ST EVAL-L9958 User manual

November 2014 DocID027205 Rev 1 1/11
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AN4627
Application note
Getting started with EVAL-L9958
Introduction
The EVAL-L9958 is the evaluation board designed to provide the user with a platform to
evaluate L9958, the motor driver for DC motors.
The board offers all the inputs and outputs capabilities necessary to configure the device
and to monitor diagnostic functionalities. A lot of test points allow to evaluate and monitor
the signals and the HW status of the device.
The selected solution is the quickest way to discover the L9958 device, to develop the code
to program and control the device and to debug the application.
Figure 1. EVAL-L9958 evaluation board
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Contents AN4627
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Contents
1 Getting started with EVAL-L9958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 Board description and connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Device configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix A General handling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Appendix B Schematic diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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AN4627 List of tables
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List of tables
Table 1. Microcontroller connector (J8) – Pin description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Table 2. Jumpers: description and default configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Table 3. Document revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

List of figures AN4627
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List of figures
Figure 1. EVAL-L9958 evaluation board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Figure 2. Top side – LEDs and Rest Rext (external reference resistor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 3. EVAL-L9958 - Schematic diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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AN4627 Getting started with EVAL-L9958
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1 Getting started with EVAL-L9958
1.1 Board description and connections
Figure 2. Top side – LEDs and Rest Rext (external reference resistor)
The EVAL-L9958 evaluation board size is 78 mm x 57 mm, the PCB is FR4 glass epoxy
support with 2 copper layers.
The device L9958 is soldered on the top side; the copper area on top and bottom side of the
PCB is used as heatsink.
A dedicated pin array connector (J8) allows plugging the board in the SPC56 Discovery+
board.
The input signals EN, DI, DIR, PWM as well as the SPI all signals are connected to J8. If the
EVAL-L9958 board is connected to a SPC56 Discovery board, all input signals are properly
connected to the microcontroller.
Table 1 shows the J8 pin connection.
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Getting started with EVAL-L9958 AN4627
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The board comes already configured and the it works properly if plugged in a SPC56x
Discovery+ board. Adding some wires, the board can be driven using SPCDiscovery board
(SPC560B-DIS or SPC560B-DIS) or a different microcontroller evaluation board
Table 2 shows jumper name, the function and the default configuration.
The external PSU must be connected to the VBatt terminal blocks following the polarity
indication on top of the board (check the silkscreen).
VBatt level must be selected in accordance with the motor connected to the outputs as well
as the PSU current capability. The VBAT voltage level must be lower than the maximum
operative voltage of the L9958. The LED D6 is turned on when the board is supplied and
VBAT is ON; the LED D2 highlights the VDD status.
The load (motor) must be connected to J5.
The load connections as well as all the wires must be connected to the board when the
board is not supplied.
Table 1. Microcontroller connector (J8) – Pin description
Pin name Description
A22 PWM input signal
C17 DI input signal
C18 DIR input signal
C26 SI input signal
D17 EN input signal
D18 CS - SPI
D25 SCK - SPI
D18 SO - SPI
C33 VDDIO
A34 GND
Table 2. Jumpers: description and default configuration
Jumper name Description Default config
J2 DIR setting
(from uC, VDDIO, GND or external source)
2-3 (µController)
J3 EN Setting
(from uC, GND or external source)
1-2 (µController)
J4 VDD setting
(from internal regulator or VDDIO)
ON (+5V)
J6 VDD setting:
(from VDDIO or external source) OFF

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1.2 Device configuration
L9958 is a configurable device via SPI. The SPI communication allows the user to read
information from the device and diagnostic function.

General handling precautions AN4627
8/11 DocID027205 Rev 1
Appendix A General handling precautions
The following precautions are recommended when using the EVAL-L9958 board:
•Do not modify or manipulate the board when the DC supply is connected to the board.
•Any equipment or tool used for any manipulation of the semiconductor devices or
board modification should be connected to ground to avoid or limit the ESD.
•The connectors and cables must be plugged and removed when the board is not
powered.
•Do not supply the board with a DC source higher than the maximum operative range or
with reverse polarity.
•It is recommended to use antistatic tools.

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AN4627 Schematic diagram
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Appendix B Schematic diagram
Figure 3. EVAL-L9958 - Schematic diagram

Revision history AN4627
10/11 DocID027205 Rev 1
Revision history
Table 3. Document revision history
Date Revision Changes
25-Nov-2014 1 Initial release.

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