L6506 Bipolar Motor Driver IC – Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The STMicroelectronics L6506 is a bipolar motor driver integrated circuit designed for stepper motor control applications. It functions as a current management controller with a pre-driver half-bridge output configuration, operating across a 4.5V to 7V supply voltage range. The device is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent parts for new designs and ongoing production requirements. The L6506 is available in a through-hole 18-DIP package and maintains full RoHS3 compliance with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Substiute Parts

L6506

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 5894L6506 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

L6506D

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 1991L6506D Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the L6506 is determined by equivalence across the following critical parameters:

Electrical Compatibility Parameters:

• Motor type classification (bipolar stepper motor control)
• Function (current management controller)
• Output configuration (pre-driver half-bridge topology with 4 outputs)
• Interface type (parallel control interface)
• Step resolution capability (1 and 1/2 step modes)
• Supply voltage range (4.5V to 7V operation)
• Operating temperature range (0°C to 125°C)

Compliance & Regulatory Parameters:

• RoHS3 compliance status
• REACH regulatory status
• ECCN classification (EAR99)
• HTSUS commodity code (8542.39.0001)

The L6506D qualifies as a direct functional equivalent based on identical electrical specifications and regulatory compliance. The primary distinction lies in packaging format: the L6506D utilizes surface-mount 20-SOIC technology versus the through-hole 18-DIP format of the original L6506. The L6506D maintains active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and manufacturer support.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The L6506D is the direct functional equivalent for the obsolete L6506. Both devices share identical electrical specifications, regulatory compliance certifications, and control interface characteristics. The L6506D maintains active product status with STMicroelectronics, ensuring continued availability and technical support.

Selection Considerations:

The primary distinction between the two parts is packaging technology. The L6506 utilizes through-hole 18-DIP mounting, while the L6506D employs surface-mount 20-SOIC technology. This difference requires corresponding changes to printed circuit board layout and assembly processes. Through-hole designs are suitable for manual assembly and breadboard prototyping, whereas surface-mount designs are optimized for automated manufacturing environments.

Both devices maintain identical moisture sensitivity levels relative to their respective package types (MSL 1 for DIP, MSL 3 for SOIC), and both comply with RoHS3 and REACH regulatory requirements. The selection between these parts should be based on manufacturing process requirements and circuit board design constraints rather than electrical performance considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the L6506D directly replace the L6506 in existing designs?

A: The L6506D provides electrical and functional equivalence to the L6506. However, the packaging difference (18-DIP through-hole versus 20-SOIC surface-mount) requires circuit board redesign. Pin-to-pin compatibility cannot be assumed due to different package formats and pin counts.

Q: What is the primary reason for substituting the L6506?

A: The L6506 is classified as obsolete. The L6506D is the active equivalent part from STMicroelectronics, ensuring ongoing supply and manufacturer support for new designs and production continuity.

Q: Are the electrical specifications identical between L6506 and L6506D?

A: Yes. Both devices operate across 4.5V to 7V supply voltage, support bipolar stepper motor control with 1 and 1/2 step resolution, feature identical pre-driver half-bridge output configuration, and maintain the same operating temperature range of 0°C to 125°C.

Q: What are the compliance differences between these parts?

A: Both the L6506 and L6506D are RoHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified under ECCN EAR99. Regulatory compliance is equivalent across both devices.

Q: How do the moisture sensitivity levels differ?

A: The L6506 (18-DIP through-hole) has MSL 1 (unlimited moisture sensitivity), while the L6506D (20-SOIC surface-mount) has MSL 3 (168 hours). This reflects standard industry practice for different package types and does not affect electrical performance.

Q: What design changes are required when switching from L6506 to L6506D?

A: Circuit board layout must be redesigned to accommodate the 20-SOIC surface-mount package format instead of the 18-DIP through-hole format. Assembly processes must transition from through-hole insertion to surface-mount technology. Electrical schematic connections remain functionally equivalent.

Q: Is the L6506D suitable for new product development?

A: Yes. The L6506D maintains active product status with STMicroelectronics and is the recommended choice for new designs requiring bipolar stepper motor driver functionality in the 4.5V to 7V supply range.