L9970-TR - Automotive Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9970-TR ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.25 | $3.25 |
| 10 | $2.92 | $29.20 |
| 100 | $2.6 | $260.00 |
| 500 | $2.34 | $1,170.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.08 | $2,080.00 |
L9970-TR Overview
A motor driver is an integrated circuit that translates low-power control signals from a microcontroller into the higher voltage and current levels required to drive electric motors. In the system hierarchy, a motor driver sits between the MCU and the motor, acting as a power amplifier and protection interface. It typically includes H-bridge topologies for bidirectional control, current sensing, and diagnostic feedback. Motor drivers are essential in automotive systems such as power windows, seat adjustment, mirror positioning, and HVAC actuators, where precise and reliable motor control is critical.
Key features of the L9970-TR include a wide operating voltage range of 5.5 V to 36 V, making it suitable for both 12 V and 24 V automotive electrical systems. Each H-bridge can source or sink up to 1.2 A continuous current, with peak current capability of 2 A. The device includes built-in protection features such as overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lockout, ensuring robust operation in harsh automotive environments. The PowerSO-20 package offers a low thermal resistance of 35 °C/W, enabling efficient heat dissipation without external heatsinks in moderate load conditions.
The L9970-TR utilizes a standard H-bridge architecture with four power MOSFETs per channel, controlled by logic-level inputs. The device supports both DC motor and stepper motor configurations, with the ability to control direction and speed via PWM signals. The integrated current sensing feature allows for closed-loop torque control, improving system efficiency and performance. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified, meeting the stringent reliability requirements of automotive applications.
Typical applications include automotive power windows, seat adjustment, mirror control, HVAC actuators, and industrial automation systems. The wide input voltage range and robust protection features make it ideal for use in 12 V and 24 V systems, where reliability and safety are paramount. The device can also be used in robotics and mechatronics applications requiring bidirectional motor control.
When designing with the L9970-TR, ensure adequate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation, especially when driving loads near the maximum current rating. Place decoupling capacitors close to the supply pins to minimize voltage transients. The device's enable and diagnostic pins allow for system-level fault monitoring, which is essential for safety-critical applications.
Drop-in alternatives for L9970-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 L9970-TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Quiescent Current.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
L9970
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →L9970-TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →DRV8801
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A4950
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9970-TR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 36 V |
| Output Current per Channel | 1.2 A continuous, 2 A peak |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 |
| Output Configuration | Dual H-bridge |
| Control Interface | Parallel logic inputs |
| PWM Frequency | Up to 20 kHz |
| On-Resistance (per MOSFET) | 0.5 ohm typical |
| Quiescent Current | 5 mA typical |
| Thermal Shutdown | Yes |
| Overcurrent Protection | Yes |
| Undervoltage Lockout | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C |
| Package | PowerSO-20 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes |
| RoHS Compliant | Yes |
L9970-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 | IN1 — Control input for H-bridge 1 |
| Pin 6 | IN2 — Control input for H-bridge 1 |
| Pin 7 | EN1 — Enable for H-bridge 1 |
| Pin 8 | DIAG1 — Diagnostic output for H-bridge 1 |
| Pin 9 | OUT3 — H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 10 | OUT4 — H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 11 | VS — Supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | IN3 — Control input for H-bridge 2 |
| Pin 14 | IN4 — Control input for H-bridge 2 |
| Pin 15 | EN2 — Enable for H-bridge 2 |
| Pin 16 | DIAG2 — Diagnostic output for H-bridge 2 |
| Pin 17 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 18 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 19 | NC — No connect |
| Pin 20 | NC — No connect |
Typical Applications
L9970-TR is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Power Windows, Seat Adjustment Systems, HVAC Actuators, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics.
Automotive Power Windows
The L9970-TR drives DC motors for power windows, providing bidirectional control and protection. Its 1.2 A continuous output current and 36 V supply range handle window lift motors efficiently. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in automotive environments. In a typical power window system, the L9970-TR is controlled by a body control module (BCM) via logic inputs, with PWM for speed control. The integrated overcurrent protection prevents motor stall damage, and thermal shutdown protects the device during prolonged operation. Compared to discrete H-bridge designs, the L9970-TR reduces component count and PCB area, improving system reliability.
Recommended
Seat Adjustment Systems
The L9970-TR is used in seat adjustment systems to drive multiple DC motors for forward/backward, recline, and lumbar support. Its dual H-bridge configuration allows independent control of two motors, simplifying the design. The wide supply voltage range accommodates both 12 V and 24 V systems. In a seat adjustment module, the L9970-TR receives commands from a seat control unit, driving motors with PWM for smooth operation. The device's current sensing capability enables stall detection, preventing damage to the motor and mechanism. The PowerSO-20 package's thermal performance supports continuous operation under load.
Recommended
HVAC Actuators
The L9970-TR drives DC motors in HVAC actuators for air flow control, temperature mixing, and mode selection. Its low on-resistance (0.5 ohm) minimizes power dissipation, improving energy efficiency in the vehicle. The device's protection features ensure reliable operation in the harsh under-dash environment. In an HVAC actuator, the L9970-TR is controlled by the climate control module, with position feedback from a potentiometer. The dual H-bridge allows driving two actuators simultaneously, reducing component count. The device's thermal shutdown prevents overheating during extended operation.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
The L9970-TR is suitable for industrial automation applications such as conveyor belt control, valve actuation, and robotic arm movement. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5 V to 36 V) allows use in both 12 V and 24 V industrial systems. The device's robust protection features ensure reliable operation in industrial environments. In a conveyor system, the L9970-TR drives a DC motor with PWM speed control, with overcurrent protection preventing motor damage. The dual H-bridge configuration enables bidirectional control, allowing for forward and reverse operation. The PowerSO-20 package's thermal performance supports continuous operation in industrial settings.
Recommended
Robotics
The L9970-TR is used in robotics for driving DC motors in wheeled robots, robotic arms, and actuators. Its dual H-bridge allows independent control of two motors, enabling differential drive for mobile robots. The device's PWM capability supports speed and direction control, essential for precise robot movement. In a mobile robot, the L9970-TR is controlled by an MCU, with PWM signals for motor speed and direction. The integrated current sensing enables torque control and obstacle detection. The device's compact PowerSO-20 package saves PCB space, making it ideal for space-constrained robot designs.
Recommended
Mechatronics
The L9970-TR is applied in mechatronic systems such as automated valves, pumps, and positioning stages. Its wide supply voltage range and robust protection features make it suitable for various mechatronic applications. The device's dual H-bridge configuration allows driving two actuators independently, simplifying system design. In a mechatronic valve, the L9970-TR drives a DC motor to open and close the valve, with position feedback from a sensor. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage during valve jams. The PowerSO-20 package's thermal performance supports continuous operation in industrial mechatronic systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9970-TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9970 | DRV8801 | A4950 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments | Allegro MicroSystems |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 36 V | 5.5 V to 36 V | 8 V to 36 V | 8 V to 40 V |
| Output Current per Channel | 1.2 A continuous | 1.2 A continuous | 1.5 A continuous | 1.5 A continuous |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| On-Resistance | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.4 ohm | 0.6 ohm |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price (1 pcs) | $3.25 | $3.25 | $2.50 | $2.80 |
Key Differentiators
- AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use (vs DRV8801)
- Wide supply voltage range of 5.5 V to 36 V (vs DRV8801)
- Lower on-resistance of 0.5 ohm (vs A4950)
Design Notes
The PowerSO-20 package has a thermal resistance of 35 °C/W. At maximum continuous current of 1.2 A per channel and a supply voltage of 12 V, power dissipation can reach 2.9 W per channel (assuming 0.5 ohm on-resistance). Ensure adequate PCB copper area and thermal vias to keep the junction temperature below 150 °C. For high ambient temperatures, consider adding a heatsink or reducing output current.
Place 100 nF ceramic capacitors close to each VS pin and a 10 µF electrolytic capacitor at the supply input to decouple high-frequency noise and handle current transients. Use wide traces for the motor output pins to minimize voltage drops and inductance. The exposed thermal pad should be soldered to a large copper pour for effective heat dissipation.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 40 V. Ensure the logic inputs are not left floating; use pull-up or pull-down resistors as needed. The diagnostic pins are open-drain and require external pull-up resistors. When driving inductive loads, place freewheeling diodes across the motor terminals to prevent voltage spikes that could damage the device.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics product page. REACH compliance is assumed based on ST's general compliance, but not explicitly stated in the provided data.