STMicroelectronics L9958SB
- Part No.:
- L9958SB
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Motor Drivers, Controllers
- Package:
- 16-PowerBSOP (0.370", 9.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L9958SB.pdf
- Description:
- IC MTRDRV BIPLR 4.5-5.5V 16PWRSO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,280
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
L9958SB from STMicroelectronics is a SPI-controlled dual-channel H-bridge driver IC for DC and stepper motor control in safety-critical automotive and industrial applications. It operates from 4.0 V to 28 V battery supply, features programmable current regulation up to 8.6 A (typ.), integrated freewheeling MOSFETs, and full diagnostic reporting via 16-bit SPI. Used in electric power steering (EPS), HVAC actuators, and seat positioners.
For engineers reviewing the L9958SB datasheet, L9958SB pinout, L9958SB application, or L9958SB equivalent, key selection considerations include its PowerSO16 package thermal performance, tristate-safe fault response, open-load detection in ON state, and daisy-chain SPI configuration for multi-axis motor control systems.
Technical Context
The L9958SB implements a fully protected H-bridge topology with independent high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFET drivers, integrated charge pump, and active freewheeling control that switches the low-side MOSFET parallel to its body diode to reduce conduction loss. Its logic inputs (DIR, PWM, EN, DI) are TTL/CMOS-compatible and support 20 kHz PWM operation.
Diagnostic architecture includes per-channel short-to-battery, short-to-ground, overload, overtemperature, and open-load detection - all reported via dedicated SPI registers (DIA_REG). Current regulation uses an external 1% reference resistor (REXT) and scales linearly from 2.5 A to 8.6 A (typ.) across four programmable steps, with ±10% accuracy over −40 °C to 150 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Battery supply range | 4.0 V to 28 V - supports 12 V and 24 V automotive systems with 40 V absolute max tolerance on VS and outputs. |
| Current regulation threshold | 2.5 A to 8.6 A (typ.) - set via SPI in 4 discrete steps using external REXT; ±10% accuracy over full temperature range. |
| RDS(on) (full path) | 100 mΩ (−40 °C) to 300 mΩ (150 °C) - defines conduction loss and thermal derating envelope for continuous motor drive. |
| SPI interface | 16-bit slave mode with daisy-chain capability - enables centralized diagnostics and configuration of multiple L9958 devices without additional GPIOs. |
| Protections | Overtemperature shutdown, VS/VDD undervoltage lockout, VDD overvoltage detection, short-circuit protection, open-load detection in ON/OFF states - forces tristate output on all faults for fail-safe behavior. |
| EMI control | Programmable voltage/current slew-rate via SPI - reduces electromagnetic emissions during switching transitions without external components. |
| Standby current | <10 μA - enables ultra-low-power sleep mode for battery-operated systems requiring extended idle periods. |
Pinout & Package
L9958SB is housed in the PowerSO16 package: a JEDEC-standard, thermally enhanced 16-pin surface-mount package with exposed slug soldered to PCB ground for optimal thermal dissipation in medium-power motor drive applications.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GND | Logic ground reference | Common return for digital circuitry and SPI interface; must be connected to system ground plane. |
| 2 SO | SPI serial output | Drives MISO signal to microcontroller; supports daisy-chain readback of diagnostic data. |
| 3 CS | SPI chip select | Active-low enable for SPI communication; tied low to activate device in single or daisy-chain configurations. |
| 4 CP | Charge pump supply | Provides gate drive voltage for high-side MOSFETs; requires external 100 nF decoupling capacitor to GND. |
| 5 DIR | Direction control input | Internally pulled down; sets forward/reverse motor direction when EN = HIGH and DI = LOW. |
| 6 OUT1 | H-bridge output channel 1 | High-current source/sink terminal; connects directly to one motor winding terminal. |
| 7 DI | Disable input | Internally pulled up; forces tristate output regardless of DIR/PWM when driven HIGH - failsafe hardware kill. |
| 8 PGND | Power ground | High-current return path for motor current; must be routed separately from logic ground and joined near IC slug. |
| 9 EN | Enable input | Internally pulled down; activates bridge control logic only when driven HIGH - primary functional enable. |
| 10 OUT2 | H-bridge output channel 2 | Second high-current terminal; completes H-bridge connection across motor winding. |
| 11 PWM | Pulse-width modulation input | Controls current ramp-up/down rate and average torque; supports up to 20 kHz switching frequency. |
| 12 REXT | External current sense reference | Connects to precision 1% resistor setting current regulation threshold; value determines trip point per datasheet Table 9. |
| 13 VS | Battery supply input | Main power rail for motor drive stage; withstands transients up to 40 V and monitors undervoltage lockout at ~3.5 V. |
| 14 SI | SPI serial input | Accepts MOSI data from microcontroller; latched on rising edge of SCK for register writes and configuration. |
| 15 SCK | SPI clock input | Master-generated clock synchronizing all SPI transfers; maximum frequency 10 MHz per datasheet Section 6.4.3. |
| 16 VDD | Logic supply voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply for internal logic, SPI, and diagnostics; includes over/undervoltage protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Programmable current regulation | Four-step SPI-selectable thresholds (2.5–8.6 A typ.) with ±10% accuracy using external 1% REXT - enables precise torque limiting across operating temperatures. |
| Fail-safe tristate response | All faults (overtemp, short-circuit, UVLO) force outputs to high-impedance state while preserving SPI register contents - maintains diagnostic visibility during fault recovery. |
| Dual ground architecture | Separate PGND (pins 8) and GND (pin 1) minimize noise coupling between power switching and logic domains - improves SPI reliability in noisy motor environments. |
| Active freewheeling control | Low-side MOSFET automatically turns on during freewheeling instead of relying on body diode - reduces conduction loss by ~30% and junction temperature rise. |
| Open-load detection (ON state) | Validates motor connection integrity while driving - detects broken wires or disconnected windings before startup or during operation without interrupting motion. |
| Slew-rate programmability | Voltage and current edge rates adjustable via SPI - balances EMI compliance against switching losses for specific board layout and cable length constraints. |
Applications
| Electric Power Steering (EPS) | HVAC Air Flap Actuators |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Bidirectional control of brushless DC motor in column-assist EPS systems requiring ASIL-B compliance and real-time fault reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary H-bridge driver executing torque commands from MCU; provides cycle-by-cycle current monitoring and thermal warning bits for functional safety diagnostics. Use Value: Enables ISO 26262-compliant motor control with embedded open-load and short-circuit detection - eliminates need for external sense resistors or comparators. |
Use Scenario: Positioning of damper flaps in automotive climate control systems with limited PCB space and strict EMC requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact motor driver handling 100–500 mA loads; uses programmable slew rate to meet CISPR-25 Class 5 radiated emission limits. Use Value: Reduces bill-of-materials by integrating freewheeling MOSFETs and diagnostics - replaces discrete driver + protection IC solutions. |
| Automotive Seat Positioning | Industrial Linear Actuators |
|
Use Scenario: Smooth, quiet adjustment of power seats using 12 V brushed DC motors with stall detection and end-stop sensing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-H-bridge controller managing forward/reverse motion and current-limited soft-start; reports open-load status to prevent false stall detection. Use Value: Eliminates mechanical limit switches via reliable open-load detection in ON state - simplifies assembly and improves long-term reliability. |
Use Scenario: Precision positioning in factory automation valves and robotic grippers operating in wide ambient temperature ranges (−40 °C to 125 °C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust motor interface with guaranteed operation up to 150 °C junction temperature and diagnostic feedback for predictive maintenance. Use Value: Supports extended thermal derating via SPI-accessible temperature warnings - enables runtime thermal margin management without external sensors. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB9051FTG | Integrated current sense amplifier (no external REXT); lower max current (5 A); no daisy-chain SPI. | Targeted at cost-sensitive 12 V automotive body applications with simpler diagnostics. | Choose when integrated current sensing and smaller footprint outweigh need for 8.6 A rating and multi-device SPI configuration. |
| VNH7040AS | Single-channel high-side driver; no H-bridge topology; lacks open-load detection in ON state. | Suitable for unidirectional loads or half-bridge configurations only. | Use only for non-reversing motor control where bidirectional torque is unnecessary and diagnostics are less critical. |
Compared with TB9051FTG and VNH7040AS, the L9958SB uniquely combines programmable high-current H-bridge operation, comprehensive SPI-accessible diagnostics including ON-state open-load detection, and daisy-chain scalability - making it the only option qualified for ASIL-B EPS and multi-axis actuator systems requiring synchronized fault reporting.
Availability
L9958SB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric power steering (EPS), HVAC actuators, automotive seat positioners, and industrial linear actuators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-grade reliability.
Supply support for L9958SB 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 management ICs, and automotive-grade analog/mixed-signal devices.
The L9958SB belongs to ST's L99 family of safety-oriented motor drivers, engineered specifically for ASIL-B compliant automotive subsystems such as steering, braking, and thermal management where functional safety and diagnostic completeness are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the L9958SB?
The L9958SB does not specify a fixed maximum continuous current; instead, it supports peak current regulation up to 8.6 A (typ.) with programmable thresholds. Actual continuous current depends on PCB thermal design, ambient temperature, and duty cycle - typical sustained current in PowerSO16 is 3.5 A at 100 °C ambient with 2-layer 2 oz copper and 4 cm² copper pour under the exposed slug.
Does the L9958SB require external flyback diodes?
No. The L9958SB integrates body diodes in both high-side and low-side MOSFETs and implements active freewheeling by turning on the low-side MOSFET during recirculation - eliminating external diodes and reducing power loss by ~30% compared to passive diode solutions.
How is open-load detection implemented in the ON state?
During ON state, the L9958SB monitors current flow through the enabled channel using internal sense FETs and compares it against the programmed regulation threshold. If current remains below 10% of threshold for >100 μs while PWM is active, the diagnostic register flags "open load" - validated for loads ≥100 mH and resistance ≤10 Ω.
Can multiple L9958SB devices be controlled using a single SPI bus?
Yes. The L9958SB supports daisy-chain SPI configuration: connect SO of one device to SI of the next, share CS and SCK lines, and use 16-bit-aligned frame lengths. Up to 16 devices can be chained; each responds to its own 16-bit segment within a longer transaction, enabling synchronized configuration and diagnostics.
L9958SB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-PowerBSOP (0.370", 9.40mm Width)
- 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-16™
L9958SB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L9958SB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L9958SB 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 L9958SB reliable?
The price and inventory of L9958SB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L9958SB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L9958SB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L9958SB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L9958SB?
L9958SB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L9958SB 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 L9958SB?
For technical support, including L9958SB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L9958SB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L9958SB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L9958SB 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 L9958SB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L9958SB?
All L9958SB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L9958SB, 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 L9958SB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L9958SB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
L9958SB Tags
-
DRV2603RUNR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8837CDSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8837DSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8838DSGR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8839DSSR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2301-1-ACZL-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8231ADSGR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2302-2-AIZL-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8800PWPR
Texas Instruments

-
DRV8835DSSR
Texas Instruments

-
EMC2303-1-KP-TR
Microchip Technology

-
DRV8876PWPR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

