STMicroelectronics E-L9826

Overview

E-L9826 from STMicroelectronics is an octal protected low-side driver IC for automotive body control modules, featuring 450 mA per channel output current, 1.5 Ω typical R_DS(on) at 25 °C, SPI + parallel (NON1/NON2) control for outputs 1–2, and integrated 50 V flyback clamping. It delivers diagnostic feedback via 8-bit SPI and supports inductive load switching in engine management and lighting systems.

For engineers reviewing the E-L9826 datasheet, E-L9826 pinout, E-L9826 application, or E-L9826 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context on dual-mode control (SPI/parallel), thermal shutdown behavior, open-load/short-circuit diagnostics, and SO20 package layout-critical for BOM validation and functional safety-compliant design.

Technical Context

The E-L9826 implements a hybrid control architecture: outputs 1 and 2 accept both active-low parallel signals (NON1/NON2) and SPI commands, while outputs 3–8 are SPI-only. Its diagnostic logic compares each output voltage against a 0.32×V_CC threshold to detect open load, short-to-GND, or short-to-V_BAT conditions.

Protection mechanisms are channel-specific: outputs 1–2 feature current regulation mode with thermal shutdown (T_JSC = 150 °C), whereas outputs 3–8 use fast short-circuit shutoff (I_SBC = 0.45–1.1 A, t_SCB = 0.2–12 μs). All channels include intrinsic 50 V flyback clamping and undervoltage reset (V_DDRES = 3–4 V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, 0.65 mm pitch), ECOPACK®-compliant, RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level MSL3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar octal low-side driver applications.

Compared with TPIC6B595 and MAX14914A, the E-L9826 uniquely combines low-side topology, per-channel diagnostics, 50 V flyback clamping, and automotive-grade protection in a single SO20 package - enabling direct replacement of discrete driver + protection circuits without redesigning load grounding or adding external fault-handling logic.

Availability

E-L9826 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, engine management actuators, and body control module designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for E-L9826 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with over 40 years of automotive qualification experience.

The L9826 belongs to ST's "Automotive Smart Power" product line, engineered specifically for robust, diagnostic-capable load driving in harsh 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems - emphasizing functional safety, EMC resilience, and extended temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable inductive load energy the E-L9826 can safely clamp?

The E-L9826 specifies a maximum output clamp energy (E_OUTcl) of 10 mJ under I_OUT ≤ 150 mA conditions. This value is derived from its 50 V typical clamp voltage and internal energy-handling capability. Exceeding this limit risks thermal runaway during repetitive inductive switching - users must verify total flyback energy (½ × L × I²) per channel stays below 10 mJ in their application.

Can outputs 1 and 2 be driven simultaneously via NON1/NON2 and SPI commands?

No - when NON1 or NON2 is asserted (low), the corresponding output ignores SPI control bits. The device prioritizes parallel inputs over SPI for outputs 1 and 2. To re-enable SPI control, both NON1 and NON2 must be held high before issuing new SPI commands. This priority logic prevents conflicting drive states and ensures deterministic behavior during reset or fault recovery.

How does the E-L9826 distinguish between open-load and short-to-GND faults?

It uses a fixed diagnostic threshold voltage (V_DG = 0.32 × V_CC) and a 60 µA diagnostic current sink. In OFF state, if output voltage drops below V_DG due to load current <60 µA, it registers as open load; if voltage remains near GND despite the sink, it indicates short-to-GND. Both conditions set the same status bit but are differentiated by host firmware based on output enable state and voltage magnitude.

Is the E-L9826 compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers for SPI communication?

Yes - its SDI, SDO, CLK, and NCS pins tolerate 0.2×V_CC to V_CC+0.3 V logic levels, and V_CC operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V. When interfaced with a 3.3 V MCU, level-shifting is required only for SDI and NCS (to meet V_INH ≥ 0.7×V_CC ≈ 3.15 V), while SDO is 5 V-tolerant and can drive 3.3 V inputs directly if the MCU accepts 5 V–compatible logic.