STMicroelectronics EVAL-L9960

Overview

EVAL-L9960 from STMicroelectronics is an evaluation board for the L9960 automotive H-bridge driver IC, designed to validate ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) motor drive functionality in standalone or SPC5 Discovery+ integrated environments. It supports 4V–28V battery supply, SPI-configurable current limiting (2.5A–8.6A), on-board 5V/1.5A regulator, and real-time diagnostics including short-circuit-to-battery, short-circuit-to-ground, overtemperature, and open-load detection.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-L9960 datasheet, EVAL-L9960 pinout, EVAL-L9960 application, or EVAL-L9960 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of H-bridge control logic, PWM/DIR driving strategies, diagnostic feedback integration, and compatibility with 3.3V/5V microcontroller systems-especially when paired with SPC560P-DISP or custom MCU platforms using LabVIEW GUI or SPC5Studio firmware.

Technical Context

The EVAL-L9960 implements a full-featured interface to the L9960 H-bridge IC, exposing all SPI registers for configuration and diagnostic readback. It routes critical signals-including EN, PWM, DIR, and analog current sense outputs-to test points and connectors compatible with SPC5 Discovery+ boards.

It integrates a 5V/1.5A linear regulator for auxiliary power, dual status LEDs (VBatt and EN), and configurable IN1/IN2 pins supporting both PWM/DIR and direct logic-level drive modes. No heatsink is required due to optimized freewheeling strategy using active low-side or high-side transistor conduction instead of passive diode conduction.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-L9960 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ETC development, motor control prototyping, and functional safety validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for EVAL-L9960 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 strong IP in power management and microcontrollers.

The EVAL-L9960 belongs to ST's Automotive Power Evaluation Board family, engineered specifically to accelerate qualification of safety-critical motor drivers like the L9960 in electronic throttle, HVAC actuators, and steering assist applications.

FAQ

What microcontrollers are compatible with the EVAL-L9960?

The board is explicitly validated with ST's SPC560P-DISP Discovery board and supports any MCU capable of generating two enable signals, six PWM outputs, two analog inputs for current sensing, and SPI communication. It operates with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels, making it compatible with ARM Cortex-M, RH850, and TriCore-based automotive MCUs when interfaced via level-shifting or direct connection where voltage tolerances align.

Does the EVAL-L9960 include firmware or require host software?

Yes-the board requires host-side software: ST provides free LabVIEW-based GUI for PC-based evaluation and embedded firmware examples within SPC5Studio for SPC5 MCUs. No on-board processor or flash memory exists; all control and diagnostics are executed by the host MCU or PC, with the board acting as a passive signal interface and power stage.

Can the EVAL-L9960 drive motors directly, or is an external H-bridge needed?

The EVAL-L9960 does not contain a power H-bridge itself-it hosts and interfaces with the L9960 IC, which is the actual automotive-grade H-bridge driver. The board provides full access to the L9960's terminals, current sense outputs, and protection diagnostics, enabling direct DC motor drive up to its rated current and voltage without additional external switching stages.

Is there hardware support for functional safety certification (e.g., ISO 26262)?

The board exposes all L9960 safety features-including redundant diagnostics, fault reporting via SPI, and ASIL-B-aligned failure mode coverage-but is not itself certified. It serves as a development tool to implement and verify safety mechanisms in end-system designs; final ASIL compliance depends on system-level architecture, software implementation, and FMEDA analysis performed by the integrator.