STMicroelectronics AEK-MOT-8DCMH98 Half-Bridge DC Motor Driver Board

Introduction

The STMicroelectronics AEK-MOT-8DCMH98 is a high-current DC motor driver evaluation board designed for demanding multi-channel motor-control applications. Built around the L99MH98 octal half-bridge predriver, it provides a flexible platform for controlling multiple brushed DC motors, actuators, valves, and other inductive loads.

Part Description

The AEK-MOT-8DCMH98 is a motor driver board that supports eight configurable half-bridge outputs or four full H-bridge motor channels. This configuration makes it suitable for designs that need to control several independent loads or bidirectional DC motors from a single controller platform.

In half-bridge mode, each channel can support currents up to 15 A. When paired into a full-bridge configuration, the board can drive a bidirectional motor channel at up to 30 A. The integrated L99MH98 predriver provides SPI-based control and diagnostic feedback, allowing a host microcontroller to configure outputs, monitor operating conditions, and respond to detected faults.

Key board capabilities include:

• Eight configurable half-bridge channels
• Four configurable full-bridge DC motor channels
• Up to 15 A per channel in half-bridge operation
• Up to 30 A per channel in full-bridge operation
• L99MH98 octal half-bridge predriver
• SPI communication for configuration and diagnostics
• Current measurement support
• Supply-voltage monitoring
• Automotive-oriented protection features
• Support for DC motors, solenoids, valves, relays, and other inductive loads

Applications

Potential applications for the AEK-MOT-8DCMH98 include:

• Brushed DC motor control
• Bidirectional actuator control
• Automotive seat adjustment systems
• Window lift mechanisms
• Door lock and latch systems
• HVAC flap and blower actuators
• Pump and fan control
• Valve and solenoid driving
• Robotic motion systems
• Multi-axis electromechanical control
• Industrial actuator test systems
• Body electronics development platforms

Industries

The board can be used in a range of industries, including:

• Automotive and transportation
• Industrial automation
• Robotics
• Smart manufacturing
• Building automation
• Agricultural equipment
• Marine electronics
• Consumer appliances
• Test and measurement
• Research and product development

Usage Ideas

1. Automotive Seat Controller
   Use four full-bridge channels to control seat position motors for forward/backward movement, recline, height adjustment, and lumbar support.

2. Robotic Actuator Platform
   Connect several brushed DC motors or linear actuators to create a multi-axis robotic arm, gripper system, or mobile robot subsystem with current monitoring and fault reporting.

3. Industrial Valve Control Module
   Drive multiple bidirectional valves, solenoids, or small motors in an automated fluid-handling or process-control setup while using SPI diagnostics to detect overloads or supply faults.

Conclusion

The STMicroelectronics AEK-MOT-8DCMH98 provides a flexible, high-current motor-driving platform for applications requiring multiple half-bridge or full-bridge channels. With integrated current measurement support, SPI diagnostics, supply monitoring, and automotive protection features, it is well suited for evaluating and developing robust DC motor and inductive-load control systems.