STMicroelectronics L9958
- Part No.:
- L9958
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.433", 11.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
L9958.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTRDRV BIPLR 4.5-5.5V 20PWRSO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,585
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Product details
Overview
L9958 from STMicroelectronics is an SPI-controlled dual-channel H-bridge motor driver IC designed for safety-critical DC and stepper motor control in automotive and industrial environments. It delivers programmable current regulation up to 8.6 A (typ.), operates from 4.0 V to 28 V battery supply, features full-path RDS(on) from 100 mΩ at −40 °C to 300 mΩ at 150 °C, and integrates overtemperature, short-circuit, and open-load diagnostics via 16-bit SPI.
For engineers reviewing the L9958 datasheet, L9958 pinout, L9958 application, or L9958 equivalent, key selection considerations include its triple-package compatibility (PowerSO-20/PowerSO16/PowerSSO24), daisy-chain SPI capability, voltage/current slew-rate control for EMI reduction, and tristate fail-safe behavior under all fault conditions.
Technical Context
The L9958 implements a fully integrated dual-MOSFET H-bridge with internal freewheeling diodes and active low-side transistor switching during freewheeling to reduce power dissipation. Its control logic accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible DIR, PWM, EN, and DI inputs, with independent pull-up (DI) and pull-down (EN, DIR, PWM) configurations enabling robust state management.
SPI communication uses 16-bit frames for configuration (CFG_REG) and diagnostics (DIA_REG), supporting daisy-chain topology without frame-length limitation. Fault detection includes per-channel short-to-battery, short-to-ground, overload, open-load (ON-state), and off-state diagnostics - all reported via dedicated SPI register bits with reset-on-read or persistent latching behavior.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Battery supply range | 4.0 V to 28 V - supports 12 V/24 V automotive systems with 40 V absolute max tolerance on VS/OUT pins. |
| VDD supply range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - powers logic core and SPI interface; includes UVLO and OV detection. |
| Peak current regulation | 2.5 A to 8.6 A (typ.) in 4 steps - set via external REXT; ±10% accuracy across −40 °C to 150 °C. |
| Full-path RDS(on) | 100 mΩ (−40 °C) to 300 mΩ (150 °C) - defines conduction loss and thermal derating envelope. |
| Operating frequency | Up to 20 kHz - enables high-resolution PWM motor control while maintaining thermal stability. |
| SPI interface | 16-bit slave mode with daisy-chain support - allows multi-device configuration and consolidated diagnostics reporting. |
| Diagnostic coverage | Per-channel SCB, SCG, overload, open-load (ON/OFF), overtemperature, UV/OV - all accessible via SPI readback. |
Pinout & Package
Available in three JEDEC-standard power packages: PowerSO-20 (MO166), PowerSO16 (cost-optimized medium power), and PowerSSO24 (MO271A, low-cost low-power). All feature exposed thermal slugs soldered to PCB ground for enhanced thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND / PGND / N.C. | Ground reference and thermal slug connection | Multiple GND pins ensure low-impedance return paths; exposed slug must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal management. |
| VS, VDD, VDDIO, CP | Power supply terminals | VS supplies power stage (4–28 V); VDD powers logic (4.5–5.5 V); VDDIO powers SPI I/O; CP enables charge pump for high-side gate drive. |
| OUT1, OUT2 | H-bridge output terminals | Drive motor windings; withstand 40 V transient; support forward/reverse/freewheeling modes via DIR/PWM. |
| DIR, PWM, EN, DI | Digital control inputs | TTL/CMOS-compatible; EN (pull-down) and DI (pull-up) enable tristate fail-safe; DIR/PWM define bridge state per Table 6. |
| SCK, SI, SO, CS | SPI interface signals | 16-bit slave SPI; SO supports daisy-chain output; CS enables device selection; SCK up to 5 MHz (per datasheet timing). |
| REXT | Current regulation reference | Connects external 1% resistor to set peak current threshold; value directly scales current limit per Table 9. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable slew-rate control | Reduces EMI during current transitions by limiting dv/dt and di/dt on low-side MOSFETs - configured via SPI registers. |
| Integrated freewheeling enhancement | Active low-side MOSFET turn-on during freewheeling replaces passive diode conduction - cuts power loss by ~30% vs. diode-only path. |
| Multi-level protection architecture | Independent UVLO on VS/VDD, VDD OV detection, overtemperature shutdown with thermal warning bit, and short-circuit latching. |
| Comprehensive diagnostics | Real-time per-channel fault reporting (SCB/SCG/overload/open-load) in ON and OFF states - eliminates need for external sense resistors or comparators. |
| Triple-package flexibility | Same silicon die in PowerSO-20 (20-pin), PowerSO16 (16-pin), and PowerSSO24 (24-pin) - enables cost/performance trade-offs without redesign. |
Applications
| Automotive HVAC Blower Control | Industrial Linear Actuator Drive |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Precise bidirectional speed/torque control of 24 V DC blower motors in climate control systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: H-bridge driver with SPI-configurable current limit and real-time thermal monitoring to prevent motor stall damage. Use Value: Enables closed-loop current regulation at 8.6 A peak without external shunt, reducing BOM count and improving ASIL-B compliance. | Use Scenario: Driving 12 V stepper motors in valve positioning systems requiring position-hold torque and stall detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel H-bridge with open-load detection in ON state and off-state diagnostics for end-of-travel verification. Use Value: Eliminates need for separate current-sense amplifiers and position sensors by providing load integrity feedback via SPI. |
| Off-Highway Equipment Steering Assist | Medical Infusion Pump Motor Control |
Use Scenario: Robust motor control for electro-hydraulic steering assist in tractors and construction machinery operating at −40 °C to +125 °C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-rated H-bridge with tristate fail-safe on all faults and daisy-chained SPI for multi-axis coordination. Use Value: Guarantees deterministic shutdown (no shoot-through) during overtemperature or short-circuit events - critical for functional safety. | Use Scenario: Low-noise, precise microstepping control of bipolar stepper motors in portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPI-configurable slew-rate control minimizes EMI to meet IEC 60601-1 emissions limits; low standby current (<10 μA) extends battery life. Use Value: Achieves Class B EMC compliance without shielding or ferrites while maintaining 20 kHz PWM resolution for smooth flow delivery. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar H-bridge motor driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRV8876PWR | Single H-bridge, 6.5 A max, no daisy-chain SPI; uses analog current sense with external resistor. | Lacks per-channel diagnostics, open-load detection, and VDD/VS UVLO - requires additional supervision circuitry. | Choose for cost-sensitive non-safety applications where SPI diagnostics are unnecessary. |
| VNH7040ASTR | Single-channel high-side/low-side driver (not full H-bridge); 60 V abs max; SPI interface but no daisy chain. | No integrated DIR/PWM logic or current regulation - requires external MCU logic for H-bridge sequencing. | Prefer when discrete half-bridge control is needed with higher voltage margin (60 V) and simpler fault reporting. |
Compared with DRV8876PWR and VNH7040ASTR, the L9958 provides integrated dual-H-bridge functionality with comprehensive SPI-accessible diagnostics, triple-package scalability, and deterministic tristate fail-safe behavior - making it uniquely suited for ASIL-B automotive and safety-critical industrial motion control.
Availability
L9958 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive HVAC systems, industrial linear actuators, off-highway steering assist modules, and medical infusion pump designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and functional safety compliance.
Supply support for L9958 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, with design, manufacturing, and R&D operations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The L9958 belongs to ST's automotive-grade power driver product line, engineered specifically for functional safety (ISO 26262-ready) and extreme environmental resilience in motor control applications from −40 °C to +150 °C junction temperature.
FAQ
What package variants are available for the L9958?
The L9958 is offered in three distinct power packages: PowerSO-20 (20-pin, MO166), PowerSO16 (16-pin, cost-optimized), and PowerSSO24 (24-pin, MO271A). Each shares identical silicon and SPI register map but differs in pin count, thermal resistance, and PCB footprint - enabling scalable design reuse across performance tiers.
How does the L9958 handle overtemperature conditions?
At junction temperatures above 165 °C, the L9958 linearly reduces its current regulation threshold and sets a thermal warning bit in the diagnostic register. If temperature exceeds the shutdown threshold (typically >175 °C), it forces both outputs into tristate and clears the ACT bit - all while maintaining SPI communication for fault readback.
Can the L9958 drive stepper motors in microstepping mode?
The L9958 supports full-step and half-step operation via DIR/PWM control but does not integrate microstepping current profiling. However, its programmable current regulation, slew-rate control, and real-time diagnostics make it suitable as a building block in external microstepping controllers using external current DACs or chopper circuits.
Is daisy-chain SPI configuration supported across all L9958 package variants?
Yes - daisy-chain operation is implemented in silicon and fully supported across PowerSO-20, PowerSO16, and PowerSSO24 variants. The SO pin of one device connects to the SI pin of the next, with shared CS/SCK lines; no package-specific limitations or configuration changes are required.
L9958 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.433", 11.00mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Motor Type - Stepper:
- Bipolar
- Motor Type - AC, DC:
- Brushed DC
- Function:
- Driver - Fully Integrated, Control and Power Stage
- Output Configuration:
- Half Bridge (2)
- Interface:
- SPI
- Technology:
- CMOS
- Step Resolution:
- -
- Applications:
- General Purpose
- Current - Output:
- 8.6A
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Voltage - Load:
- 4V ~ 28V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- PowerSO-20
L9958 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L9958 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L9958 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 L9958 reliable?
The price and inventory of L9958 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L9958 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L9958?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L9958 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L9958?
L9958 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L9958 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 L9958?
For technical support, including L9958 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L9958 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L9958 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L9958 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 L9958 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L9958?
All L9958 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L9958, 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 L9958 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L9958:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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