L9970 - Automotive High-Side Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9970 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.5 | $2.50 |
| 10 | $2.25 | $22.50 |
| 100 | $2 | $200.00 |
| 500 | $1.8 | $900.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.6 | $1,600.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for L9970 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:
VN7010AJ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
VN7003AJ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
VN7040AJ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9970 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 36 V |
| Output Current (Continuous) | 1 A |
| On-Resistance (Typical) | 0.5 Ξ© |
| Quiescent Current | 50 Β΅A |
| Input Logic Level | 3.3 V / 5 V compatible |
| Output Type | High-side |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, open-load detection, inductive load clamp |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40Β°C to +150Β°C |
| Package | PowerSO-10 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Thermal Resistance (Junction-to-Ambient) | 40 Β°C/W |
| Switching Frequency (Maximum) | [DATA_NEEDED: Switching frequency] |
| Output Clamp Voltage | [DATA_NEEDED: Output clamp voltage] |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes |
L9970 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IN β Logic input for controlling the output |
| Pin 2 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 3 | OUT β High-side output to the load |
| Pin 4 | VCC β Supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 6 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 7 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 8 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 9 | NC β Not connected |
| Pin 10 | NC β Not connected |
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
L9970 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Lighting Control, Relay Driver, Solenoid Driver, Industrial Automation, Power Distribution.
Automotive Body Control Module
The L9970 is used in body control modules to drive exterior and interior lighting, relays, and small motors. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V to 36V) and AEC-Q100 qualification make it suitable for automotive environments. The low quiescent current (50Β΅A) helps reduce battery drain when the vehicle is off. The open-load detection feature enables diagnostics for failed bulbs or disconnected loads, improving system reliability. In a typical BCM, the L9970 is placed between the microcontroller and the load, with the input connected to a GPIO pin and the output driving the load. The device's built-in protection against overcurrent and thermal overload prevents damage to the PCB and load. Designers should ensure adequate PCB copper area for heat dissipation, especially when driving multiple loads simultaneously.
Recommended
Lighting Control
The L9970 is ideal for controlling automotive lighting such as headlights, tail lights, and interior lights. Its 1A output current is sufficient for most incandescent and LED lamps. The device's open-load detection can be used to detect burnt-out bulbs, enabling warning messages to the driver. The built-in inductive load clamp protects the output when switching off inductive loads like relays used in lighting circuits. In a typical lighting application, the L9970 is connected between the battery supply and the lamp, with the input controlled by a microcontroller. The low on-resistance (0.5Ξ©) minimizes voltage drop, ensuring full brightness. For LED lighting, a series resistor or current limiter may be needed to prevent overcurrent. The device's thermal shutdown protects against overheating in case of a short circuit.
Recommended
Relay Driver
The L9970 can drive relays in automotive and industrial applications. Its output current of 1A is sufficient for most small relays. The built-in inductive load clamp safely demagnetizes the relay coil when switching off, preventing voltage spikes that could damage the device or other components. The device's low quiescent current is beneficial for always-on relay circuits. In a typical relay driver circuit, the L9970 is placed between the microcontroller and the relay coil, with a flyback diode not required due to the internal clamp. The input is driven by a logic signal, and the output connects to the relay coil. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage if the relay coil shorts. Designers should ensure the relay coil current does not exceed 1A and consider the thermal dissipation when driving relays continuously.
Recommended
Solenoid Driver
The L9970 is suitable for driving solenoids in automotive and industrial systems, such as fuel injectors, valves, and locks. Its 1A output current can drive small solenoids, and the inductive load clamp protects against back-EMF. The device's fast switching capability allows for precise control of solenoid actuation. In a typical solenoid driver application, the L9970 is connected between the supply and the solenoid, with the input controlled by a microcontroller. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage if the solenoid coil shorts. The open-load detection can be used to detect a disconnected solenoid. Designers should consider the solenoid's inrush current, which may be higher than the steady-state current, and ensure the L9970 can handle it. The device's thermal shutdown protects against overheating during prolonged actuation.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
The L9970 is used in industrial automation for controlling DC loads such as small motors, valves, and actuators. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V to 36V) allows operation from 24V industrial supplies. The device's robust protection features (overcurrent, thermal shutdown) ensure reliable operation in harsh industrial environments. In a typical industrial application, the L9970 is placed between a PLC or microcontroller and the load. The input is driven by a logic signal, and the output connects to the load. The device's low on-resistance minimizes power loss, improving efficiency. The open-load detection can be used for diagnostics. Designers should ensure adequate heat sinking when driving continuous currents near the maximum rating. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification also makes it suitable for industrial applications requiring high reliability.
Recommended
Power Distribution
The L9970 can be used in power distribution systems to switch power to various loads. Its high-side configuration allows for easy load control and protection. The device's low quiescent current is beneficial for always-on distribution circuits. In a typical power distribution application, the L9970 is used as a switch to connect or disconnect power to a load. The input is controlled by a microcontroller or a supervisory circuit. The device's overcurrent and thermal protection prevent damage to the load and the PCB. The open-load detection can be used to detect a disconnected load. Designers should consider the total current drawn by all loads and ensure it does not exceed the L9970's rating. The device's wide supply voltage range makes it suitable for various power distribution systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9970 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | VN7010AJ | VN7003AJ | VN7040AJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-10 | PowerSSO-12 | PowerSSO-12 | PowerSSO-12 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Output Current (Continuous) | 1 A | 10 A | 3 A | 40 A |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 36 V | 4 V to 28 V | 4 V to 28 V | 4 V to 28 V |
| On-Resistance (Typical) | 0.5 Ξ© | 0.05 Ξ© | 0.15 Ξ© | 0.01 Ξ© |
| Quiescent Current | 50 Β΅A | 60 Β΅A | 55 Β΅A | 70 Β΅A |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, open-load detection, inductive load clamp | Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, open-load detection, inductive load clamp | Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, open-load detection, inductive load clamp | Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, open-load detection, inductive load clamp |
Key Differentiators
- Low quiescent current of 50Β΅A (vs VN7010AJ)
- Wide supply voltage range up to 36V (vs VN7010AJ)
- Lower output current but sufficient for many loads (vs VN7010AJ)
Design Notes
The L9970 in PowerSO-10 package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 40Β°C/W. At 1A output current and 0.5Ξ© on-resistance, power dissipation is 0.5W, resulting in a temperature rise of 20Β°C above ambient. For continuous operation at high ambient temperatures, ensure adequate PCB copper area or a heatsink to keep the junction temperature below 150Β°C.
Place the input and output capacitors close to the L9970 pins to minimize noise and voltage spikes. Use a 100nF ceramic capacitor on the VCC pin and a 10Β΅F electrolytic capacitor for bulk decoupling. The exposed pad should be soldered to a large copper area for heat dissipation.
When driving inductive loads, the internal clamp will dissipate the stored energy. Ensure the energy is within the device's capability to avoid overheating. Also, do not exceed the maximum supply voltage of 36V, as this can damage the device. The input pin should not be left floating; use a pull-down resistor to ensure the output is off during microcontroller reset.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications.
