STMicroelectronics L9348-TR

Overview

L9348-TR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic quad low-side driver in Multipower-BCD technology, designed to control inductive loads including automotive relays and electromagnetic valves. It features two 5A and two 3A DMOS power switches, integrated freewheeling diodes on the 3A channels, 4.8–18V supply range, and real-time diagnostics including open-load, overload, overtemperature, and ground-loss detection.

For engineers reviewing the L9348-TR datasheet, L9348-TR pinout, L9348-TR application, or L9348-TR equivalent, this device supports high-reliability industrial and automotive body-control modules where channel-level fault reporting, voltage clamping during inductive flyback, and CMOS-compatible 3.3V inputs are required.

Technical Context

The L9348-TR implements four independent low-side DMOS switches with asymmetric current ratings: Q1/Q2 rated for 5A continuous, Q3/Q4 for 3A with integrated freewheeling diodes (D3/D4). Each channel includes dedicated status outputs (ST1–ST4) that invert logic level upon error detection-open load, overload, overtemperature, or GND-loss-without requiring external circuitry.

Protection architecture combines analog sensing (e.g., V_thPGL = 1.5–3.5V for power-GND-loss, V_thSGL = 150–510mV for signal-GND-loss) with digital filtering (t_filter = 5.8–35μs), and automatic latch/reset behavior governed by t_D = 0.75–2.25ms delay. Output clamping operates at 45–60V (positive flyback) and 4–10V (negative flyback) on Q3/Q4 channels only.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSO-36 (exposed die pad, 15.8 × 13.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), thermally optimized for automotive PCB mounting with low R_{th j-case} = 2 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad low-side driver applications.

Compared with TPIC2810PWPR and BD82002FV-M, the L9348-TR delivers higher integration (integrated diodes, clamp, dual-current rating), broader fault coverage (GND-loss, OFF-state open load), and automotive-grade thermal robustness-making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-aware systems requiring per-channel autonomy.

Availability

L9348-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, commercial vehicle lighting systems, and off-highway equipment valve management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for L9348-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 vertical manufacturing capability and AEC-Q100 qualification expertise.

The L9348 belongs to ST's Automotive Power Switch family, engineered specifically for robust, diagnostic-rich control of inductive loads in harsh environments-prioritizing functional safety, thermal resilience, and system-level fault transparency.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for L9348-TR?

The absolute maximum supply voltage (VS) is 40 V, but the recommended operating range is 4.8 V to 18 V per the datasheet. Operation above 18 V is permissible only during transient conditions such as load dump (per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a), provided total energy remains within the device's clamping energy rating (e.g., EQ1/2 ≤ 50 mJ at Tj = 25°C).

How does the L9348-TR handle open-load detection in OFF state?

It detects OFF-state open load via under-voltage monitoring at the Qx pin: when INx = L and ENA = H, the internal comparator checks if VQx < 0.3–0.36 × VS. If true, STx inverts after t_OLOFF (20–70 μs filter), signaling open circuit without shutting down the channel-enabling pre-activation wiring verification.

Can the integrated freewheeling diodes (D3/D4) be used with external inductive loads?

Yes-D3/D4 are rated for IFDmax = 3 A (t < 5 ms) and VDRmax = 55 V reverse breakdown. They are intended for recirculation of Q3/Q4 inductive loads only. External loads must connect between Q3/Q4 and VS, with D3/D4 providing the return path to PGND3/PGND4; no external diode is needed for those channels.

What happens during signal-GND-loss versus power-GND-loss?

Signal-GND-loss (GND pin open) triggers STx inversion when V_thSGL = 150–510 mV is exceeded, indicating reference loss but allowing continued switching. Power-GND-loss (e.g., PGND1 open) causes immediate shutdown of affected channel and STx inversion, as V_thPGL = 1.5–3.5 V is violated-preventing uncontrolled current flow through alternate ground paths.