STMicroelectronics L9826TR

Overview

L9826TR from STMicroelectronics is an octal protected low-side driver IC for automotive body control modules, featuring 450 mA per channel output current, 1.5 Ω typical R_DS(on) at 25 °C, SPI + parallel (NON1/NON2) control for outputs 1–2, 50 V intrinsic output voltage clamping, and integrated diagnostics via 8-bit SPI register readback.

For engineers reviewing the L9826TR datasheet, L9826TR pinout, L9826TR application, or L9826TR equivalent, this device supports high-reliability inductive load switching in 12 V/24 V automotive systems with real-time fault detection for open-load, short-to-battery, short-to-ground, overcurrent, and thermal events.

Technical Context

The L9826TR implements dual-control architecture: outputs 1 and 2 accept direct parallel logic (active-low NON1/NON2) alongside full SPI command, while outputs 3–8 are SPI-only. Its diagnostic engine compares each output voltage against a 0.32–0.4·V_CC threshold and latches fault states into an 8-bit status register readable via SDO on CLK rising edges.

Protections include per-channel short-circuit shutdown (0.45–1.1 A for outputs 3–8; 0.5–1.1 A for outputs 1–2), thermal shutdown at 150–165 °C, and flyback clamping at 45–62 V. Current regulation mode operates only on outputs 1–2 during inrush, enabling lamp pre-heat without latch-off.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, 0.65 mm pitch, ECOPACK® compliant). Body dimensions: 12.8 mm × 7.6 mm × 2.45 mm (max).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLE6232GP and VN808CM-E, the L9826TR uniquely combines parallel/SPI dual control, current-regulated outputs for lamps, and 50 V flyback clamping - making it the only option qualified for high-energy inductive loads requiring both functional safety and analog-level timing control.

Availability

L9826TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, engine bay actuation systems, lighting control units, and chassis electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for L9826TR 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade analog devices since 1987.

The L9826TR belongs to ST's VIPower™ family of intelligent power ICs, engineered specifically for automotive body electronics with integrated protection, diagnostics, and AEC-Q100 qualification.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable flyback energy the L9826TR can absorb without damage?

The L9826TR does not specify a maximum flyback energy rating in joules. Instead, its 45–62 V output clamp voltage and thermal shutdown (150–165 °C) define safe operating limits. For inductive loads, energy dissipation occurs across the clamp circuit and silicon die; ST recommends limiting peak flyback current to ≤150 mA and verifying thermal performance per application per Section 3.2 of the datasheet.

Can outputs 1 and 2 be driven simultaneously via NON1/NON2 and SPI commands?

No - when NON1 or NON2 is asserted (low), the corresponding output ignores SPI control bits. The device prioritizes parallel input over SPI. To re-enable SPI control for outputs 1 or 2, NON1/NON2 must first be set high, then a valid SPI command sent with NCS low. This prevents conflicting drive states and ensures deterministic behavior.

How does the L9826TR differentiate between open-load and short-to-ground faults?

Both faults cause output voltage to fall below the diagnostic threshold (0.32–0.4·V_CC). The distinction is made by output state: if the output is OFF and voltage drops, it indicates open-load or short-to-GND; if ON and voltage drops, it indicates short-to-GND. Diagnostic bits reflect this context - Table 8 and Table 9 in the datasheet define exact logic mapping per control mode.

Is the L9826TR compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers for SPI communication?

Yes - the L9826TR's SDI, SDO, CLK, and NCS pins tolerate 3.3 V logic levels. Input thresholds are defined as V_INL ≤ 0.2·V_CC and V_INH ≥ 0.7·V_CC; with V_CC = 5 V, this yields 0–1 V for low and 3.5–5.3 V for high - fully compatible with 3.3 V MCU I/O. No level-shifting is required.