STMicroelectronics EVAL-L9779WD-SPI

Overview

EVAL-L9779WD-SPI from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L9779WD-SPI multifunction automotive IC, designed to validate engine management system functions including ignition pre-driving, injector control, relay/low-side switching, flying wheel sensing (VRS), SPI/K-Line/CAN communication, and thermal-safe power sequencing. It supports HiQUAD-64 package interface, 5 V/3.3 V regulation, 5 V tracking sensor supply, and VDA 2.0-compliant 3-level watchdog.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-L9779WD-SPI datasheet, EVAL-L9779WD-SPI pinout, EVAL-L9779WD-SPI application, or EVAL-L9779WD-SPI equivalent, this board enables rapid functional verification of the L9779WD-SPI's integrated power stages (OUT1–OUT20, IGN1–IGN4, CPS OUTA–OUTD), adaptive VRS interface, ISO9141 K-Line, high-speed CAN transceiver, and Secure Engine Off (SEO) power latch sequence in real-world ECU environments.

Technical Context

The EVAL-L9779WD-SPI implements a hardware reference platform for the L9779WD-SPI IC, providing full access to all 64 pins of the HiQUAD-64 package via test points, headers, and configurable jumpers. It replicates automotive-grade supply conditions with VB input (5.5–27 V), includes external filtering for 5 V/3.3 V regulators, and supports both permanent and switched battery configurations per ISO 16750.

Board-level features include isolated SPI programming interface, selectable K-Line termination, CAN bus transceiver with fault protection, dedicated VRS signal conditioning circuitry with adaptive amplitude/time control, and jumper-configurable power latch modes (SEO enable/disable). All protected outputs (injectors, relays, O₂ heaters) are brought out to screw terminals with current-sense monitoring capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-L9779WD-SPI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control unit (ECU) development, automotive electronics validation, and OEM Tier-1 powertrain module qualification requiring stable component supply, long-term design-in support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-L9779WD-SPI 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 specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions, with over 30 years of automotive AEC-Q100 qualified product experience.

The EVAL-L9779WD-SPI belongs to ST's Automotive Power IC Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate functional safety-compliant ECU development for gasoline and diesel engine management systems.

FAQ

Does EVAL-L9779WD-SPI support firmware updates via SPI without removing the L9779WD-SPI IC?

Yes. The board provides dedicated SPI header (CN3) with independent VDDIO and GND, enabling in-system programming of the L9779WD-SPI's internal registers and configuration memory while powered and mounted. No socket removal or rework is required for register tuning or diagnostic mode activation.

Can the VRS input be tested with passive magnetic sensors operating below 100 mVpp?

Yes. The board's VRS front-end includes a programmable-gain amplifier (PGA) with gain settings up to 100× and auto-adaptive threshold detection, validated per datasheet Table 45 (VRS typical characteristics) to resolve signals as low as 50 mVpp at 50 Hz–15 kHz, matching OEM crankshaft position sensor requirements.

Is the CAN transceiver on EVAL-L9779WD-SPI galvanically isolated?

No. The onboard TJA1051-based CAN transceiver implements direct bus coupling per ISO 11898-2, with integrated dominant-timeout protection and bus-fault recovery. Isolation requires external components (e.g., ADuM1100 + TJA1051) - the board provides unpopulated pads and routing for optional isolation implementation.

What safety certifications does EVAL-L9779WD-SPI carry for use in ASIL-B development environments?

The board itself carries no standalone safety certification, but it is designed to support ASIL-B development per ISO 26262:2018 Part 5 Annex D. Its layout follows ST's functional safety guidelines (including separated analog/digital grounds, reinforced creepage/clearance >4 mm, and diagnostic signal routing), and all L9779WD-SPI safety mechanisms (WDA watchdog, thermal shutdown, output diagnosis) are fully accessible and testable.