STMicroelectronics L93PI

Overview

L93PI from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic quad low-side DMOS driver in Multipower-BCD technology, designed for automotive and industrial inductive load control. It features four open-drain outputs with R_DS(on) = 1.7 Ω (typ.) at 25°C, ±24 V reverse bias protection on VS, programmable inverting/non-inverting signal polarity via PRG pin, and integrated diagnostic output for overtemperature, supply disconnect, or ground loss detection.

For engineers reviewing the L93PI datasheet, L93PI pinout, L93PI application, or L93PI equivalent, key selection criteria include its wide input voltage range (–24 V to +45 V), <2 µA standby quiescent current, controlled output slew rate (2.5–16 V/µs), thermal shutdown per channel, and diagnostic logic behavior dependent on PRG state.

Technical Context

The L93PI implements four independent low-side power switches with per-channel current limiting (400–1200 mA) and thermal shutdown triggered at 160–190 °C junction temperature. Each output includes active flyback clamping (V_CLAMP = 45–60 V) and internal 100 pF output capacitance.

Input stages feature Schmitt-trigger hysteresis (~100 mV) and full –24 V to +45 V pin tolerance. The EN pin enables sleep mode (<2 µA I_Q), while PRG selects signal transfer polarity - non-inverting when low, inverting when high - with defined off-state for open inputs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (12+4+4) - 20-pin small outline package with thermal pad design; R_th(j-pins) = 14 °C/W (typ.), R_th(j-amb) = 77–97 °C/W on SMPCB2 board.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPIC2810 and VNQ7E100AJ, the L93PI uniquely combines reverse-battery tolerance, per-output thermal shutdown with auto-restart, and software-selectable signal polarity - making it optimal for cost-constrained yet robust automotive body electronics where diagnostic simplicity and supply resilience are prioritized over digital communication or current sensing.

Availability

L93PI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLC output stages, truck lighting systems, and off-highway equipment control requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for L93PI 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 and broad automotive qualification expertise.

The L93PI belongs to ST's "Power Switches & Drivers" product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-reliability low-side switching in 12 V/24 V automotive and industrial environments where reverse polarity, thermal stress, and inductive load management are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum safe operating voltage on the VS pin?

The L93PI supports VS from –24 V to +45 V under absolute maximum ratings, with guaranteed functional operation from 4.5 V to 40 V. Reverse bias up to –24 V is fully protected - no external reverse-polarity circuitry is needed. Operation beyond +45 V or below –24 V risks permanent damage, and sustained operation above 40 V may exceed thermal limits depending on load current and PCB layout.

How does the DIAG output behave when PRG is high versus low?

When PRG = low, DIAG is active-low: it pulls low during normal operation and goes high during overtemperature, VS disconnect, or GND loss. When PRG = high, DIAG is active-high: it remains high during normal operation and pulls low only during overtemperature. This dual-mode logic allows flexible fault signaling without additional inverters - matching MCU interrupt polarity or existing diagnostic bus conventions.

Can the L93PI drive inductive loads without external flyback components?

Yes - the L93PI integrates active flyback clamping that limits output voltage to 45–60 V during inductive turn-off, eliminating the need for external clamp diodes or TVS devices in most 12 V/24 V applications. However, for loads exceeding 2 mJ stored energy (e.g., large solenoids), external clamping may still be required to stay within the device's specified flyback energy rating.

Is the L93PI qualified for automotive use per AEC-Q100?

While the L93PI is widely deployed in automotive applications and built on ST's automotive-qualified Multipower-BCD process, it is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified per the published datasheet (Rev 3, 2013). Designers targeting AEC-Q100-compliant systems should verify qualification status directly with STMicroelectronics or select explicitly qualified alternatives such as the VNQ7E100AJ.