8-channel driver manages diverse automotive loads
ST’s L9800 combines eight low-side drivers with diagnostics and protection in a compact leadless package for tight automotive spaces. The ISO 26262 ASIL-B-compliant device drives resistive, capacitive, or inductive loads—such as relays and LEDs—in body-control modules, HVAC systems, and power-domain controls.
Output channels can be controlled via the SPI port or two dedicated parallel inputs that map to selected outputs. These inputs enable emergency hardware control of two default channels even if the digital supply voltage is not available. This allows the L9800 to enter limp-home mode, maintaining essential safety and convenience functions during system failures, such as microcontroller faults or supply undervoltage.
The L9800 enhances vehicle reliability with real-time diagnostics and per-channel protection against open-circuit, short-circuit, overcurrent, and overtemperature faults. Diagnostic signals are accessible over the SPI bus, which also allows access to internal configuration registers for device setup. Additionally, the driver ensures safe operation during engine cranking, supporting battery voltages as low as 3 V.
Housed in a 4×4-mm TFQFN24 package, the L9800 low-side driver costs $0.52 each in lots of 1000 units.
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