L6203 Full-Bridge Driver: Technical Parameters, Advantages and Disadvantages and Other Details

Ⅰ. Overview of L6203

Ⅱ. Absolute maximum ratings of L6203

Ⅲ. Technical parameters of L6203

Ⅳ. Circuit description of L6203

Ⅴ. What are the advantages and disadvantages of L6203?

Ⅵ. Block diagram of L6203

Ⅶ. How does the L6203 driver protect the motor and its own circuit?

The L6203 is a full-bridge driver suitable for motor control applications via multi-power BCD technology. The technology integrates isolated DMOS power transistors with CMOS and bipolar circuits on the same chip. By using hybrid technology, logic circuits and power stages can be optimized for optimal performance. The DMOS output transistors are capable of operating from supply voltages up to 42V and operate efficiently at high switching speeds. All logic inputs are TTL, CMOS and µC compatible. Each channel (half-bridge) of the device is controlled by a separate logic input, while both channels are controlled by a common enable. To ensure that parts are not damaged during the bulk packaging process, the product is packaged in tubes for added protection by storing loose parts in an outer tube. The device's typical operating supply voltage is 36V. Its minimum operating power supply voltage is 12V, and its maximum operating power supply voltage is 48V. Additionally, the motor controller's operating temperature range is from -40°C to 150°C. It is widely used in printers, robots, electric vehicles and other fields.

Alternatives and equivalents:

• L6202

• LMD18200T

• LMD18200T/LF14

Note 1: Mounted on board with minimized dissipating copper area.

Note 2: Pulse width limited only by junction temperature and transient thermal impedance.

• Part Status: Active

• Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics

• Package / Case: Multiwatt-11

• Packaging: Tube

• Rise Time: 200 ns

• Fall Time: 200 ns

• Pin Count: 11

• Switching Frequency: 30 kHz

• Dissipated Power: 2300 mW

• Process Technology: CMOS

• Operating Supply Voltage: 12 V to 48 V

• Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 150°C

• Number of Channels: 2

• Mounting Style: Through Hole

• Product Category: Motor / Motion / Ignition Controllers & Drivers

The L6203 is a monolithic full bridge switching motor driver realized in the new Multipower-BCD technology which allows the integration of multiple, isolated DMOS power transistors plus mixed CMOS/bipolar control circuits. In this way it has been possible to make all the control inputs TTL, CMOS and µC compatible and eliminate the necessity of external MOS drive components. The Logic Drive is shown in the following table.

Although the device guarantees the absence of cross-conduction, the presence of the intrinsic diodes in the POWER DMOS structure causes the generation of current spikes on the sensing terminals. This is due to charge-discharge phenomena in the capacitors C1 & C2 associated with the drain source junctions (fig. 1). When the output switches from high to low, a current spike is generated associated with the capacitor C1. On the low-to-high transition a spike of the same polarity is generated by C2, preceded by a spike of the opposite polarity due to the charging of the input capacity of the lower POWER DMOS transistor (fig. 2).

1. Advantages of L6203

(1) High efficiency: L6203 uses an efficient DMOS output transistor, which has lower power consumption and higher efficiency. Due to the optimization of its internal structure, DMOS transistors have smaller resistance in the on state, thereby reducing energy loss when current passes through. High efficiency means that more electrical energy is used for the actual work of the motor, rather than being converted into heat or other forms of energy loss.

(2) High performance: On the one hand, the L6203 driver has fast switching speed. This means that it can quickly respond to changes in control signals to achieve rapid starting, stopping and speed adjustment of the motor. On the other hand, L6203 has the capability of high current output. This is mainly due to its internal high-efficiency DMOS (double diffused metal oxide semiconductor) output transistor technology. DMOS transistors have extremely low resistance in the on state, allowing large currents to pass without excessive energy loss. Therefore, the L6203 driver can provide stable, high-power current output for the motor to meet the requirements for motor driving torque in various application scenarios.

(3) Easy to use: The pin configuration of L6203 is simple and clear, making it easy to connect and use. At the same time, it also supports TTL-compatible driver interface to facilitate connection with digital signal sources.

(4) Multiple protection functions: L6203 has multiple protection functions such as over-temperature protection, power under-voltage lockout, and current limitation, which can protect the motor and driver from damage.

(5) Wide power supply voltage range: L6203 can operate within a wide power supply voltage range, usually from 12V to 48V. This feature makes it suitable for a variety of application scenarios. For applications that require lower voltage drive, such as small robots, drones or model cars, the L6203 can easily operate stably within the voltage range of 12V to 24V, providing stable and efficient motor control for these devices. For applications that require higher voltage drive, such as electric vehicles, electric motorcycles or large-scale automation equipment, L6203 also performs well. It can operate stably within the voltage range of 24V to 48V, providing powerful driving force and reliable control performance for these devices.

2. Disadvantages of L6203

(1) Package size: Due to the rich functionality and excellent performance of L6203, its package size may be larger, which may limit its use in some space-limited applications.

(2) External components required: Although L6203 has multiple protection functions, in order to achieve more complete system protection, we may also need to add some external components, such as radiators, filters, etc.

(3) Cost: L6203 is a high-performance driver that relies on advanced technology and high-quality materials to ensure excellent performance, so its cost may be relatively high and may not be suitable for all applications. Especially in some cost-sensitive applications, such as small electronic products and model cars, the use of L6203 may significantly increase the manufacturing cost of the product, causing the product to lose market competitiveness.

The L6203 driver protects the motor and its own circuit in a variety of ways to ensure the stability and reliability of the system. Here are some of the main protective measures:

1. Power supply under-voltage lockout: When the power supply voltage is lower than a certain threshold, the L6203 driver will automatically turn off the output to prevent the motor and driver from being damaged by working at low voltage.

2. PWM control: Through pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, we can accurately control the speed and steering of the motor. This control method prevents the motor from overspeeding or losing control, thereby reducing the risk of damage to mechanical components and circuit overload.

3. Current control: The L6203 driver has a current control function that can limit the motor current. This helps prevent motor overloads and short circuits, thus protecting the motor and drive from damage.

4. Over-temperature protection: The L6203 driver integrates an over-temperature protection circuit that can monitor the chip temperature. When the temperature exceeds the set threshold, the driver will automatically take protective measures, such as reducing the output current or turning off the output, to prevent chip overheating and damage.

5. Other protection functions: In addition to the above protection measures, the L6203 driver may also have other protection functions, such as thermal shutdown, short circuit protection, etc. These functions can further improve the stability and security of the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a full-bridge driver?

Half-bridge drivers combine one low- and one high-side driver, so they can drive Q1 and Q2 (or Q3 and Q4) together. Full-bridge drivers obviously have two low-side and two high-side drivers so they can drive all four FETs.

2. What applications is L6203 suitable for?

L6203 is widely used in scenarios that require precise control of motor speed, direction and current, such as the driving of electric devices such as DC motors and stepper motors. It is suitable for robots, printers, industrial automation and other fields.

3. What protection measures does L6203 have?

L6203 integrates multiple protection functions, including power undervoltage lockout, current limit, thermal shutdown, etc., to ensure the safe operation of motors and drives. In addition, it has an over-temperature protection circuit that monitors the chip temperature and takes protective measures when it exceeds a set threshold.