L9960-TR - Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver | STMicroelectronics | Automotive
MPN: L9960-TR ✓ 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 |
L9960-TR 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 configurations to allow bidirectional current flow, enabling forward and reverse motor rotation. Motor drivers are a subset of power management ICs, which manage and distribute electrical power within a system. The L9960-TR fits into this hierarchy as a power management IC specifically optimized for motor control, bridging the gap between digital logic and electromechanical actuation.
Key features of the L9960-TR include a low RDS(on) of 0.3 ohm per MOSFET (typical), which minimizes power dissipation and improves efficiency. It incorporates a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for advanced diagnostics and control, allowing real-time monitoring of load current, supply voltage, and junction temperature. The device also features overcurrent, overtemperature, and undervoltage protection, ensuring robust operation in harsh environments. Its PWM frequency capability up to 20 kHz enables quiet and efficient motor speed control.
The L9960-TR utilizes a smart power technology that integrates CMOS control logic with vertical MOSFET power stages on a single die. This architecture reduces external component count and enhances reliability. The SPI interface provides 16-bit read/write registers for configuration and diagnostics, enabling precise control and fault detection. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified, meeting stringent automotive quality standards, and is RoHS compliant.
Typical applications include automotive power windows, seat adjustment, mirror positioning, and HVAC actuators. It is also used in industrial automation for conveyor belt control, robotic actuators, and valve positioning. The wide supply voltage range and high current capability make it versatile for various motor control scenarios.
When designing with the L9960-TR, ensure adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation, especially when driving high currents continuously. The exposed pad on the PowerSSO-36 package must be soldered to a thermal land pattern to achieve the specified thermal resistance. Additionally, place decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins to minimize voltage transients during switching.
Drop-in alternatives for L9960-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 L9960-TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in AEC-Q100 Qualification, Control Interface, Protection Features, RDS(on) per MOSFET.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9960TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9960E
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9960-TR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 28 V |
| Output Current per Bridge | 6 A (continuous, with thermal management) |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 |
| RDS(on) per MOSFET | 0.3 ohm (typical) |
| Control Interface | SPI (16-bit) |
| PWM Frequency | Up to 20 kHz |
| Diagnostics | Load current, supply voltage, junction temperature |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, overtemperature, undervoltage |
| Package | PowerSSO-36 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Yes |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
L9960-TR Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1 — H-bridge 1 output |
| Pin 2 | OUT2 — H-bridge 1 output |
| Pin 3 | VS — Supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | OUT3 — H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 6 | OUT4 — H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 7 | SPI_CS — SPI chip select |
| Pin 8 | SPI_CLK — SPI clock |
| Pin 9 | SPI_SDI — SPI data in |
| Pin 10 | SPI_SDO — SPI data out |
| Pin 11 | EN — Enable pin |
| Pin 12 | DIAG — Diagnostic output |
Typical Applications
L9960-TR is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Power Windows, Seat Adjustment Systems, HVAC Actuators, Industrial Conveyor Belts, Robotic Actuators, Valve Positioning.
Automotive Power Windows
The L9960-TR drives the DC motor for power windows, providing bidirectional control and high current capability. Its SPI interface allows precise speed control and diagnostics, while the wide supply voltage range (4.5V-28V) accommodates varying battery voltages. The device's overcurrent and overtemperature protection ensure reliable operation in harsh automotive environments. With a typical RDS(on) of 0.3 ohm, power dissipation is minimized, reducing heat generation in the door module. The AEC-Q100 qualification guarantees long-term reliability under temperature extremes and vibration.
Recommended
Seat Adjustment Systems
In seat adjustment systems, the L9960-TR controls multiple motors for forward/backward, recline, and lumbar support. Its dual H-bridge configuration allows driving two motors independently, reducing component count. The SPI interface enables real-time monitoring of motor current, helping detect obstructions and prevent damage. The device's low RDS(on) improves efficiency, extending battery life in electric vehicles. The PowerSSO-36 package with exposed pad facilitates heat dissipation, essential for continuous operation during seat adjustments. The wide supply voltage range ensures compatibility with both 12V and 24V systems.
Recommended
HVAC Actuators
The L9960-TR drives the actuators that control air flow and temperature in automotive HVAC systems. Its PWM capability up to 20 kHz enables smooth and quiet motor speed control, enhancing passenger comfort. The SPI interface allows precise positioning of flaps and valves, improving climate control accuracy. The device's protection features, including overcurrent and undervoltage, safeguard against faults in the actuator wiring. The wide operating temperature range (-40C to +150C) ensures reliable performance in extreme climates. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes it suitable for under-hood and cabin applications.
Recommended
Industrial Conveyor Belts
In industrial automation, the L9960-TR controls conveyor belt motors, providing bidirectional operation and speed control. Its high output current (up to 6A per bridge) can drive medium-sized motors directly. The SPI interface enables remote monitoring and diagnostics, facilitating predictive maintenance. The device's robust protection features prevent damage from overloads and short circuits, reducing downtime. The wide supply voltage range (4.5V-28V) allows use in various industrial power systems. The PowerSSO-36 package's thermal performance supports continuous operation in factory environments.
Recommended
Robotic Actuators
The L9960-TR is used in robotic actuators for precise motor control in joints and grippers. Its dual H-bridge configuration allows driving two motors, enabling compact designs. The SPI interface provides high-resolution control and feedback, essential for accurate positioning. The device's low RDS(on) minimizes power loss, improving energy efficiency in battery-powered robots. The overcurrent protection prevents damage during stall conditions. The wide supply voltage range supports various robot power architectures, from 12V to 24V. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in demanding applications.
Recommended
Valve Positioning
The L9960-TR drives the motors that position valves in automotive and industrial systems, such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves and fluid control valves. Its precise current control via SPI enables accurate positioning, improving system efficiency. The device's protection features, including overtemperature and undervoltage, ensure safe operation in harsh environments. The wide supply voltage range accommodates varying power conditions. The PowerSSO-36 package's thermal performance supports continuous duty cycles. The AEC-Q100 qualification makes it suitable for automotive engine compartments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9960-TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9960 | L9960E | DRV8701 | MC33887 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSSO-36 | PowerSSO-36 | PowerSSO-36 | HTSSOP-24 | SOIC-20 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments | NXP Semiconductors |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5V to 28V | 4.5V to 28V | 4.5V to 28V | 6V to 45V | 5V to 28V |
| Output Current per Bridge | 6A | 6A | 6A | External MOSFETs | 5A |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Control Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | PWM | Parallel |
| RDS(on) | 0.3 ohm | 0.3 ohm | 0.3 ohm | External MOSFETs | 0.5 ohm |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Dual H-bridge in a single package (vs DRV8701)
- Integrated SPI diagnostics (vs MC33887)
- Higher output current capability (vs MC33887)
Design Notes
The L9960-TR can dissipate significant power when driving high currents. For example, at 6A per bridge with a 0.3 ohm RDS(on), each MOSFET dissipates about 10.8W (P = I^2 * R). The PowerSSO-36 package has an exposed pad that must be soldered to a large copper area on the PCB to achieve the specified thermal resistance. Use multiple vias to connect the pad to inner and bottom layers for effective heat spreading. Ensure the junction temperature stays below 150C by providing adequate cooling, especially in high-ambient-temperature automotive environments.
Place 100nF ceramic capacitors close to each VS pin and a bulk electrolytic capacitor (e.g., 100uF) near the supply input to handle current transients during motor switching. The SPI lines should be kept short and routed away from high-current traces to avoid noise coupling. Use a ground plane to minimize inductance and provide a low-impedance return path. The exposed pad should be connected to the ground plane with multiple vias to enhance thermal and electrical performance.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 28V, as this can damage the device. Ensure the SPI interface is properly initialized before enabling the outputs to avoid unintended motor movement. The enable pin (EN) must be pulled high to activate the outputs; leaving it floating can cause unpredictable behavior. Also, verify that the motor's back-EMF does not exceed the supply voltage, as this could trigger overvoltage protection or damage the device. Use freewheeling diodes or the integrated body diodes to handle inductive kickback.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics product page. RoHS compliant. REACH compliance assumed based on ST's environmental policy.