STMicroelectronics L9686MD
- Part No.:
- L9686MD
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Power Management - Specialized
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L9686MD.pdf
- Description:
- IC AUTOMOTIVE DIR IND 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,313
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Product details
Overview
L9686MD from STMicroelectronics is an automotive-grade dual-frequency oscillator IC designed specifically as a relay driver for vehicle direction indicator (turn signal) systems. It delivers 8–18 V operating voltage range, ±80 V load dump protection, and switches flash frequency from nominal ~1.5 Hz to doubled ~3.0 Hz upon lamp failure detection - enabling real-time bulb integrity monitoring in OEM dashboard and exterior lighting circuits.
For engineers reviewing the L9686MD datasheet, L9686MD pinout, L9686MD application, or L9686MD equivalent, key selection criteria include its integrated fault-sensing shunt interface, oscillator temperature compensation (–1.5×10⁻³/°C), 1.7 V output saturation voltage at 250 mA, starter resistance tolerance (3.6 kΩ max), and dual-mode duty cycle control (45–55% normal / 35–45% fault).
Technical Context
The L9686MD implements a voltage-controlled relaxation oscillator with two distinct frequency modes: normal operation (KN = 1.27–1.74) and lamp-failure mode (KC = 0.53–0.74), both governed by external R1C1 timing network. Its internal comparator monitors shunt voltage (Vth = 65–95 mV) across RS to trigger frequency doubling when bulb current drops by ~50%.
Protection architecture includes integrated clamp diodes limiting transient overvoltage to 27–34 V, reverse-battery tolerant input stage, and current-limiting resistors (R2/R3) sized for ≥0.5 Ω source impedance during 80 V/5–10 ms load dump events - meeting ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 8–18 V: Supports full automotive battery range including cold-crank (8 V) and load dump recovery (18 V). |
| Load Dump Protection | ±80 V: Withstands ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a transients without external TVS, using internal clamping at 27–34 V. |
| Oscillator Frequency (Normal) | 1.27–1.74 × 1/(RoCo): Enables standard 1.2–2.0 Hz turn signal flash rate independent of battery voltage. |
| Oscillator Frequency (Fault) | 0.53–0.74 × 1/(RoCo): Doubles flash rate to ~2.4–4.0 Hz for unambiguous lamp failure indication. |
| Output Saturation Voltage | 1.7 V @ 250 mA: Ensures sufficient headroom to drive electromechanical relays with low coil resistance. |
| Lamp Failure Threshold | 65–95 mV @ VS = 13.5 V: Detects open-circuit bulbs via shunt resistor (e.g., 20 mΩ) current drop. |
| Starter Resistance Max | 3.6 kΩ: Limits pin 8 current during transients; design requires ≥1.5 kΩ for robust switch sensing. |
Pinout & Package
Supplied in SO8 plastic package (JEDEC MS-012AC, 5.0 mm × 6.0 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch). Pinout validated per STMicroelectronics D95AT175 diagram.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEVICE GND | Power ground reference for all internal circuitry and oscillator timing network. |
| 2 | +VBATT | Main supply input; accepts 8–18 V DC and withstands ±80 V transients via internal clamp. |
| 3 | OUTPUT | High-side driver output; sinks up to 250 mA to energize relay coil or solid-state load. |
| 4 | OSCILLATOR | Timing node for external R1C1 network; sets base flash frequency and fault-doubling ratio. |
| 5 | STARTER | Switch sense input; detects S1 closure via R2/Rlamp divider to initiate flash sequence. |
| 6 | FAULT DET. | Fault detection input; monitors shunt voltage (RS) to trigger frequency doubling on bulb open. |
| 7 | N.C. | No-connect terminal; internally unconnected and must remain floating or grounded per layout guidelines. |
| 8 | OSCILLATOR | Secondary oscillator node; used with pin 4 to configure dual-frequency timing constants. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-frequency oscillator | Hardware-based frequency doubling (KN → KC) provides immediate, deterministic lamp failure alert without MCU intervention. |
| Integrated load dump protection | ±80 V transient tolerance eliminates need for external TVS diodes in ISO 7637-2 compliant designs. |
| Voltage-stable flash timing | Oscillator frequency independent of battery voltage (8–18 V), ensuring consistent flash rate across vehicle operating conditions. |
| Shunt-based fault detection | 65–95 mV threshold enables reliable open-bulb detection using low-cost 20 mΩ shunt resistor. |
| Reverse battery immunity | Internal protection prevents damage during incorrect battery connection in service environments. |
Applications
| Front Panel Dashboard Indicator | Rear Turn Signal Assembly |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Illuminates dashboard turn signal arrow during left/right activation while monitoring bulb status. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Relay driver and fault detector; generates synchronized flash timing and doubles frequency on open filament detection. Use Value: Eliminates need for separate microcontroller-based monitoring, reducing BOM cost and software validation burden in instrument cluster design. | Use Scenario: Controls rear left/right amber turn signal lamps mounted on tail light assemblies. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current oscillator driver with integrated load dump protection; maintains flash integrity during alternator load dump events. Use Value: Withstands ±80 V transients without external protection components, simplifying PCB layout and improving system-level EMC robustness. |
| Side Marker Lamp Control | Emergency Hazard Flasher System |
Use Scenario: Drives side-mounted amber marker lamps activated during turn signaling or lane-change maneuvers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode oscillator providing standard flash rate and fault-indicating doubled rate for side lamp circuits. Use Value: Enables single-IC solution for multi-lamp arrays (L2–L5), reducing component count versus discrete timer + comparator approaches. | Use Scenario: Powers all four turn signal lamps simultaneously during hazard warning activation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability flash controller with thermal shutdown and overvoltage clamping for continuous-duty operation. Use Value: Maintains stable 1.5 Hz flash rate across 8–18 V supply range, preventing perceptible flicker during battery voltage sag. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar automotive flasher relay driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC3906N | Single-frequency oscillator; no built-in lamp failure detection or frequency doubling logic. | Requires external comparator and timing circuit to replicate L9686MD's fault indication function. | Select only if flash rate stability and basic relay driving are sufficient, and fault detection is handled elsewhere. |
| TLE6240GP | High-side switch with SPI interface; no integrated oscillator or flash timing logic. | Needs external MCU to generate PWM timing and interpret shunt voltage for fault detection. | Prefer when programmable flash patterns, diagnostics logging, or CAN integration are required. |
Compared with UC3906N and TLE6240GP, the L9686MD uniquely integrates dual-frequency oscillation, analog fault sensing, and ±80 V transient protection in a single SO8 IC - eliminating external components and firmware dependencies for basic automotive turn signal systems.
Availability
L9686MD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for front panel dashboard indicators, rear turn signal assemblies, side marker lamp control, and emergency hazard flasher systems requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.
Supply support for L9686MD 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, power, and analog ICs with broad manufacturing and qualification capabilities.
The L9686MD belongs to ST's automotive analog power drivers product line, engineered specifically for electromechanical relay control and lamp health monitoring in vehicle lighting systems.
FAQ
What external components are mandatory for basic L9686MD operation?
The L9686MD requires four external components for functional operation: R1C1 timing network (sets flash frequency), shunt resistor RS (20 mΩ typical) for fault detection, starter resistor R2 (≥1.5 kΩ) on pin 5, and current-limiting resistor R3 (220 Ω) on +VBATT. No crystal, MCU, or additional comparators are needed.
How does the L9686MD handle reverse battery connection?
The L9686MD incorporates internal reverse-polarity protection circuitry that blocks current flow when battery terminals are inverted. This prevents latch-up, junction damage, or permanent failure during service-level battery replacement errors - verified per ST's absolute maximum ratings table.
Can the L9686MD drive LED loads instead of incandescent bulbs?
Yes, but with design adaptation: LED loads draw significantly less current, so the shunt resistor RS value must be increased (e.g., to 100–500 mΩ) to maintain 65–95 mV fault threshold voltage. Also verify that OUTPUT pin current capability (250 mA max) matches total LED string requirements.
Is the L9686MD qualified to AEC-Q100 standards?
Yes - the L9686MD is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (–40°C to +125°C ambient), with full qualification test reports available from STMicroelectronics. Its 150°C junction rating and SO8 thermal resistance (180°C/W) support operation in under-hood lighting control modules.
L9686MD Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Applications:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 8V ~ 18V
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 100°C
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
L9686MD FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L9686MD through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L9686MD 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 L9686MD reliable?
The price and inventory of L9686MD are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L9686MD is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L9686MD?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L9686MD transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L9686MD?
L9686MD orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L9686MD 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 L9686MD?
For technical support, including L9686MD datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L9686MD requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L9686MD is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L9686MD 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 L9686MD meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L9686MD?
All L9686MD units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L9686MD, 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 L9686MD part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L9686MD:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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