STMicroelectronics Intros powerSPIN Family of Motor Drivers

STMicroelectronics Inc. (ST, Geneva, Switzerland) introduced its powerSPIN family of monolithic motor drivers that are an open, scalable solution for a wide range of motion control applications. The new powerSPIN platform includes devices suitable for driving dc motors, stepper motors and brushless dc motors, along with a comprehensive support package, including evaluation boards, PC software and detailed application notes. The smart motor driver range includes the L6205 and L6225, L6206 and L6226, L6207 and L6227, L6208 and L6228 dual dc or bipolar stepper motors, and the L6235 and L6229 for brushless dc motors.

The powerSPIN devices are built with ST’s BCDIII process, which combines bipolar, CMOS and isolated DMOS structures on the same chip to provide a 60 V mixed-signal, smart power technology. This allows all of the control and power circuitry required to drive the motor to be integrated in a single chip. The high level of integration reduces part count, while the inclusion of protection and diagnostic circuitry results in devices that are reliable and easy to use.

The devices are supported by an evaluation environment, called practiSPIN, which comprises boards and a software tool that provides an interface between a PC and the motor driver, as well as performing power dissipation and thermal analysis simulation.