L9976 - Automotive Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver | STMicroelectronics
MPN: L9976 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 L9976 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:
L9976A
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
L9976 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 |
| RDS(on) per Switch | 0.5 ohm |
| Number of H-Bridges | 2 |
| Control Interface | SPI |
| Protection Features | Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Undervoltage |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | 10 uA |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| Package | PowerSO-28 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Thermal Resistance (theta_JA) | 35 C/W |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 |
L9976 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OUT1 β H-bridge 1 output |
| Pin 2 | OUT2 β H-bridge 1 output |
| Pin 3 | VS β Supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 5 | OUT3 β H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 6 | OUT4 β H-bridge 2 output |
| Pin 7 | VCC β Logic supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 9 | SCK β SPI clock |
| Pin 10 | SDI β SPI data input |
| Pin 11 | SDO β SPI data output |
| Pin 12 | CS β SPI chip select |
| Pin 13 | EN β Enable pin |
| Pin 14 | 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
L9976 is suitable for 6 applications: Power Window Lift, Mirror Adjustment, HVAC Actuator, Seat Positioning, Stepper Motor Control, Industrial Automation.
Power Window Lift
The L9976 drives the DC motor for power window lifts, providing bidirectional control and protection. Its 1.2A continuous current capability handles typical window motor loads, while the SPI interface enables diagnostics for fault detection. The wide supply voltage range (5.5V-36V) accommodates both 12V and 24V systems, and the low RDS(on) minimizes power loss. In a typical application, the L9976 is connected between the body control module (BCM) and the window motor, with the SPI bus used for command and status reporting. The device's overcurrent protection prevents damage during motor stall conditions, and the overtemperature protection ensures safe operation in hot cabin environments.
Recommended
Mirror Adjustment
The L9976 is used to control the small DC motors that adjust side mirrors. Its dual H-bridge configuration allows independent control of two motors, enabling both horizontal and vertical adjustment. The low quiescent current (10 uA) in standby mode is beneficial for reducing battery drain when the vehicle is off. The SPI interface allows the mirror control module to read fault status and adjust motor speed via PWM. The device's small footprint and thermal performance make it suitable for integration into the mirror housing. In a typical application, the L9976 is placed on the mirror control PCB, with the SPI bus connected to the body control module. The overcurrent protection prevents damage if the mirror is manually forced, and the undervoltage protection ensures reliable operation during cold cranking.
Recommended
HVAC Actuator
The L9976 drives the DC motors used in HVAC actuators for air distribution and temperature control. Its 1.2A continuous current rating is sufficient for typical actuator loads, and the SPI interface enables precise control and diagnostics. The wide supply voltage range ensures compatibility with both 12V and 24V HVAC systems. The device's protection features, including overcurrent and overtemperature, enhance reliability in the harsh under-dash environment. In a typical application, the L9976 is connected to the HVAC control module, which sends commands via SPI to position the actuator. The low RDS(on) reduces heat generation, and the thermal pad of the PowerSO-28 package helps dissipate heat. The device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures long-term reliability in automotive applications.
Recommended
Seat Positioning
The L9976 is used to control the DC motors that adjust seat position, including forward/backward and recline functions. Its dual H-bridge configuration allows independent control of two motors, enabling multi-axis adjustment. The device's high output current (1.2A continuous, 2A peak) handles the inrush current of seat motors, and the SPI interface provides diagnostics for fault detection. The wide supply voltage range (5.5V-36V) supports both 12V and 24V seat systems. In a typical application, the L9976 is integrated into the seat control module, with the SPI bus connected to the body control module. The overcurrent protection prevents damage during motor stall, and the overtemperature protection ensures safe operation during prolonged use. The device's low quiescent current helps reduce battery drain when the vehicle is off.
Recommended
Stepper Motor Control
The L9976 can drive a bipolar stepper motor by using its two H-bridges in a full-step or half-step configuration. This is useful for applications such as instrument cluster gauges or headlamp leveling. The SPI interface allows the microcontroller to control the step sequence and read fault status. The device's output current capability (1.2A continuous) is sufficient for most automotive stepper motors. In a typical application, the L9976 is connected to the stepper motor windings, with the SPI bus providing step commands. The device's protection features ensure reliable operation, and the wide supply voltage range accommodates various automotive power systems. The low RDS(on) minimizes power dissipation, and the thermal pad helps manage heat in enclosed spaces.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
Although designed for automotive, the L9976 can be used in industrial automation for controlling small DC motors in actuators, valves, and pumps. Its wide supply voltage range (5.5V-36V) and robust protection features make it suitable for 24V industrial systems. The SPI interface allows integration with industrial controllers, and the device's AEC-Q100 qualification ensures high reliability. In a typical application, the L9976 is mounted on a control PCB and connected to a PLC or microcontroller via SPI. The device's overcurrent and overtemperature protection prevent damage in harsh industrial environments. The low RDS(on) reduces power loss, and the PowerSO-28 package provides adequate thermal performance for moderate power levels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for L9976 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | L9976A | L9958 | DRV8876 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PowerSO-28 | PowerSO-28 (same) | PowerSO-20 (different) | HTSSOP-16 (different) |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | Texas Instruments |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5.5V to 36V | 5.5V to 36V | 5.5V to 36V | 4.5V to 37V |
| Output Current (Continuous) | 1.2A per channel | 1.2A per channel | 0.6A per channel | 3.5A peak |
| RDS(on) | 0.5 ohm | 0.5 ohm | 0.8 ohm | 0.5 ohm |
| Control Interface | SPI | SPI | SPI | PWM |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quiescent Current (Standby) | 10 uA | 10 uA | 10 uA | 1 uA |
Key Differentiators
- Higher output current than L9958 (vs L9958)
- SPI interface for diagnostics (vs DRV8876)
- Wide supply voltage range (vs DRV8876)
Design Notes
The L9976 in PowerSO-28 package has a thermal resistance of 35 C/W. At 1.2A per channel with RDS(on) of 0.5 ohm, each channel dissipates approximately 0.72W, totaling 1.44W for both channels. This results in a temperature rise of about 50C above ambient. Ensure adequate PCB copper area (at least 2 square inches) and consider a thermal via array under the exposed pad to keep the junction temperature below 150C.
Place a 100nF ceramic capacitor close to the VS and VCC pins to suppress switching noise. Use a 10uF electrolytic capacitor on the VS pin for bulk decoupling. The SPI lines (SCK, SDI, SDO, CS) should be kept short and routed away from high-current motor traces to avoid noise coupling. Reference the STMicroelectronics L9976 datasheet for recommended layout guidelines.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 40V. Ensure the SPI interface is properly initialized before enabling the outputs. The EN pin must be pulled high to enable the device; leaving it floating may cause unpredictable behavior. Also, note that the L9976 does not have built-in current sensing; use external sense resistors if current monitoring is required.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics datasheet. RoHS compliant. REACH compliance assumed based on STMicroelectronics policy.
