ST releases motor controller with 32-bit MCU suitable for miniaturization
Published2017.10.30 10:27STMicroelectronics has launched the programmable motor controller STSPIN32F0A.
This device integrates an STM32F0 microcontroller (MCU) and gate drivers for 3 external MOSFET half-bridges, and features a 3.3V DC/DC switching converter with an added 12V LDO, provided in a lightweight/compact 7 x 7mm form factor to offer flexible motor control options during design.
The 48MHz microcontroller with 32Kbyte on-chip flash enables not only motor control algorithms such as 6-step sensorless, field-oriented control, and position-sensing control, but also user application execution.
With an operating voltage range of 6.7V to 45V, the STSPIN32F0A can be driven by small batteries the size of a pair of LiPo cells for mobile robots, gimbals, drones, and similar applications. It is ideal not only for portable appliances such as power tools, air purifiers, and compact refrigerators, but also for server cooling fans and 3D printers.
Developers can utilize microcontroller peripherals that reduce CPU intervention for processing motor back-EMF or position/Hall-sensor feedback and enable precise control down to near-zero rotor speed, as well as 16 programmable I/O pins. Additionally, it includes 3 operational amplifiers and a 12-bit 9-channel ADC that can be used for tasks such as current sensing through shunt resistors.
The MCU also includes 5 general-purpose timers and I2C, UART, and SPI interfaces. Users can access the STM32 bootloader to flexibly update and upgrade firmware over-the-air (OTA).
Since this gate-driver IC can deliver up to 600mA per channel, designers can select MOSFETs broadly to control motors across various power ratings. The integrated bootstrap diode ensures stable startup, and protection features include real-time programmable overcurrent protection, cross-conduction/shoot-through prevention, UVLO (Under-Voltage Lockout), and thermal shutdown protection.
Furthermore, the STSPIN32F0A integrates a 3.3V DC/DC converter that supplies power to the microcontroller and a 12V LDO for the gate-drive circuit, further simplifying system design and reducing material costs.
This STM32-based motor driver connects with ST's extensive STM32 development ecosystem, which includes the software package STM32Cube and hardware STM32 Nucleo, along with resources from certified partners in the STM32 Partner Program.
The STSPIN32F0A is currently available, with pricing starting at $1.605 per 1,000 units for the 7 x 7mm QFN package.
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