Overview
The B-G431B-ESC1 Discovery kit, produced by STMicroelectronics, is an advanced electronic speed controller (ESC) designed to drive single 3-phase brushless motors (BLDC/PMSM). This kit is based on the STM32G431CB microcontroller, the L6387 driver, and STL180N6F7 power MOSFETs. It consists of a main power board and a daughterboard with an embedded ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer. The ESC supports both sensorless Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and 6-step control algorithms, ensuring optimal dynamic performance and longer flight times for applications such as drones and other R/C vehicles. The kit also features an active braking function and various communication interfaces like UART, CAN, and PWM for driving and monitoring the motor.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | STM32G431CB Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit MCU |
| Flash Memory | 128 Kbytes |
| SRAM | 32 Kbytes |
| Power MOSFETs | STL180N6F7 discrete N-channel 60 V, 120 A STripFET F7 |
| Driver | L6387 High voltage high and low-side driver |
| Motor Current Capability | Output peak motor current: 40 A |
| Communication Interfaces | UART, CAN, PWM |
| Dimensions | 30 mm × 41 mm (including daughterboard with ST-LINK part) |
| Weight | 9.2 g (including daughterboard with ST-LINK part) |
| PCB Material | FR-4, 8-layer layout |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes, Ecopack1 |
Key Features
- Full reference design for electronic speed controller capable of both sensorless FOC and 6-step algorithm
- Designed for drones with up to 6S LiPo battery pack or equivalent suitable DC supply
- On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer detachable from the main board
- Support for motor sensors (Hall or encoder)
- Overcurrent and overvoltage protection feature (OCP/OVP)
- Thermal measuring and overheating protection with NTC on board
- Potentiometer and user button available on daughterboard
- Two user LEDs: one green LED for 3.3 V level, and one red LED configurable by the user
- BEC available through the daughterboard (5 V for external board supply)
- 3-shunt mode supported for motor current sensing
- Active braking function and energy recovery during deceleration
- Better torque control, motor current regulation, vibration reduction, and noise reduction
Applications
The B-G431B-ESC1 Discovery kit is primarily targeted at driving single 3-phase brushless motors in various applications, including:
- Remote-controlled (R/C) vehicles such as drones, FPV race drones, and prosumer drones
- Electric cars and boats
- Any application requiring high-performance motor control with advanced algorithms like sensorless FOC and 6-step control
Q & A
- What is the B-G431B-ESC1 Discovery kit used for?
The B-G431B-ESC1 Discovery kit is used as an electronic speed controller (ESC) to drive single 3-phase brushless motors (BLDC/PMSM) in applications such as drones and other R/C vehicles.
- Which microcontroller is used in the B-G431B-ESC1?
The STM32G431CB Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit MCU is used in the B-G431B-ESC1.
- What are the key control algorithms supported by the B-G431B-ESC1?
The B-G431B-ESC1 supports both sensorless Field-Oriented Control (FOC) and 6-step control algorithms.
- What is the maximum peak motor current capability of the B-G431B-ESC1?
The maximum peak motor current capability is 40 A.
- Does the B-G431B-ESC1 have overcurrent and overvoltage protection?
Yes, the B-G431B-ESC1 includes overcurrent and overvoltage protection features (OCP/OVP).
- What communication interfaces are available on the B-G431B-ESC1?
The kit supports UART, CAN, and PWM communication interfaces.
- Is the B-G431B-ESC1 RoHS compliant?
Yes, the B-G431B-ESC1 is RoHS compliant (Ecopack1).
- What is the purpose of the daughterboard in the B-G431B-ESC1?
The daughterboard includes an ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer and provides user interface elements like a potentiometer and a user button.
- Can the B-G431B-ESC1 be used with external sensors?
Yes, the B-G431B-ESC1 supports motor sensors such as Hall or encoder sensors.
- What are the dimensions and weight of the B-G431B-ESC1?
The dimensions are 30 mm × 41 mm, and the weight is 9.2 g (including the daughterboard with ST-LINK part).
