STMicroelectronics STEVAL-PTOOL2V1

Overview

STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 from STMicroelectronics is a compact 80 mm × 58 mm reference design for battery-operated BLDC motor control in power tools, supporting 8S–15S Li-ion packs (20–72 VDC input), delivering up to 19 A_RMS continuous output current with STL130N8F7 PowerFlat 5×6 MOSFETs and STSPIN32F0252 integrated 250 V gate driver + Cortex-M0 MCU.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 datasheet, STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 pinout, STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 application, or STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 equivalent, this board enables rapid evaluation of sensored/sensorless 6-step and FOC motor control, single-shunt current sensing, Hall/encoder interface, speed regulation via trimmer, and full protection including thermal shutdown, UVLO, and 36 A peak OCP.

Technical Context

The board implements a 3-phase inverter architecture centered on the STSPIN32F0252, integrating a 250 V three-phase gate driver, analog current sensing front-end, and STM32F0252 Cortex-M0 core running motor control firmware. It supports both sensored commutation using digital Hall sensors and sensorless operation via back-EMF detection.

Power stage uses six STL130N8F7 N-channel 80 V MOSFETs (R_DS(on) ≤ 3.6 mΩ) in PowerFlat 5×6 packages, driven by low-side and high-side gate outputs with bootstrap circuitry. Auxiliary power is generated via VIPER013 buck converter delivering regulated 12 V and 3.3 V supplies.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered power tools, cordless garden equipment, and portable industrial BLDC drives requiring stable component supply, reference design validation, and rapid firmware prototyping.

Supply support for STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL motor control reference design family, engineered to accelerate development of high-efficiency, protected, and standards-compliant BLDC/PMSM drives for professional-grade portable tools.

FAQ

Is STEVAL-PTOOL2V1 suitable for production use?

No - it is an evaluation/reference board intended for design verification and firmware development only. It lacks safety certifications (e.g., UL/IEC), conformal coating, and production-grade mechanical robustness required for end-product integration. ST explicitly states it must not be used in electrical installations or machinery.

What motor control firmware is included?

The board ships with STSW-PTOOL2V1 - precompiled 6-step firmware supporting Hall-effect sensor feedback. Full source code and FOC examples are available in ST's Motor Control SDK. Firmware is loaded via SWD and configurable through UART commands or onboard trimmer.

Does it support encoder-based position feedback?

Yes - the board provides dedicated differential inputs (A+/A−, B+/B−, Z+/Z−) compatible with incremental encoders. These signals connect directly to STSPIN32F0252 GPIOs (PA0–PA2, PC14–PC15) and are processed in firmware for closed-loop position or speed control.

How is overcurrent protection implemented?

Hardware-based peak current limiting uses a 3 mΩ shunt resistor (R25) and comparator (U3 TS861) to detect >36 A instantaneous current, triggering immediate gate shutdown via STSPIN32F0252's SmartShutDown OCP feature - independent of MCU execution and faster than software-based protection.