ST Trims Brushless Motor-Control Designs with Gate-Driver for E-Bikes, Low-Voltage Applications

Semiconductor specialist STMicroelectronics (ST) has created an integrated 3-phase half-bridge driver IC with performance optimized for low-voltage industrial applications up to 75V, delivering a space-efficient and power-saving solution to control 3-phase brushless motors in e-bikes, power tools, pumps, fans, light machinery, gaming consoles, and other equipment.

The STDRIVE101 embeds 3 half-bridge drivers for external N-Channel MOSFETs, each able to sink and source up to 600mA gate current. Integrated bootstrap diodes and a 50mA 12V low-dropout (LDO) regulator ready to supply external components help designers minimize the bill of materials.

A comparator for over-current detection using external resistors and drain-source voltage monitoring of each MOSFET for short-circuit protection are also provided.

Essential safety features are built-in, including internally generated dead-time to prevent cross-conduction, over-temperature shutdown, and Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO) on both the low-side and high-side sections to prevent the MOSFETs from operating in low efficiency or dangerous conditions.

A DT/MODE selection pin lets designers choose to control switching with individual high-side and low-side signals or a single PWM signal and enable input. A standby pin sets the STDRIVE101 in low-power mode with the LDO turned off to maximize energy savings when idle.

Meanwhile, the STDRIVE101 is in production now and available in a 24-pin VFQFN 4mm x 4mm package, priced from USD 0.71 for orders of 1,000 units.