STMicroelectronics L9301

Overview

L9301 from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive octal driver IC configurable as eight low-side switches (R_ON(max) = 0.3 Ω @ T_j = 175 °C) or four high/low-side + four low-side drivers (R_ON(max) = 0.6 Ω), operating from 5–18 V battery supply and 4.75–5.25 V logic supply, with integrated SPI diagnostics and PWM control for engine control units and body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the L9301 datasheet, L9301 pinout, L9301 application, or L9301 equivalent, this device supports configurable high/low-side driving, per-channel overcurrent diagnostics in latched/unlatched mode, output voltage clamping (37 V typ.), and thermal protection - critical for automotive power distribution and load management design validation.

Technical Context

The L9301 integrates 12 PowerMOS transistors: four configurable high/low-side drivers (DRN1–4/SRC1–4), four low-side drivers (OUT1–4), and four enhanced low-side drivers (OUT5–8). It supports four distinct configurations via SPI or parallel inputs - including 8× low-side ON-OFF, 4× PWM high/low-side + 4× low-side, and hybrid recirculation-diode-free PWM modes.

SPI interface enables full configuration of slew rate, overcurrent thresholds, channel enable/disable, and real-time diagnostic readback (open load, short-to-GND/VB, overtemperature, charge pump status). Internal oscillator and clock monitor ensure robust timing integrity without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO36 (exposed pad), thermally optimized for automotive ECU metal-plate mounting (R_{th j-bottom case} = 1 °C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar automotive power driver applications.

Compared with TLE9201SE and BD3901FV-M, the L9301 uniquely combines eight independently configurable channels, dual R_ON options (0.3/0.6 Ω), parallel PWM inputs, and comprehensive ASIL-B-ready diagnostics - enabling single-IC replacement of multi-chip driver solutions in next-gen automotive ECUs.

Availability

L9301 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, transmission control units, and ADAS power distribution systems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive lifecycles.

Supply support for L9301 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 ICs, with over 30 years of AEC-Q100 product validation experience.

The L9301 belongs to ST's Automotive Smart Power family, designed specifically for intelligent, diagnosis-rich power distribution in modern vehicle electronic control units - emphasizing functional safety, thermal resilience, and system-level integration.

FAQ

What are the supported configurations for L9301?

The L9301 supports four hardware-configurable topologies: (1) eight low-side drivers (R_ON = 0.3 Ω), (2) four low-side PWM + four low-side drivers, (3) four high-side PWM + four low-side drivers, and (4) four configurable high/low-side + eight low-side drivers. Configuration is set via external PCB routing of DRN/SRC pins and SPI register settings - no external resistors or jumpers required.

How does L9301 handle overcurrent conditions?

L9301 provides per-channel overcurrent detection with user-selectable latched or unlatched behavior. In latched mode, the affected channel disables and holds fault status until cleared via SPI command; in unlatched mode, it auto-recovers after fault removal. Thresholds are programmable via SPI register CR2 (OC_TH[1:0]), supporting 1.5 A, 2.5 A, 3.5 A, or 4.5 A trip points.

Can L9301 drive inductive loads without external freewheeling diodes?

Yes - when configured in high/low-side PWM mode (e.g., DRN1/SRC1 driving a solenoid between VB and GND), the integrated PowerMOS pair provides synchronous recirculation, eliminating the need for external flyback diodes. This reduces board area, improves efficiency by ~15%, and enhances EMC performance compared to diode-based solutions.

What is the role of the CP (charge pump) pin?

The CP pin connects to the internal charge pump capacitor (typically 100 nF ceramic) that generates the boosted gate voltage needed for high-side driver operation. It must be decoupled to GND with low-ESR capacitance; improper layout causes insufficient high-side V_GS, increasing R_ON beyond specification and triggering thermal faults under sustained load.