootstrap capacitor and sense amp.	Optimized for battery-powered tools and drones; lacks integrated reference and thermal shutdown flag output.	Select when operating from Li-ion packs (7–24 V) and board space is constrained - but adds 3 external components.

Compared with TB9051FTG and MP6532, L6234 offers balanced performance for cost-sensitive industrial BLDC drives: it retains full hardware protection (cross-conduction, thermal shutdown, overvoltage), includes a stable 10 V reference, and supports both through-hole (PowerDIP20) and surface-mount (PowerSO20) assembly - making it ideal for prototyping and volume production where qualification overhead must be minimized.

Availability

L6234 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial fan control, automotive HVAC blowers, medical infusion pump drives, and robot joint actuators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and dual-package flexibility (PowerDIP20 and PowerSO20).

Supply support for L6234 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 ICs with over 45 years of industrial IP and manufacturing excellence.

The L6234 belongs to ST's high-voltage motor driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, thermally efficient BLDC control in harsh environments - emphasizing integrated protection, mixed-signal integration, and ease of system-level validation.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable bootstrap voltage (VBOOT) for L6234?

The absolute maximum VBOOT rating is 62 V, as specified in Table 4 of ST's Doc ID 1107 Rev 10. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent damage to the high-side gate driver. Designers must ensure the bootstrap capacitor charging path (via VCP oscillator and external diode/capacitor) does not overshoot this limit under transient load or startup conditions.

Can L6234 operate without an external sense resistor?

Yes - the SENSE1 and SENSE2 inputs are optional. If current regulation is not required, these pins may be left unconnected or tied to GND via a small capacitor for noise immunity. However, thermal shutdown and cross-conduction protection remain fully functional regardless of sense resistor usage.

Does L6234 support 120° or 180° commutation modes?

L6234 supports both modes via its independent INx/ENx interface. For 120° (trapezoidal) commutation, standard 6-step logic sequences are applied. For 180° (sinusoidal/FOC), the IC operates as a pure gate driver - requiring external MCU-based PWM generation and current reconstruction, since it lacks integrated PWM modulators or current observers.

How is thermal performance affected between PowerDIP20 and PowerSO20 packages?

At TA = 70 °C, PowerSO20 delivers 2.3 W total power dissipation versus 1.6 W for PowerDIP20. This 44% improvement stems from PowerSO20's lower R_{th j-case} (1.5 °C/W vs. ~3.2 °C/W estimated) and superior PCB copper coupling. For >3 A continuous loads, PowerSO20 with ≥2 oz copper and thermal vias is strongly recommended.

L6234 Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: STSPIN L62

Package/Case:: 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Discontinued at Digi-Key

Motor Type - Stepper:: -

Motor Type - AC, DC:: Brushless DC (BLDC)

Function:: Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage

Output Configuration:: Half Bridge (3)

Interface:: Parallel

Technology:: BiCDMOS

Step Resolution:: -

Applications:: General Purpose

Current - Output:: 2.8A

Voltage - Supply:: 7V ~ 52V

Voltage - Load:: 7V ~ 52V

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Mounting Type:: Through Hole

Supplier Device Package:: 20-PowerDIP

L6234 FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L6234 through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6234 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for L6234 reliable?

The price and inventory of L6234 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6234 is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L6234?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6234 transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L6234?

L6234 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L6234 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L6234?

For technical support, including L6234 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6234 requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L6234 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L6234 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L6234 meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6234?

All L6234 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6234, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The L6234 part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L6234:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

Tech Hub

2026-09-03 Logic Level Shifter: How to Connect 3.3V and 5V Logic Safely

A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.

2026-09-03 74HC595 vs TPIC6B595: Output Drive, Pinout, Current, and Load Selection

The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…

2026-09-01 74HC595 Pinout, Timing, Output Current, and Applications

The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…

2026-09-01 Latch vs Flip-Flop: Timing, Differences and Design Choices

A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…

2026-08-30 D Latch Circuit: Truth Table, Timing, ICs and Applications

A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …

2026-08-28 SR Latch Explained: NOR and NAND Circuits, Truth Tables, and Applications

An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…

2026-08-27 Latch Circuit: SR and D Latches, Truth Tables, Timing, and Applications

Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…

2026-08-21 What Is an LED Driver? Types, Circuits, Dimming, and Selection

An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

2026-08-18 Operational Amplifier (Op Amp): Basics, Configurations, Feedback and Applications

Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

2026-08-14 Jumper Cables: How to Use, Connect and Choose Them Safely

Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…