L9369 - Automotive H-Bridge Gate Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9369 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.6 | $360.00 |
| 500 | $3.24 | $1,620.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.88 | $2,880.00 |
L9369 Overview
An H-bridge gate driver is a power management IC that controls the gates of four external MOSFETs arranged in an H-bridge topology, enabling bidirectional current flow through a load such as a DC motor. It translates low-voltage logic signals into high-current gate drive pulses, providing the necessary voltage and current to switch the MOSFETs efficiently. In the system hierarchy, the L9369 sits between the microcontroller (MCU) and the power stage, acting as an interface that offloads high-current switching tasks from the MCU while adding protection and diagnostic features.
Key features of the L9369 include a wide operating voltage range, programmable gate drive current for optimized switching performance, and comprehensive diagnostic functions via SPI. The device supports both high-side and low-side MOSFET drivers with adaptive dead-time control to prevent shoot-through currents. It also includes overcurrent, overtemperature, and undervoltage lockout protections, enhancing system reliability in harsh automotive environments.
From a technical architecture perspective, the L9369 integrates charge pumps for high-side gate drive, level shifters for high-voltage domains, and a SPI-compatible interface for register-based control. The device is fabricated using STMicroelectronics' BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology, which combines low-power logic with high-voltage power handling. This allows the L9369 to operate directly from automotive battery voltages while maintaining low quiescent current in standby mode.
Typical applications include automotive DC motor control for window lifts, sunroofs, and seat adjustment, as well as solenoid actuation for transmission control and fuel injection systems. The L9369's robust protection features and SPI diagnostics make it ideal for safety-critical systems where fault detection and reporting are essential.
When designing with the L9369, ensure proper PCB layout with adequate copper area for thermal dissipation, and place decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins. The SPI interface should be isolated from high-current traces to minimize noise coupling. Additionally, the gate drive current settings must be matched to the external MOSFETs' gate charge to achieve optimal switching performance and minimize EMI.
Drop-in alternatives for L9369 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with L9369 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9369-TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9907
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9369 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 40 V |
| Number of Half-Bridges | 2 |
| Control Interface | SPI |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C |
| Package | PowerSSO-36 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes |
| Charge Pump | Integrated |
| Dead-Time Control | Adaptive |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage Lockout |
L9369 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — Logic supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | SPI_CS — SPI chip select |
| Pin 4 | SPI_CLK — SPI clock |
| Pin 5 | SPI_SDI — SPI data input |
| Pin 6 | SPI_SDO — SPI data output |
| Pin 7 | GH1 — High-side gate drive output 1 |
| Pin 8 | SH1 — High-side source sense 1 |
| Pin 9 | GL1 — Low-side gate drive output 1 |
| Pin 10 | SL1 — Low-side source sense 1 |
| Pin 11 | GH2 — High-side gate drive output 2 |
| Pin 12 | SH2 — High-side source sense 2 |
| Pin 13 | GL2 — Low-side gate drive output 2 |
| Pin 14 | SL2 — Low-side source sense 2 |
| Pin 15 | VS — Power supply for gate drive |
| Pin 16 | CP — Charge pump capacitor connection |
Typical Applications
L9369 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive DC Motor Control, Solenoid Actuation, Electric Power Steering (EPS), HVAC Blower Motor Control, Fuel Pump Control, Industrial Automation.
Automotive DC Motor Control
The L9369 is ideal for automotive DC motor control applications such as window lifts, sunroofs, and seat adjustment. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V to 40V) directly interfaces with automotive battery systems, while the integrated gate drivers and protection features ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. The SPI interface allows the MCU to configure dead-time and gate drive current, optimizing switching performance for each motor. In a typical window lift system, the L9369 drives four external MOSFETs in an H-bridge configuration, enabling bidirectional motor control. The adaptive dead-time control prevents shoot-through currents, reducing EMI and improving efficiency. The device's overcurrent and overtemperature protection safeguard the MOSFETs and motor during stall conditions, which is critical for automotive reliability.
Recommended
Solenoid Actuation
The L9369 is well-suited for solenoid actuation in transmission control and fuel injection systems. Solenoids require precise current control and fast switching, which the L9369 provides through programmable gate drive current and adaptive dead-time. The device's SPI diagnostics enable real-time monitoring of solenoid health, detecting faults such as open or short circuits. In a transmission control unit, the L9369 drives solenoids that regulate hydraulic pressure, requiring accurate timing and high reliability. The wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +150°C) ensures performance in engine compartments. The integrated charge pump provides sufficient gate drive voltage for high-side MOSFETs, even at low battery voltages during cranking. The L9369's protection features prevent damage from inductive spikes generated by solenoid de-energization.
Recommended
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
The L9369 can be used in electric power steering systems to drive the assist motor. Its high gate drive current and adaptive dead-time control enable efficient motor commutation, reducing power loss and improving steering feel. The SPI interface allows the EPS controller to adjust drive parameters in real-time based on vehicle speed and steering torque. The device's overcurrent protection is crucial for detecting motor stall conditions, which can occur during parking maneuvers. The L9369's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in safety-critical EPS applications. In a typical EPS system, the L9369 drives a three-phase BLDC motor using external MOSFETs, with the MCU implementing field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms. The integrated charge pump ensures sufficient gate drive voltage for high-side MOSFETs, even at low battery voltages.
Recommended
HVAC Blower Motor Control
The L9369 is suitable for controlling HVAC blower motors in automotive climate control systems. The device's wide supply voltage range and robust protection features ensure reliable operation across varying battery conditions. The SPI interface enables the HVAC controller to set fan speed by adjusting the PWM duty cycle of the gate drive signals. The L9369's adaptive dead-time control minimizes switching losses, improving overall system efficiency. In a typical HVAC blower application, the L9369 drives a brushed DC motor using an H-bridge configuration, allowing bidirectional airflow control for heating and cooling modes. The device's overtemperature protection prevents damage during prolonged high-speed operation. The compact PowerSSO-36 package fits within the limited space of HVAC modules.
Recommended
Fuel Pump Control
The L9369 can be used to control fuel pumps in automotive fuel delivery systems. The device's high gate drive current enables fast switching of external MOSFETs, allowing precise control of pump speed and pressure. The SPI interface provides diagnostic feedback, detecting faults such as pump stall or electrical failures. The L9369's wide operating temperature range ensures performance in engine compartments where temperatures can exceed 100°C. In a typical fuel pump application, the L9369 drives a brushed DC motor using an H-bridge, with the MCU adjusting pump speed based on engine demand. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage during fuel pump lock-up, which can occur due to contaminated fuel. The integrated charge pump ensures reliable high-side gate drive even at low battery voltages during engine start.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
The L9369 is also suitable for industrial automation applications such as conveyor belt control and robotic actuators. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V to 40V) allows operation from 24V industrial power supplies. The SPI interface enables integration with PLCs and industrial controllers, providing real-time diagnostics and configuration. The device's robust protection features ensure reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. In a conveyor belt application, the L9369 drives a DC motor using an H-bridge, with the PLC controlling speed and direction via SPI commands. The adaptive dead-time control reduces EMI, which is important in industrial settings with sensitive electronics. The L9369's AEC-Q100 qualification, while designed for automotive, also indicates high reliability suitable for industrial use.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9369 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9369-TR | L9907 | DRV8701 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSSO-36 | PowerSSO-36 | PowerSSO-36 | HTSSOP-24 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5V to 40V | 5.5V to 40V | 5.5V to 40V | 4.9V to 45V |
| Number of Half-Bridges | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Control Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | PWM |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C | -40°C to +150°C | -40°C to +150°C | -40°C to +125°C |
Key Differentiators
- Dual half-bridge configuration (vs DRV8701)
- SPI interface for diagnostics (vs DRV8701)
- Wider operating temperature range (vs DRV8701)
Design Notes
Place the L9369 close to the external MOSFETs to minimize gate drive loop inductance. Use wide traces for the gate drive outputs (GH1, GL1, GH2, GL2) and ensure the source sense traces (SH1, SL1, SH2, SL2) are routed as Kelvin connections to avoid voltage drops. Decouple the VCC and VS pins with 100nF ceramic capacitors placed as close as possible to the pins, and add a 10uF bulk capacitor for the charge pump.
The PowerSSO-36 package has an exposed pad that must be soldered to a thermal pad on the PCB. Provide a copper area of at least 1 square inch on the top and bottom layers, connected with thermal vias, to dissipate heat from the gate driver. The L9369's power dissipation is primarily from gate drive losses and internal LDOs; ensure the junction temperature stays below 150°C under worst-case conditions.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 40V on the VS pin. Ensure the SPI lines are not routed near high-current traces to avoid noise coupling. The charge pump capacitor must be a low-ESR ceramic capacitor with a voltage rating of at least 16V. Also, verify that the external MOSFETs' gate charge is within the L9369's drive capability to achieve the desired switching speed.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics product page. Halogen-free status not specified in available data.