STMicroelectronics L99MC6

Overview

L99MC6 from STMicroelectronics is a configurable 6-channel monolithic medium-current driver IC with three self-configuring high-/low-side outputs (CH1–CH3) and three dedicated low-side outputs (CH4–CH6), R_ON = 0.7 Ω (typ, T_j = 25 °C), current limit ≥0.6 A per channel, SPI interface for diagnostics and configuration, and integrated open-load/overtemperature/short-circuit protection. It drives relays, LEDs, incandescent bulbs, and mirror-adjustment motors in automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the L99MC6 datasheet, L99MC6 pinout, L99MC6 application, or L99MC6 equivalent, this page delivers verified functional identity, validated PowerSSO-16 pin mapping, confirmed diagnostic register behavior, and real-world bridge-mode timing constraints - all critical for relay/LED/motor control system integration and failure-mode analysis.

Technical Context

The L99MC6 integrates dual power domains: V_CC (3.0–5.25 V) powers logic and SPI, while VS (crank-compatible down to 3 V) supplies high-side drivers and load paths. Its 16-bit SPI supports command write, status read, and read-and-clear operations with dedicated global and channel-specific registers.

Each of the six channels features independent fault reporting (open-load in off-state, overcurrent, thermal warning), programmable slew rate (LED mode), soft-start (bulb mode), and cross-current protection in half-bridge configurations. Channel 2 supports direct IN/PWM control bypassing SPI, enabling real-time PWM dimming or motor phase control without microcontroller intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PowerSSO-16 (exposed GND tab, RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK®). Thermal resistance θ_JA = 40 °C/W (2 cm² Cu), enabling 2.5 W continuous dissipation with minimal heatsinking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar medium-current automotive driver applications.

Compared with TLE7236-2R and VNQ7E100AJ, the L99MC6 uniquely combines 3 configurable channels, 3 fixed low-side outputs, SPI-based diagnostics, and application-specific modes (bulb, LED, bridge) - making it the only single-package solution for mixed automotive body-control loads requiring both flexibility and functional safety awareness.

Availability

L99MC6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive relay control, LED lighting management, incandescent bulb driving, and mirror adjustment motor applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for L99MC6 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 analog, MCU, power, and automotive-grade ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L99MC6 belongs to ST's automotive smart-power driver family, engineered specifically for body electronics control units requiring high reliability, integrated protection, and diagnostic compliance with ISO 26262 ASIL-B readiness.

FAQ

What is the minimum VS supply voltage for high-side operation during cold-crank conditions?

The L99MC6 supports high-side switching down to 3 V VS supply, verified per datasheet Section 2.3 and Absolute Maximum Ratings Table 3. This enables uninterrupted operation during automotive battery cranking events, where system voltage may dip to 3.0 V for up to 15 ms without functional interruption or latch-up.

Can CH1–CH3 be independently configured as high-side or low-side in the same power-up cycle?

Yes - each of CH1–CH3 is self-configuring via SPI register writes to Control Register 0 (address 0x00). Configuration persists until reprogrammed and operates independently; for example, CH1 can be HS while CH2 is LS and CH3 is HS, all active simultaneously with no hardware rework required.

How does open-load detection work in off-state, and what loads does it support?

Off-state open-load detection applies a low-current test pulse (<100 µA) to each channel in off-state and measures resulting voltage. It reliably identifies open circuits in resistive (bulbs), capacitive (LEDs with ESD protection), and inductive (relays) loads per Section 2.4.3 and Table 8, with no false triggers from typical PCB leakage.

Is the IN/PWM pin compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers driving 5 V-tolerant inputs?

Yes - the IN/PWM pin accepts CMOS logic levels with V_IL ≤ 0.3 × V_CC and V_IH ≥ 0.7 × V_CC. When V_CC = 3.3 V, a 3.3 V MCU GPIO meets thresholds directly; when V_CC = 5 V, the pin remains 5 V-tolerant per Section 6.3, allowing direct interface without level shifters.