L9906-TR - Automotive 3-Phase Brushless DC Motor Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9906-TR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.12 | $3,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.5 | $5,500.00 |
L9906-TR Overview
A brushless DC (BLDC) motor driver is a power management IC that controls the commutation of a BLDC motor by sequentially energizing its stator windings. It sits between the microcontroller (MCU) and the power stage, translating low-voltage logic signals into high-current gate drive signals for external power MOSFETs. In the system hierarchy, it belongs to: BLDC motor driver -> motor driver -> power management IC -> semiconductor. This device is essential in automotive applications where precise, efficient, and reliable motor control is required.
Key features of the L9906-TR include a wide operating voltage range (5.5V to 18V), three high-side and three low-side gate driver outputs with 1A peak source/sink current, and integrated bootstrap diodes for high-side driving. It also provides a 5V/100mA voltage regulator for powering the MCU or logic circuits, a SPI interface for configuration and diagnostics, and comprehensive protection features such as overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, and thermal shutdown. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified, ensuring automotive-grade reliability.
Technically, the L9906-TR uses a smart power architecture with a charge pump for high-side gate drive, enabling 100% duty cycle operation. The SPI interface allows real-time monitoring of fault conditions and flexible configuration of dead-time and slew-rate settings. The device supports both sensorless and sensor-based commutation, making it versatile for various motor control algorithms. Its low quiescent current (typically 5mA) in standby mode helps reduce battery drain in automotive systems.
Typical applications include electric power steering (EPS), engine cooling fans, oil pumps, water pumps, and other automotive BLDC motor control systems. The device's robust protection and diagnostic features make it ideal for safety-critical applications where motor failure could compromise vehicle operation.
When designing with the L9906-TR, 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 avoid noise coupling. Also, verify the bootstrap capacitor sizing for high-side gate drive at the desired PWM frequency.
Drop-in alternatives for L9906-TR — 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 L9906-TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Protection Features.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9906
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9906-TR-Q1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9906-TR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 18 V |
| Output Current (per channel) | 1 A peak gate drive |
| Number of Channels | 3 half-bridges (6 gate drivers) |
| Gate Drive Voltage | 10 V typical |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| Package | LQFP-48 (7x7 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Interface | SPI |
| Integrated Regulator | 5V/100mA |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overvoltage, Undervoltage, Thermal Shutdown |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Quiescent Current (standby) | 5 mA typical |
| Bootstrap Diodes | Integrated |
| Charge Pump | Yes (for 100% duty cycle) |
L9906-TR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC — Supply voltage (5.5V to 18V) |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | GH1 — High-side gate driver output for phase 1 |
| Pin 4 | GL1 — Low-side gate driver output for phase 1 |
| Pin 5 | GH2 — High-side gate driver output for phase 2 |
| Pin 6 | GL2 — Low-side gate driver output for phase 2 |
| Pin 7 | GH3 — High-side gate driver output for phase 3 |
| Pin 8 | GL3 — Low-side gate driver output for phase 3 |
| Pin 9 | VREG — 5V regulator output (100mA) |
| Pin 10 | CSN — SPI chip select (active low) |
| Pin 11 | SCLK — SPI clock |
| Pin 12 | SDI — SPI data input |
| Pin 13 | SDO — SPI data output |
| Pin 14 | EN — Enable pin (active high) |
Typical Applications
L9906-TR is suitable for 6 applications: Electric Power Steering (EPS), Engine Cooling Fan, Oil Pump, Water Pump, Industrial BLDC Motor Control, Robotics.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
The L9906-TR is ideal for EPS systems where precise and reliable motor control is critical. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V to 18V) handles battery voltage fluctuations during steering assist. The SPI interface enables real-time diagnostics and configuration, essential for safety-critical EPS. The integrated 5V regulator powers the MCU, reducing component count. The device's thermal shutdown protection prevents damage during high-torque maneuvers. Compared to discrete solutions, the L9906-TR simplifies design and improves reliability.
Recommended
Engine Cooling Fan
In engine cooling fans, the L9906-TR drives the BLDC motor efficiently, reducing fuel consumption. Its 1A peak gate drive current ensures fast switching of external MOSFETs, minimizing switching losses. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage during fan stall conditions. The wide temperature range (-40C to +150C) suits under-hood environments. The integrated bootstrap diodes simplify high-side drive design. The SPI interface allows the ECU to monitor fan speed and fault status.
Recommended
Oil Pump
The L9906-TR is suitable for oil pump applications where variable speed control is needed. Its 5.5V to 18V supply range accommodates different battery voltages. The device's low quiescent current (5mA) in standby mode helps reduce battery drain when the pump is idle. The SPI interface enables precise speed control and fault detection. The device's robust protection features ensure reliable operation in harsh conditions. The compact LQFP-48 package saves PCB space in space-constrained ECUs.
Recommended
Water Pump
In automotive water pumps, the L9906-TR provides efficient motor control, improving fuel economy. Its integrated charge pump allows 100% duty cycle operation, maximizing pump output. The device's overvoltage protection safeguards against load-dump transients. The SPI interface allows the engine control unit to adjust pump speed based on cooling demand. The device's thermal shutdown prevents overheating during prolonged operation. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures long-term reliability.
Recommended
Industrial BLDC Motor Control
Beyond automotive, the L9906-TR can be used in industrial BLDC motor control applications such as pumps, fans, and compressors. Its wide supply voltage range and robust protection features make it suitable for 12V and 24V industrial systems. The SPI interface enables integration with industrial PLCs. The device's high gate drive current supports a wide range of external MOSFETs. The compact package is ideal for space-constrained industrial drives.
Recommended
Robotics
In robotics, the L9906-TR can drive BLDC motors for joint actuation. Its SPI interface allows precise control of motor torque and speed. The device's small size and low power consumption are beneficial for battery-powered robots. The integrated protection features prevent damage from motor stalls. The device's wide temperature range suits various operating environments. The L9906-TR's flexibility makes it suitable for both hobbyist and professional robotics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9906-TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9906 | DRV8301 | DRV8302 | MC33810 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | LQFP-48 | LQFP-48 (same) | HTSSOP-56 (different) | HTSSOP-56 (different) | SOIC-32 (different) |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | NXP Semiconductors |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5V to 18V | 5.5V to 18V | 6V to 60V | 6V to 60V | 5.5V to 26V |
| Gate Drive Current | 1A peak | 1A peak | 1.7A peak | 2.3A peak | 1A peak |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI | SPI |
| Integrated Regulator | 5V/100mA | 5V/100mA | 3.3V/5V, 10mA | 3.3V/5V, 10mA | 5V/100mA |
| AEC-Q100 | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +150C | -40C to +150C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive (vs DRV8301)
- Wider operating temperature range (vs MC33810)
- Integrated 5V/100mA regulator (vs DRV8301)
Design Notes
The L9906-TR is a motor driver that can dissipate significant power, especially at high gate drive currents. Ensure adequate PCB copper area and thermal vias under the exposed pad to keep the junction temperature below 150C. For continuous operation at high ambient temperatures, consider adding a heatsink or forced airflow.
Place 100nF and 10uF decoupling capacitors close to the VCC pin to filter high-frequency noise and supply transients. The bootstrap capacitors for high-side gate drivers should be placed near the respective pins. Keep SPI traces short and shielded from high-current motor traces to avoid noise coupling.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 18V. Ensure the bootstrap capacitors are sized correctly for the PWM frequency to maintain sufficient gate drive voltage. Also, verify that the SPI communication is properly initialized before enabling the motor drive outputs to avoid unintended operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics. AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications.
