STSPIN, best-in-class low-power standby mode

STMicroelectronics (ST) has launched the new STSPIN series of motor drivers targeting IoT products. As IoT and portable products become an integral part of daily life, the company has introduced ultra-compact, low-power electric motor drivers capable of enabling battery-powered products that are smaller, more portable, and offer extended usage time.

There are products requiring a significant level of engineering skill and experience for motor control. Examples include portable medical pumps and drivers, personal health assistive devices, portable POS terminals, small robots, surveillance devices, precision tools, and portable printers. The biggest challenge is integrating logic and power components into a single chip where space and power allocation are limited.

ST has integrated all these elements into its newly released single-chip motor driver lineup, enabling it to meet the most demanding requirements in portable wearable applications. ST's new motor driver, STSPIN, which integrates low power consumption, a small form factor, and outstanding performance, will further accelerate the proliferation of battery-powered IoT products.

With a size of 3 x 3mm, ST’s devices, the world’s smallest single-chip motor driver, integrate all the features to help launch innovative, user-friendly products into target markets, as well as lightweight and miniaturized designs.

Because it uses battery power in a conserved manner, the supply voltage is low at 1.8V, and in the zero-output state where the motor is not operating, the standby current is less than 80nA, supporting the best-in-class ultra-low power design. However, since it can supply up to 1.3 Arms when driving the motor, it can be applied to a wide range of applications such as robot positioning systems, printer motors, camera autofocus mechanisms, motors for electric toothbrushes, and syringe pumps.

Domenico Arrigo, General Manager of ST’s Industrial and Power Conversion business unit, said, “The newly released STSPIN single-chip device simplifies complex precision motor control, which can accelerate time-to-market for new products. With this ultra-low power technology, the operating time of battery products can be extended, and during design, it is possible to create enhanced mobile portable products based on higher value-added motor functions.”

ST's new low-power, low-voltage STSPIN motor drivers are currently in mass production in 3 x 3mm QFN packages, with purchase prices starting at $0.75 per thousand for the STSPIN230 and STSPIN240, and $0.95 for the STSPIN220.