L9960 - Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver | STMicroelectronics | Automotive
MPN: L9960 ✓ 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 | $5.44 | $5,440.00 |
L9960 Overview
A motor driver is an integrated circuit that translates low-power control signals from a microcontroller into high-current, high-voltage signals to drive motors. It typically includes H-bridge topologies for bidirectional control, protection features such as overcurrent and thermal shutdown, and diagnostic interfaces. Motor drivers are a subset of power management ICs, which manage and distribute power within electronic systems.
Key features of the L9960 include a low RDS(on) of 0.15 ohm per switch, which minimizes power dissipation and improves efficiency. It integrates a 10-bit current sense ADC for precise motor current monitoring, and a SPI interface for configuration and diagnostics. The device also features PWM current regulation, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown, ensuring robust operation in harsh environments.
The L9960 uses a smart power technology that combines high-voltage power MOSFETs with CMOS control logic on a single die. This integration reduces external component count and enhances reliability. The SPI interface allows real-time monitoring of bridge currents and fault conditions, enabling advanced motor control algorithms and predictive maintenance.
Typical applications include automotive body control modules, electric power steering, HVAC actuators, and industrial automation. In automotive body control, the L9960 drives window lifters, seat adjusters, and mirror motors with precise current control. In industrial settings, it controls conveyor belts and robotic arms with high reliability.
When designing with the L9960, ensure adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation, especially at high currents. The exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal via array to maintain junction temperature within limits. Proper decoupling capacitors on the supply and logic pins are essential to minimize voltage transients.
Drop-in alternatives for L9960 — 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 L9960 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9960TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9960TR
⚡ Same Package✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9960 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 28 V |
| Output Current per Bridge | 8 A |
| Number of Bridges | 2 |
| RDS(on) per Switch | 0.15 ohm |
| Current Sense ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Interface | SPI |
| PWM Current Regulation | Yes |
| Overcurrent Protection | Yes |
| Thermal Shutdown | Yes |
| Package | TQFP-48 (EP) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| Automotive Grade | AEC-Q100 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 |
L9960 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VS — Motor supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | OUT1 — H-bridge output 1 |
| Pin 3 | OUT2 — H-bridge output 2 |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | VDD — Logic supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | SCK — SPI clock |
| Pin 7 | SDI — SPI data input |
| Pin 8 | SDO — SPI data output |
| Pin 9 | CS — SPI chip select |
| Pin 10 | EN — Enable pin |
| Pin 11 | DIAG — Diagnostic output |
| Pin 12 | ISENSE — Current sense output |
Typical Applications
L9960 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Electric Power Steering, HVAC Actuator Control, Industrial Automation, Throttle Control Actuator, Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve.
Automotive Body Control Module
The L9960 drives window lifters, seat adjusters, and mirror motors with precise current control. Its 8 A per bridge capability and SPI interface enable efficient and reliable operation in body control modules. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures it meets automotive reliability standards. In a typical body control module, the L9960 is placed between the microcontroller and the motor, with the SPI interface providing real-time current monitoring and fault diagnostics. The low RDS(on) of 0.15 ohm minimizes power loss, and the thermal shutdown protection prevents damage during overload conditions. Compared to discrete H-bridge designs, the L9960 reduces component count and PCB area, improving overall system reliability.
Recommended
Electric Power Steering
The L9960 provides precise current control for the steering assist motor, ensuring smooth and responsive steering. Its high current capability and low RDS(on) are essential for the high-power demands of power steering systems. The SPI interface allows the ECU to monitor motor current and adjust assist levels in real-time. In an electric power steering system, the L9960 is connected between the ECU and the brushless DC motor, with the H-bridge configuration enabling bidirectional control. The device's overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown ensure safe operation under all conditions. Compared to linear drivers, the L9960's PWM current regulation improves efficiency and reduces heat generation, making it ideal for continuous operation.
Recommended
HVAC Actuator Control
The L9960 drives HVAC actuators for air distribution and temperature control. Its 8 A per bridge capability and SPI interface enable precise positioning of flaps and valves. The device's wide supply voltage range (4.5 V to 28 V) makes it compatible with both 12 V and 24 V HVAC systems. In an HVAC system, the L9960 is used to control the brushless DC motors that adjust air flow and temperature. The SPI interface provides real-time current monitoring, allowing the HVAC controller to detect blockages or faults. The device's low RDS(on) minimizes power dissipation, and its thermal shutdown protection ensures reliable operation in the harsh under-dash environment.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
The L9960 controls conveyor belts and robotic arms with high reliability. Its 8 A per bridge capability and SPI interface enable precise motor control in industrial environments. The device's wide supply voltage range and robust protection features make it suitable for 24 V industrial systems. In an industrial automation system, the L9960 is used to drive DC motors for conveyor belts, robotic arms, and other machinery. The SPI interface allows the PLC to monitor motor current and detect faults, enabling predictive maintenance. The device's low RDS(on) reduces power loss, and its thermal shutdown protection ensures safe operation in high-temperature environments.
Recommended
Throttle Control Actuator
The L9960 is specifically designed for throttle control actuators, providing precise and reliable control of the throttle valve. Its high current capability and SPI interface enable accurate positioning, essential for engine performance and emissions control. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures it meets automotive reliability standards. In a throttle control system, the L9960 is connected between the ECU and the DC motor that actuates the throttle valve. The SPI interface provides real-time current monitoring, allowing the ECU to detect faults and adjust control algorithms. The device's low RDS(on) minimizes power loss, and its overcurrent protection prevents damage during stall conditions.
Recommended
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
The L9960 drives the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, enabling precise control of exhaust gas flow for emissions reduction. Its high current capability and SPI interface ensure accurate valve positioning, critical for engine performance and compliance with emissions standards. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures it meets automotive reliability requirements. In an EGR system, the L9960 is connected between the ECU and the DC motor that actuates the EGR valve. The SPI interface provides real-time current monitoring, allowing the ECU to detect valve faults and adjust control strategies. The device's low RDS(on) minimizes power dissipation, and its thermal shutdown protection ensures reliable operation in the high-temperature engine compartment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9960 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9960T | L9960TR | DRV8876 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-48 (EP) | TQFP-48 (EP) - same | PowerSSO-36 - different | HTSSOP-16 - different |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments |
| Number of Bridges | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Output Current per Bridge | 8 A | 8 A | 8 A | 3.5 A |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 28 V | 4.5 V to 28 V | 4.5 V to 28 V | 4.5 V to 37 V |
| RDS(on) | 0.15 ohm | 0.15 ohm | 0.15 ohm | 0.5 ohm |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | PWM |
| Current Sense ADC | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | None |
| Automotive Grade | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 | AEC-Q100 |
Key Differentiators
- Dual H-bridge capability (vs L9960T)
- Low RDS(on) of 0.15 ohm (vs DRV8876)
- Integrated 10-bit current sense ADC (vs DRV8876)
Design Notes
At 8 A per bridge and 0.15 ohm RDS(on), power dissipation per bridge is approximately 9.6 W. The TQFP-48 (EP) package has a thermal resistance of about 20 C/W, resulting in a junction temperature rise of 192C. A heatsink or substantial copper pour is required for reliable operation above 2 A continuous current.
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 10 uF) close to the VS and VDD pins. Use a solid ground plane and connect the exposed pad to a thermal via array for heat dissipation. Keep SPI traces short and shielded to minimize noise.
Do not exceed the maximum supply voltage of 28 V. Ensure the SPI interface is properly configured before enabling the outputs. The current sense ADC requires a stable reference voltage for accurate readings. Avoid switching the H-bridge outputs without proper dead-time control to prevent shoot-through.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications. RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page.
