STMicroelectronics L6234PD013TR

Overview

L6234PD013TR from STMicroelectronics is a triple half-bridge motor driver IC for brushless DC (BLDC) motors, featuring 7–52 V supply range, 5 A peak output current per channel, 0.3 Ω typical R_DS(on) at 25 °C, TTL/CMOS/µP-compatible logic inputs, and integrated fast freewheeling diodes. It operates up to 150 kHz commutation frequency and includes cross-conduction protection, thermal shutdown, and independent enable/input control per channel.

For engineers reviewing the L6234PD013TR datasheet, L6234PD013TR pinout, L6234PD013TR application, or L6234PD013TR equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel enable logic, dual-sense resistor support (SENSE1/SENSE2), bootstrap gate drive architecture (VBOOT/VCP), and PowerSO20 thermal performance (R_{th j-case} = 1.5 °C/W).

Technical Context

The L6234PD013TR integrates three independent half-bridges using BCD-multipower technology-combining isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS/bipolar logic on a single die. Each bridge supports high-current switching (5 A peak) without second-breakdown limitation, with R_DS(on) optimized for low conduction loss at 25 °C.

Control is implemented via six dedicated logic terminals: three INx pins for high/low-side selection and three ENx pins for channel enable/disable. Current sensing uses two differential sense inputs (SENSE1 for bridges 1 & 2, SENSE2 for bridge 3), supporting constant-current chopping in BLDC commutation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The L6234PD013TR is housed in a thermally enhanced PowerSO20 package with exposed die pad for PCB heat dissipation. Pin 1–20 follow standardized layout with GND (pins 1,10,11,20), Vs (pins 9,12), and dedicated signal groups for enable, input, output, and bootstrap functions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TB6603FNG and DRV8313, the L6234PD013TR offers superior voltage range (52 V), lower R_DS(on), and built-in 10 V reference - making it optimal for high-reliability, thermally constrained BLDC designs where analog simplicity and robustness are critical.

Availability

L6234PD013TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HVAC blowers, automotive coolant pumps, medical infusion pumps, and robotic joint actuators requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for L6234PD013TR 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 analog devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6234PD013TR belongs to ST's motor driver product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-voltage BLDC motor control in space- and thermally constrained applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current per channel?

The L6234PD013TR supports 4 A DC output current per channel at T_A = 25 °C, as specified in recommended operating conditions. Continuous current is thermally limited by package dissipation (2.3 W at T_A = 70 °C); actual usable current depends on PCB copper area, heatsinking, and ambient temperature.

How does the bootstrap gate drive (VCP/VBOOT) function?

VCP is the oscillator output that drives an external charge pump capacitor; VBOOT is the resulting boosted voltage supplied to the high-side gate driver. This architecture enables upper DMOS turn-on without isolated power supplies, supporting high-side switching up to 62 V peak.

Can SENSE1 and SENSE2 be used simultaneously for full 3-phase current sensing?

Yes - SENSE1 monitors bridges 1 and 2 (shared sense node), while SENSE2 monitors bridge 3 independently. This configuration supports three-wire shunt-based current sensing for trapezoidal or sinusoidal commutation algorithms with phase-specific regulation.

Is the PowerSO20 package RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the L6234PD013TR is offered in ECOPACK®-compliant PowerSO20 packaging, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3. Full environmental compliance data is published in ST's official ECOPACK® documentation.