STMicroelectronics STSPIN32F0B single-shunt BLDC motor controller

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STMicroelectronics has expanded its STSPIN32 programmable motor controller family with the STSPIN32F0B system-in-package (SiP) for one-shunt current sensing — an all-in-one solution for the growing market of battery-operated power tools.

By integrating a single op-amp for current sensing, the product saves individual three-phase BLDC coil-current sense resistors and makes extra I/O pins available for user features. The SiP contains a 48MHz STM32F031x6 microcontroller (MCU) capable of running a six-step motor-control algorithm as well as other application-level functionalities.

With 20 GPIO pins, the device allows easy access to the MCU’s internal features that include up to five general-purpose timers, a 12-bit ADC and a temperature sensor. The MCU also provides I²C, UART and SPI ports.

The SiP contains a triple half-bridge gate driver capable of sourcing up to 600 mA per channel into external MOSFETs for powering the motor. In addition, a 3.3 V DC/DC buck converter and 12 V low-dropout (LDO) regulator provide the voltage rails to supply the MCU, gate driver and external components, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Further integrated features include bootstrap diodes for start-up and protection mechanisms that ensure robust operation even in demanding industrial applications. These include real-time programmable over-current protection, cross-conduction/shoot-through prevention, under-voltage lockout (UVLO) on all power supplies and over-temperature protection.

ST provides a selection of ready-to-use six-step motor-control algorithms for sensored or sensorless BLDC control. In addition, access to the integrated STM32’s bootloader allows over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates to boost flexibility.

The motor controller has an extended supply-voltage range from 45 down to 6.7 V, allowing use in a wide variety of products including portable devices powered by as few as two lithium-polymer (LiPo) cells. To save power when the motor is idle, and thus maximise battery runtime, a standby mode is available that disables all circuitry except the DC-DC converter supplying the MCU.

For more information: www.st.com/stspin32f0b-pr.