STMicroelectronics L9907

Overview

L9907 from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive 3-phase BLDC motor gate driver IC with six independent N-channel FET pre-drivers, 8 MHz SPI interface, and dual programmable current sense amplifiers. It operates from 4.2 V to 54 V supply, supports 3.3 V/5 V logic, and delivers up to 600 mA adjustable gate drive current per channel for electric power steering and brake booster systems.

For engineers reviewing the L9907 datasheet, L9907 pinout, L9907 application, or L9907 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed 3-phase motor control specifications, and real-world diagnostic and protection implementation details - all grounded in ST's DS11800 Rev 5 production data.

Technical Context

The L9907 integrates three high-side and three low-side gate drivers with independent PWM inputs (PWM_H1–H3, PWM_L1–L3), each supporting up to 20 kHz switching and configurable dead time via SPI. Its boost converter generates a regulated voltage referenced to VDH to sustain full R_DS(on) down to 6 V battery voltage, feeding dedicated HS regulators (CBSx) and a VCAP-based LS regulator.

Two differential current sense amplifiers (CSA1/CSA2) offer programmable gain (±10×, ±20×, ±40×, ±80×), offset calibration, and selectable phase/ground sensing modes. Full fault detection-including OV/UV on VB/VCC, overtemperature shutdown, external MOSFET overcurrent, and shoot-through protection-is reported via SPI registers and FS_FLAG output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TQFP64 (10 mm × 10 mm × 1.0 mm, exposed pad down) package with thermal pad optimized for automotive under-hood thermal dissipation. Exposed pad must be soldered to PCB ground plane for EMI suppression and junction temperature control.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3-phase BLDC gate driver applications.

Compared with DRV3205-Q1 and MC33GD3100, the L9907 uniquely combines programmable gate current, dual calibrated CSAs, and self-regulating boost architecture - delivering optimal balance of functional safety, thermal efficiency, and design flexibility for ASIL-B/C automotive motor drives.

Availability

L9907 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering, electric brake booster, and 48 V mild hybrid starter-generator applications requiring stable component supply, long-term automotive lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant traceability.

Supply support for L9907 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 specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions, with over 30 years of automotive qualification expertise and ISO/TS 16949-certified manufacturing.

The L9907 belongs to ST's Automotive Power Switching & Drivers product line, designed specifically for functional-safety-critical BLDC and PMSM motor control in EPS, EBB, and hybrid vehicle systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage on the VDH pin?

The VDH pin monitors high-side drain voltage and withstands up to 90 V continuously, as specified in the absolute maximum ratings table (Table 9). This rating enables safe operation during ISO 7637-2 load dump events in 24 V and 48 V systems without external clamping. The internal comparator triggers VB overvoltage protection when VDH exceeds user-configurable thresholds stored in CMD1 register bits.

How does the L9907 handle shoot-through prevention?

The L9907 implements hardware-based shoot-through protection via programmable dead time inserted between complementary high-side and low-side PWM signals. Dead time is configured via SPI register CMD1 (bits DT[7:0]) with 25 ns resolution, ranging from 0 to 6.375 µs. This prevents simultaneous conduction in half-bridge legs without relying on MCU timing margins, satisfying ASIL-B timing safety requirements.

Can the current sense amplifiers be used for both phase and ground current sensing?

Yes - CSA1 and CSA2 support both configurations. CSA1 can be set to phase-current mode (IS1+/IS1− connected across shunt in high-side leg) or ground-current mode (shunt placed between motor and SGND). CSA2 offers identical flexibility with independent gain/offset settings. Mode selection is controlled via SPI bits CSA1_MODE and CSA2_MODE in CMD2 register, enabling dual-shunt or single-shunt torque estimation strategies.

Is the exposed pad of the TQFP64 package electrically connected internally?

Yes - the exposed pad is internally connected to SGND1 and SGND2 substrate grounds and must be soldered to the PCB ground plane. It serves as the primary thermal dissipation path and ESD return path. ST specifies minimum 80% solder coverage and recommends thermal vias (≥6×0.3 mm diameter) to inner ground layers to maintain T_j ≤ 150 °C at 2.5 W dissipation in worst-case 105 °C ambient.