L9956 - SPI Controlled 8-Channel Low-Side Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9956 β 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 |
Drop-in alternatives for L9956 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9956XP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9955
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9958
β Drop-Inβ 99,999 In Stock
$2.7 / Unit
View Datasheet βTLE6228GP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MC33882
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9956 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Output Type | Low-Side |
| Maximum Output Current per Channel | 1.5 A |
| Supply Voltage (Logic) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Supply Voltage (Power) | 4.5 V to 28 V |
| On-Resistance (Typical) | 0.5 ohm |
| SPI Clock Frequency | 5 MHz (max) |
| PWM Capability | 8-bit |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | [DATA_NEEDED: Quiescent current in standby mode] |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| Package | PowerSO-36 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Open-Load Detection |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes |
L9956 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1 β Low-side output channel 1 |
| Pin 2 | OUT2 β Low-side output channel 2 |
| Pin 3 | OUT3 β Low-side output channel 3 |
| Pin 4 | OUT4 β Low-side output channel 4 |
| Pin 5 | OUT5 β Low-side output channel 5 |
| Pin 6 | OUT6 β Low-side output channel 6 |
| Pin 7 | OUT7 β Low-side output channel 7 |
| Pin 8 | OUT8 β Low-side output channel 8 |
| Pin 9 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 10 | VCC β Logic supply voltage (5V) |
| Pin 11 | VS β Power supply voltage (battery) |
| Pin 12 | SCK β SPI clock input |
| Pin 13 | SI β SPI data input |
| Pin 14 | SO β SPI data output |
| Pin 15 | CSN β SPI chip select (active low) |
| Pin 16 | RSTN β Reset input (active low) |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this component. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
L9956 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Industrial Relay Replacement, LED Lighting Control, Solenoid and Valve Control, Automotive Lighting, Motor Control.
Automotive Body Control Module
The L9956 is ideal for automotive body control modules (BCMs) that manage exterior and interior lighting, door locks, and window motors. Its 8 channels can drive multiple loads simultaneously, while the SPI interface enables real-time diagnostics and control. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in harsh automotive environments. With a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 28V, it can handle load dump and cold crank conditions. The built-in protection features (overcurrent, overtemperature, open-load) prevent damage to the BCM and connected loads. The PowerSO-36 package with exposed pad allows efficient heat dissipation, crucial for high-current applications. The L9956's low quiescent current in standby mode helps reduce battery drain when the vehicle is off. Overall, the L9956 simplifies BCM design by integrating multiple functions into a single device, reducing PCB area and component count.
Recommended
Industrial Relay Replacement
The L9956 can replace electromechanical relays in industrial control systems, offering faster switching, longer lifespan, and built-in diagnostics. Its low-side driver configuration is suitable for switching DC loads such as solenoids, valves, and lamps. The device's 1.5A per channel output current is sufficient for many industrial loads, and the 8-bit PWM capability allows proportional control. The SPI interface enables remote monitoring and control, reducing wiring complexity. The L9956's protection features (overcurrent, overtemperature) enhance system safety, preventing damage to the driver and loads. The PowerSO-36 package is compatible with standard SMD assembly, simplifying manufacturing. Compared to relays, the L9956 offers solid-state reliability, no mechanical wear, and faster response times. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high switching frequency or precise control.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The L9956 is well-suited for LED lighting control in automotive and industrial applications. Its 8 channels can independently drive LED strings, and the 8-bit PWM capability enables precise dimming and color control. The device's low on-resistance (0.5 ohm) minimizes power loss, improving efficiency. The SPI interface allows dynamic adjustment of brightness and fault detection (open-load, overcurrent). The L9956's wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 28V) accommodates various LED configurations. The built-in protection features prevent LED damage due to overcurrent or overtemperature. The PowerSO-36 package with exposed pad ensures adequate heat dissipation for high-power LEDs. Compared to discrete MOSFET drivers, the L9956 simplifies design by integrating control logic and protection, reducing component count and PCB area.
Recommended
Solenoid and Valve Control
The L9956 is ideal for controlling solenoids and valves in industrial automation and automotive systems. Its low-side driver configuration is perfect for switching inductive loads, and the built-in freewheeling diodes clamp inductive kickback, eliminating the need for external clamping components. The device's 1.5A per channel output current is sufficient for most solenoids and valves. The SPI interface enables precise timing and diagnostics, allowing detection of open-load or short-circuit conditions. The L9956's protection features (overcurrent, overtemperature) ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. The wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 28V) makes it compatible with various power systems. The PowerSO-36 package provides good thermal performance, essential for continuous operation. Compared to discrete solutions, the L9956 reduces design complexity and improves reliability.
Recommended
Automotive Lighting
The L9956 is designed for automotive lighting applications, including headlights, taillights, and interior lighting. Its 8 channels can drive multiple lamps or LED strings, and the 8-bit PWM capability enables dimming and adaptive lighting features. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in automotive environments. The SPI interface allows communication with the vehicle's body control module for diagnostics and control. The L9956's protection features (overcurrent, overtemperature, open-load) prevent damage to the lighting system. The wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 28V) handles voltage fluctuations during engine start and load dump. The PowerSO-36 package with exposed pad ensures efficient heat dissipation for high-power lamps. Compared to discrete drivers, the L9956 simplifies wiring and reduces component count.
Recommended
Motor Control
The L9956 can be used for controlling small DC motors in automotive and industrial applications. Its low-side driver configuration is suitable for driving motors in one direction, and the 8-bit PWM capability allows speed control. The device's 1.5A per channel output current is sufficient for small motors. The SPI interface enables precise speed control and diagnostics, such as stall detection. The L9956's protection features (overcurrent, overtemperature) prevent motor and driver damage. The wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 28V) accommodates various motor voltages. The PowerSO-36 package provides good thermal performance for continuous motor operation. Compared to discrete H-bridge drivers, the L9956 is simpler but limited to unidirectional control. For bidirectional control, two channels can be used in an H-bridge configuration.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9956 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9956XP | L9955 | L9958 | TLE6228GP | MC33882 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-36 | PowerSO-36 - same | PowerSO-36 - same | PowerSO-36 - same | PowerSO-36 - same | PowerSO-36 - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Infineon | NXP Semiconductors |
| Number of Channels | 8 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Output Current per Channel | 1.5 A | 1.5 A | 1 A | 1.5 A | 1.5 A | 1.5 A |
| SPI Clock Frequency | 5 MHz | 5 MHz | 5 MHz | 5 MHz | 5 MHz | 5 MHz |
| PWM Capability | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-Resistance (Typical) | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm |
Key Differentiators
- 8 channels in a single package (vs L9955)
- Higher output current per channel (vs L9955)
- Enhanced ESD protection in L9956XP (vs L9956)
Design Notes
The L9956 can dissipate significant power when driving multiple channels at high current. For example, with 8 channels at 1.5A each and a supply voltage of 12V, the total power dissipation can reach several watts. Ensure adequate PCB copper area and thermal vias to the exposed pad to keep the junction temperature below the maximum rating. Refer to the thermal impedance data in the datasheet for proper heatsinking.
Place decoupling capacitors (100nF and 10uF) close to the VCC and VS pins to filter noise and stabilize the supply. For the SPI lines, use series resistors (e.g., 33 ohm) to reduce ringing and improve signal integrity. Keep the SPI traces short and avoid routing them near high-current switching outputs to prevent crosstalk.
Ensure the logic supply (VCC) is within the specified range (4.5V to 5.5V) to avoid malfunction. The power supply (VS) must be decoupled with a bulk capacitor to handle load transients. Do not exceed the absolute maximum ratings for output current or supply voltage. When driving inductive loads, verify that the built-in freewheeling diodes are sufficient for the load's energy; otherwise, add external clamping.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics product page. Halogen-free status not specified in available data.
