STMicroelectronics EVAL-L9788

Overview

EVAL-L9788 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L9788 smart power IC, designed for automotive 4-cylinder internal combustion engine management systems. It integrates pre-boost/pre-buck regulators, five 5 V tracking regulators (150 mA each), four LS injector drivers, two O2H load drivers with current sense, and CAN-FD with wake-up capability.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-L9788 datasheet, EVAL-L9788 pinout, EVAL-L9788 application, or EVAL-L9788 equivalent, this board enables full functional validation of L9788's power supply sequencing, multi-channel low-side/hi-side driver control, MSC-based diagnostics, and ISO 26262-compliant system integration using SPI, GPIO, and K-Line/LIN interfaces.

Technical Context

The EVAL-L9788 implements coordinated soft-start across all integrated regulators-including a 1 A linear 5 V regulator and three independent 150 mA 5 V tracking regulators-and supports real-time configuration via MSC (Micro-Second Channel) interface for differential/single-ended signal acquisition and full diagnostic access.

It provides hardware-level protection (short-circuit, overcurrent, overtemperature) on all 18 driver channels, integrates VRS interface and dual bandgap reference for engine timing accuracy, and enables system wake-up via CAN-FD, K-Line, pin event, or stop-counter-critical for ASIL-B compliant engine control units.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-L9788 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU development, engine control system prototyping, and ISO 26262-compliant functional safety validation requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for EVAL-L9788 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 embedded solutions with vertical manufacturing and broad IP portfolio.

The EVAL-L9788 belongs to ST's Smart Power Automotive Evaluation Platform family, developed to accelerate qualification and integration of BCD-based power ICs into engine management, transmission, and chassis control systems.

FAQ

What microcontrollers are compatible with EVAL-L9788?

EVAL-L9788 is designed to interface directly with the SPC563M-DISP Discovery+ board (for SPC563M64L MCU), but supports any generic microcontroller board providing SPI signals, 12 GPIOs for channel enable/control, and 3.3 V or 5 V Vcc. Adapter headers allow flexible host MCU integration.

Does EVAL-L9788 include firmware or software tools?

Yes - ST provides demonstration software for functional validation, accessible via www.st.com. LabVIEW and UDE Visual Platform toolchains are supported, along with USB–RS232 cable for host communication and MSC-based diagnostics and register configuration.

How is overtemperature and short-circuit protection implemented?

All 18 driver channels feature hardware-level protection: thermal shutdown triggers at junction temperature >165 °C, and short-circuit detection uses real-time current sensing with automatic channel disable and flag reporting via MSC interface - no software polling required.

Can EVAL-L9788 be used for production ECU design verification?

Yes - it supports full functional, electrical, and safety validation of the L9788 IC, including ISO 26262 ASIL-B requirements. Test points provide access to all critical pins, and input connectors match SPC563M-DISP for seamless integration into development workflows.