L9974 - Automotive Dual H-Bridge Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9974 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 L9974 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:
L9974A
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9942
β‘ Same Packageβ 99,999 In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet βDRV8801
β‘ Same Packageπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9974 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5 V to 36 V |
| Output Current (Continuous) | 1.2 A per channel |
| Output Current (Peak) | 2 A per channel |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 |
| Control Interface | SPI |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | 50 Β΅A |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40Β°C to +150Β°C |
| Package | PowerSO-20 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Thermal Resistance (junction-to-ambient) | 35 Β°C/W |
| Overcurrent Protection | Yes |
| Overtemperature Protection | Yes |
| Undervoltage Lockout | Yes |
| Current Sense Output | Yes |
| AEC-Q100 Grade | Grade 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
L9974 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1 β Motor output 1 |
| Pin 2 | OUT2 β Motor output 2 |
| Pin 3 | VS β Supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | OUT3 β Motor output 3 |
| Pin 6 | OUT4 β Motor output 4 |
| Pin 7 | CS β Current sense output |
| Pin 8 | SCK β SPI clock |
| Pin 9 | SDI β SPI data input |
| Pin 10 | SDO β SPI data output |
| Pin 11 | CSN β SPI chip select (active low) |
| Pin 12 | RST β Reset (active low) |
| Pin 13 | IN1 β Control input 1 |
| Pin 14 | IN2 β Control input 2 |
| Pin 15 | IN3 β Control input 3 |
| Pin 16 | IN4 β Control input 4 |
| Pin 17 | VDD β Logic supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 19 | VS β Supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | GND β Ground |
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
L9974 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive HVAC Actuators, Headlamp Leveling Systems, Mirror Adjustment, Seat Positioning Systems, Industrial Automation, Robotics.
Automotive HVAC Actuators
The L9974 drives the DC motors used in HVAC flap actuators, providing precise control of air flow direction and temperature. Its dual H-bridge allows independent control of two actuators, reducing component count. The SPI interface enables diagnostic feedback for fault detection, and the wide supply voltage range accommodates battery voltage variations. The low quiescent current is beneficial for always-on systems. The device's thermal performance ensures reliable operation in the high-temperature environment near the HVAC unit.
Recommended
Headlamp Leveling Systems
The L9974 controls the stepper motors used in headlamp leveling systems, ensuring proper beam alignment. Its dual H-bridge can drive a bipolar stepper motor with precise current control via SPI. The device's automotive qualification and wide temperature range make it suitable for under-hood mounting. The current sense output allows closed-loop control for accurate positioning. The robust protection features prevent damage from motor faults.
Recommended
Mirror Adjustment
The L9974 drives the DC motors for electric mirror adjustment, providing smooth and precise movement. Its dual H-bridge allows independent control of horizontal and vertical motors. The SPI interface enables simple control and diagnostics. The low standby current is ideal for applications that are frequently in standby. The device's small footprint and thermal efficiency are advantageous for space-constrained mirror modules.
Recommended
Seat Positioning Systems
The L9974 drives the multiple DC motors used in seat positioning, enabling adjustments for comfort and safety. Its dual H-bridge can control two motors simultaneously, reducing the number of drivers needed. The SPI interface allows coordination of multiple motors and diagnostic monitoring. The high peak current capability supports motor startup. The device's automotive grade ensures reliability in the demanding environment of a vehicle seat.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
The L9974 can be used in industrial automation for controlling small DC motors in valves, pumps, and actuators. Its wide supply voltage range and robust protection features make it suitable for industrial environments. The SPI interface allows integration with PLCs and industrial networks. The device's thermal performance enables continuous operation in high-temperature settings. The dual H-bridge configuration is ideal for applications requiring bidirectional control.
Recommended
Robotics
The L9974 drives the DC motors in small robots, providing precise speed and direction control. Its dual H-bridge allows control of two motors for differential drive. The SPI interface enables high-speed communication with the robot's controller. The low quiescent current is beneficial for battery-powered robots. The device's compact package and thermal efficiency are ideal for space-constrained robot designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9974 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9974A | L9942 | DRV8801 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 | PowerSO-20 |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5V to 36V | 5.5V to 36V | 5.5V to 36V | 8V to 36V |
| Output Current (Continuous) | 1.2A per channel | 1.2A per channel | 1.2A | 1.5A |
| Control Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | PWM |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | 50 Β΅A | 50 Β΅A | 50 Β΅A | 1 mA |
| AEC-Q100 Grade | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Not qualified |
Key Differentiators
- Dual H-bridge in a single package (vs L9942)
- SPI interface for diagnostics (vs DRV8801)
- AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification (vs DRV8801)
Design Notes
The PowerSO-20 package has a thermal resistance of 35Β°C/W. For continuous operation at 1.2A per channel with a 12V supply and 6V motor voltage, power dissipation is approximately 7.2W. Ensure adequate PCB copper area and thermal vias under the exposed pad to keep junction temperature below 150Β°C.
Place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor close to each VS pin and a 10 Β΅F electrolytic capacitor at the main supply input. The exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal via array for optimal heat transfer. Keep SPI traces short and shielded to minimize noise.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 40V. Ensure the logic supply (VDD) is within the specified range to avoid undervoltage lockout. The current sense output should be connected to an ADC with appropriate scaling to avoid saturation.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified.
