STMicroelectronics L9338MD/TR
- Part No.:
- L9338MD/TR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L9338MD/TR.pdf
- Description:
- IC PWR DRIVER N-CHAN 1:1 20SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,081
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Product details
Overview
L9338MD/TR from STMicroelectronics is a quad low-side DMOS driver IC designed for automotive and industrial load control. It features three open-drain outputs with RDS(on) = 1.5 Ω (Tj = 25 °C, VS > 6 V), programmable signal polarity (inverting/non-inverting), integrated overtemperature shutdown, and diagnostic output for fault reporting. It drives lamps, relays, and inductive loads in 12 V/24 V vehicle systems.
For engineers reviewing the L9338MD/TR datasheet, L9338MD/TR pinout, L9338MD/TR application, or L9338MD/TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its -24 V to +45 V input voltage tolerance, <2 µA standby current, controlled output slew rate (2.5–16 V/µs), integrated flyback clamping (VFB > 45 V), and per-channel thermal protection with status monitoring via DIAG pin.
Technical Context
The L9338 integrates four independent low-side drivers in Multipower-BCD technology, with three active DMOS outputs (OUT1–OUT3) and one dedicated diagnostic output (DIAG). Each channel includes current limiting (400–1200 mA), thermal shutdown (Tj = 160–190 °C switch-off), and fast inductive recirculation via internal clamping diodes.
Input logic supports TTL/CMOS compatibility with Schmitt-trigger hysteresis (~100 mV), and polarity is configurable via PRG pin. EN enables global sleep mode (<2 µA IQ), while open inputs default to safe OFF state. DIAG provides open-drain fault signaling dependent on PRG state and channel-level thermal or supply/ground disconnect events.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output type | Three open-drain DMOS low-side switches with integrated flyback clamping |
| RDS(on) | 1.5 Ω max at VS ≥ 6 V, IO = 0.3 A, Tj = 25 °C - ensures low conduction loss driving 285 mA continuous per channel at 85 °C ambient |
| Voltage range | Supply: 4.5–32 V; Input/output pins tolerate -24 V to +45 V - enables robust operation in automotive transients (load dump, reverse battery) |
| Quiescent current | <2 µA in EN = low sleep mode - critical for always-on vehicle modules requiring ultra-low standby power |
| Output slew rate | 2.5–16 V/µs - actively limited to reduce EMI during switching of inductive loads |
| Diagnostic output | Open-drain DIAG pin reports per-channel overtemperature or supply/ground disconnect - enables system-level fault isolation without external sensors |
Pinout & Package
Package: SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, ECOPACK® compliant, body width 7.5 mm, pitch 1.27 mm).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 9, 10 | IN1–IN4 | Logic inputs for channel control; Schmitt-triggered, -24 V to +45 V tolerant, default OFF when floating |
| 11 | EN | Global enable; high = active, low = ultra-low-power sleep mode (<2 µA) |
| 20 | PRG | Polarity configuration; low = non-inverting, high = inverting transfer characteristic |
| 12–13, 18–19 | OUT4–OUT1 | DMOS low-side outputs; OUT1–OUT3 are active drivers, OUT4 is unused (no internal connection) |
| 3 | DIAG | Open-drain diagnostic output; logic level indicates thermal fault or supply/ground disconnect per channel |
| 4–7, 14–17 | GND | Eight ground pins - provide low-inductance return paths and thermal dissipation for power stages |
| 8 | VS | Main supply input; powers internal logic and DMOS drivers; supports 4.5–32 V operation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Reverse bias protection | VS withstands -24 V continuously - eliminates need for external reverse-polarity protection diodes in 12/24 V automotive systems |
| Per-channel thermal shutdown | Independent Tj monitoring with hysteresis (≈20 K); each output disables autonomously above 160–190 °C and re-enables after cooling |
| Programmable transfer polarity | Single PRG pin selects inverting or non-inverting behavior - simplifies interface with diverse MCU GPIO configurations |
| Integrated flyback clamping | VFB clamped to 45–60 V during inductive turn-off - prevents external TVS requirements and reduces board space/cost |
| Defined open-input state | All inputs default to logic LOW when unconnected - ensures fail-safe OFF condition without pull-down resistors |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC Output Stage |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving headlamp, fog lamp, and interior lighting circuits in modern vehicles with centralized body controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-side switch for PWM-dimmed incandescent/LED lamps; handles load dump transients and reverse battery conditions. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete protection components and enables diagnostics via DIAG pin to detect open-load or short-circuit faults per channel. |
Use Scenario: Controlling solenoid valves, contactors, and indicator lamps in factory automation cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust 24 V DC output stage with current limiting and thermal foldback for reliable actuator drive under variable ambient temperatures. Use Value: Reduces system-level thermal derating requirements by providing per-output thermal shutdown and status feedback to PLC CPU. |
| Truck Trailer Control Unit | Off-Highway Equipment Lighting |
|
Use Scenario: Managing trailer brake lights, turn signals, and ABS warning indicators across long cable harnesses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage-tolerant driver with controlled slew rate to suppress EMI induced in multi-meter wiring runs. Use Value: Meets CISPR 25 Class 3 EMI limits without external RC snubbers due to built-in 2.5–16 V/µs output slope control. |
Use Scenario: Powering work lights, beacon lamps, and hydraulic control solenoids in construction and agricultural machinery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-resilient load driver with diagnostic reporting for predictive maintenance in harsh, vibration-prone environments. Use Value: Enables remote fault identification (e.g., disconnected ground) via DIAG pin, reducing field service time and downtime. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad low-side driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| VNQ5E04TR-E | Quad channel, same SO20 package, but only two outputs rated for 4 A; no programmable polarity; DIAG pin reports global fault only | Lacks per-channel thermal monitoring and polarity flexibility; better suited for high-current single-load applications | Select when higher peak current (>0.7 A) per channel is required and diagnostic granularity is not critical |
| TLE6240GP | Quad low-side driver with integrated current sense; no flyback clamping; requires external TVS; different pinout (PG-DSO-20) | Provides analog current feedback but adds BOM cost and layout complexity for clamping and sensing | Choose when real-time load current monitoring is mandatory and design can accommodate external protection components |
Compared with VNQ5E04TR-E and TLE6240GP, the L9338MD/TR offers superior fault granularity (per-channel DIAG), built-in clamping, and polarity configurability - making it optimal for space-constrained, diagnostic-rich automotive body electronics where reliability and integration density are prioritized over raw current rating.
Availability
L9338MD/TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive lighting control, industrial PLC output stages, truck trailer interface modules, and off-highway equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.
Supply support for L9338MD/TR 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 strong vertical integration in silicon process technology.
The L9338 belongs to ST's Automotive Power Switch family, engineered specifically for robust, diagnostic-capable load driving in 12 V/24 V vehicle networks - emphasizing safety, EMC resilience, and long-term supply stability.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current per channel at 125 °C junction temperature?
At Tj = 125 °C, the L9338 guarantees RDS(on) ≤ 3.5 Ω. With VS = 14 V and assuming 2 V drop across load, maximum continuous current is ~3.4 A before thermal shutdown activates. However, sustained 285 mA per channel is confirmed safe at 85 °C ambient without triggering protection.
How does the DIAG pin behave when PRG is tied to VS versus GND?
When PRG = GND (non-inverting mode), DIAG goes HIGH during any fault (overtemperature, open ground/supply); when PRG = VS (inverting mode), DIAG is HIGH only during overtemperature and remains OFF for supply/ground faults. This dual-mode behavior allows flexible fault mapping to existing MCU interrupt logic.
Can L9338MD/TR drive inductive loads without external flyback diodes?
Yes - the device integrates active clamping that limits VOUT to 45–60 V during inductive turn-off, eliminating the need for external freewheeling diodes in most 12 V/24 V applications. This is validated for energy levels up to 100 mJ per pulse with tclamp < 200 µs.
Is the SO20 package RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes - the L9338MD/TR uses ST's ECOPACK®-compliant SO20 package, meeting RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. Full material declarations and compliance certificates are available through ST's official product page and Aetrix Electronics' quality portal.
L9338MD/TR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Switch Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 1:1
- Output Configuration:
- Low Side
- Output Type:
- N-Channel
- Interface:
- On/Off
- Voltage - Load:
- 4.5V ~ 32V
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- Not Required
- Current - Output (Max):
- -
- Rds On (Typ):
- 1.7Ohm
- Input Type:
- Non-Inverting
- Features:
- Status Flag
- Fault Protection:
- Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SO
L9338MD/TR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L9338MD/TR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L9338MD/TR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for L9338MD/TR reliable?
The price and inventory of L9338MD/TR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L9338MD/TR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L9338MD/TR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L9338MD/TR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L9338MD/TR?
L9338MD/TR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L9338MD/TR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L9338MD/TR?
For technical support, including L9338MD/TR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L9338MD/TR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L9338MD/TR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L9338MD/TR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L9338MD/TR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L9338MD/TR?
All L9338MD/TR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L9338MD/TR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The L9338MD/TR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L9338MD/TR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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