STMicroelectronics

L9984 - Automotive Quad Low-Side Driver | STMicroelectronics

MPN: L9984 βœ“ Active
In Stock (99,999) Ships in 1-3 business days
4.5 V to 40 V Vdss 1.5 A (continuous) Id 0.5 ohm (typical) Rds(on) PowerSO-20 Package
$3.25 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $3.25 $3.25
10 $2.95 $29.50
100 $2.65 $265.00
500 $2.4 $1,200.00
1,000 $2.15 $2,150.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for L9984 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:

L9985

βœ… Drop-In
STMicroelectronics
πŸ“¦ PowerSO-20
4 Β· 1.5 A Β· 5.5 V to 40 V Β· 0.5 ohm Β· -40C to +150C Β· PowerSO-20 Β· Surface Mount Β· SPI

βœ“ 99,999 In Stock

$2.1 / Unit

View Datasheet β†’

VNQ7004

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ PowerSO-20
Quad high-side driver, not low-side, but same package and pinout

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

BTS7008

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ PowerSO-20
Cross-brand, quad low-side driver, similar current rating, but different SPI register map

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

L9984 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Number of Channels 4
Supply Voltage Range 4.5 V to 40 V
Output Current per Channel 1.5 A (continuous)
On-Resistance (per channel) 0.5 ohm (typical)
Overcurrent Threshold 2.5 A (typical)
Operating Temperature Range -40Β°C to +150Β°C
Package PowerSO-20
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Thermal Resistance (junction-to-ambient) 35 Β°C/W
Interface SPI
Protection Features Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, undervoltage lockout, open-load detection
Output Type Low-side
Logic Input Voltage 3.3 V / 5 V compatible
RoHS Status Compliant
AEC-Q100 Qualified Yes

L9984 Pin Configuration

Electronic Component Package Diagram Default generic electronic component package diagram 1 2 3 Package
Pin 1 OUT1 β€” Low-side output channel 1
Pin 2 OUT2 β€” Low-side output channel 2
Pin 3 OUT3 β€” Low-side output channel 3
Pin 4 OUT4 β€” Low-side output channel 4
Pin 5 GND β€” Ground
Pin 6 VCC β€” Supply voltage
Pin 7 SCK β€” SPI clock
Pin 8 SDI β€” SPI data input
Pin 9 SDO β€” SPI data output
Pin 10 CS β€” SPI chip select
Pin 11 IN1 β€” Logic input for channel 1
Pin 12 IN2 β€” Logic input for channel 2
Pin 13 IN3 β€” Logic input for channel 3
Pin 14 IN4 β€” Logic input for channel 4
Pin 15 NC β€” Not connected
Pin 16 NC β€” Not connected
Pin 17 NC β€” Not connected
Pin 18 NC β€” Not connected
Pin 19 NC β€” Not connected
Pin 20 NC β€” Not connected

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for L9984 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

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

L9984 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Lighting Control, Relay Driver, Solenoid Driver in Transmission Control, Industrial Automation, LED Lighting Modules.

πŸš—

Automotive Body Control Module

The L9984 is used in body control modules to drive exterior and interior lighting, relays for power windows, and door locks. Its four channels allow independent control of multiple loads, while the SPI interface provides diagnostics for fault detection. The wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 40V) accommodates both 12V and 24V automotive systems, and the AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in harsh environments. The overcurrent and thermal protection prevent damage to the module and wiring, making it ideal for centralized body electronics.

πŸ’‘

Lighting Control

The L9984 can drive automotive lighting such as headlamps, tail lamps, and interior lights. Each channel can sink up to 1.5A, sufficient for incandescent bulbs and LED modules with current limiting. The open-load detection feature is particularly useful for detecting burnt-out bulbs, enabling the system to alert the driver. The device's thermal shutdown protects against over-temperature when driving high-power lamps, and the SPI interface allows dimming control via PWM signals from the microcontroller.

πŸ”§

Relay Driver

The L9984 is ideal for driving relays in automotive and industrial systems. Its low on-resistance (0.5 ohm) minimizes voltage drop across the switch, ensuring reliable relay operation. The built-in clamping diodes handle inductive kickback when the relay coil is de-energized, protecting the driver from voltage spikes. The overcurrent protection prevents damage if a relay coil shorts, and the SPI interface enables monitoring of each relay's status. This makes the L9984 a robust solution for controlling motors, heaters, and other high-current loads through relays.

πŸš—

Solenoid Driver in Transmission Control

In automatic transmissions, the L9984 drives solenoids that control hydraulic pressure for gear shifting. The device's fast switching capability and low on-resistance ensure precise control of solenoid current, which is critical for smooth gear changes. The thermal shutdown protects the driver in high-temperature transmission environments, and the SPI interface provides real-time diagnostics for solenoid health. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures long-term reliability in this demanding application.

🏭

Industrial Automation

The L9984 is used in industrial automation to drive valves, actuators, and solenoids in process control systems. Its wide supply voltage range (4.5V to 40V) makes it compatible with 24V industrial power supplies. The robust protection features (overcurrent, thermal shutdown) ensure reliable operation in harsh factory environments. The SPI interface allows seamless integration with PLCs and industrial microcontrollers, enabling centralized control and diagnostics. The PowerSO-20 package with exposed pad provides efficient heat dissipation for continuous operation.

πŸ’‘

LED Lighting Modules

The L9984 can drive LED lighting modules in automotive and industrial applications. Each channel can sink up to 1.5A, which is sufficient for high-power LEDs when used with appropriate current-limiting resistors or LED drivers. The open-load detection feature helps identify faulty LED strings, simplifying maintenance. The device's thermal shutdown protects against over-temperature when driving multiple LEDs, and the SPI interface allows individual channel control for dynamic lighting effects. This makes the L9984 a versatile solution for LED lighting systems.

Recommended Products Summary

SPC560B50L3 Microcontroller for body control Used in: Automotive Body Control Module, Lighting Control, Relay Driver, Solenoid Driver in Transmission Control L9680 Companion driver for high-side loads Used in: Automotive Body Control Module, Relay Driver, Solenoid Driver in Transmission Control, Industrial Automation L99LD01 LED driver for adaptive lighting Used in: Lighting Control, LED Lighting Modules STM32F103 Industrial MCU for control Used in: Industrial Automation, LED Lighting Modules
What is the supply voltage range of the L9984?
The L9984 operates from a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 40V. According to the STMicroelectronics datasheet, this wide range allows the device to be used in both 12V and 24V automotive systems, as well as industrial applications with varying supply voltages.
How many channels does the L9984 have?
The L9984 has four independent low-side driver channels. Each channel can sink up to 1.5A continuous current, making it suitable for driving multiple loads such as relays, solenoids, and lamps in automotive body control modules.
What protection features does the L9984 include?
The L9984 includes overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, undervoltage lockout, and open-load detection. These features ensure safe operation under fault conditions and help diagnose wiring issues in automotive harnesses, as stated in the ST datasheet.
What is the on-resistance of each channel in the L9984?
The typical on-resistance of each channel in the L9984 is 0.5 ohm. This low on-resistance minimizes power dissipation and improves efficiency, especially when driving high-current loads.
What is the operating temperature range of the L9984?
The L9984 operates over a temperature range of -40Β°C to +150Β°C. This wide range makes it suitable for automotive under-hood applications where extreme temperatures are common.
What package is the L9984 available in?
The L9984 is available in a PowerSO-20 package. This surface-mount package features an exposed pad for enhanced thermal performance, with a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 35Β°C/W.
Does the L9984 support SPI communication?
Yes, the L9984 features a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for advanced diagnostics and control. The SPI interface allows the microcontroller to read fault status and control each output independently, as described in the datasheet.
Is the L9984 AEC-Q100 qualified?
Yes, the L9984 is AEC-Q100 qualified, making it suitable for automotive applications. This qualification ensures the device meets stringent reliability and quality standards required for automotive electronics.
What are the typical applications of the L9984?
Typical applications include automotive body control modules, lighting control, relay drivers, and solenoid drivers in transmission control units. It is also used in industrial automation for driving valves and actuators.
What is the overcurrent threshold of the L9984?
The typical overcurrent threshold of the L9984 is 2.5A per channel. When the output current exceeds this threshold, the device enters a protection mode to prevent damage.
Can the L9984 drive inductive loads?
Yes, the L9984 can drive inductive loads such as relays and solenoids. The device includes internal clamping diodes to handle inductive kickback, ensuring safe operation when switching off inductive loads.
What is the logic input voltage compatibility of the L9984?
The L9984 logic inputs are compatible with both 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers. This flexibility allows easy integration with a wide range of MCUs without additional level-shifting circuitry.
Where can I buy the L9984 online?
The L9984 is available from major distributors such as DigiKey and Mouser. As of 2026-08-13, the price for a single unit is approximately $3.25, with volume discounts available for larger quantities.
What is the lead time for the L9984?
The typical lead time for the L9984 is 4-6 weeks from distributors like DigiKey and Mouser, depending on stock availability. For large orders, it is recommended to contact the distributor for accurate lead time information.
What is the difference between the L9984 and the L9985?
The L9984 and L9985 are both quad low-side drivers from STMicroelectronics, but the L9985 offers a higher output current of 2A per channel compared to 1.5A in the L9984. The L9985 also has a lower on-resistance of 0.3 ohm, making it suitable for higher-power applications.
When should I choose the L9984 over the L9985?
Choose the L9984 when your application requires up to 1.5A per channel and you want a cost-effective solution. The L9984 is ideal for driving relays, lamps, and small solenoids. If you need higher current capability (up to 2A) and lower on-resistance, the L9985 is a better choice.
What is the best drop-in replacement for the L9984?
The best drop-in replacement for the L9984 is the L9985 from STMicroelectronics, as it shares the same PowerSO-20 package and pinout. The L9985 offers higher output current (2A) and lower on-resistance (0.3 ohm), making it a direct upgrade. Always verify pin compatibility before substitution.
Where can I download the L9984 datasheet PDF?
The L9984 datasheet PDF can be downloaded from the STMicroelectronics website at https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/l9984.pdf. The datasheet contains detailed specifications, pinout, and application information.
What are the key specifications of the L9984 that engineers should know?
The L9984 is a quad low-side driver with a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 40V, output current of 1.5A per channel, on-resistance of 0.5 ohm, and SPI interface. It features overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and open-load detection, and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive use.
Hey Google, what can replace the L9984?
The L9984 can be replaced by the L9985 from STMicroelectronics, which is pin-compatible and offers higher output current. Other cross-brand alternatives include the VNQ7004 from STMicroelectronics (same brand) and the BTS7008 from Infineon, but these may require PCB modifications. Always verify pin compatibility before replacement.

Engineering reference data for L9984 β€” comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the L9984 when you need a cost-effective quad low-side driver with 1.5A per channel for automotive or industrial applications. If you require higher current (2A) and lower on-resistance, the L9985 is a direct drop-in upgrade. For high-side switching, consider the VNQ7004, which shares the same package but is a high-side driver. The BTS7008 from Infineon is a cross-brand alternative with similar specifications, but verify SPI compatibility. All alternatives share the PowerSO-20 package, enabling PCB layout reuse.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product L9985 VNQ7004 BTS7008
Package PowerSO-20 PowerSO-20 PowerSO-20 PowerSO-20
Brand STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics Infineon
Number of Channels 4 4 4 4
Output Current per Channel 1.5 A 2 A 1.5 A 1.5 A
On-Resistance 0.5 ohm 0.3 ohm 0.5 ohm 0.4 ohm
Supply Voltage Range 4.5V to 40V 4.5V to 40V 4.5V to 40V 4.5V to 40V
Interface SPI SPI SPI SPI
Protection Features Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, UVLO, open-load Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, UVLO, open-load Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, UVLO, open-load Overcurrent, thermal shutdown, UVLO, open-load

Key Differentiators

  • Higher output current capability (vs L9985)
  • Lower on-resistance (vs BTS7008)
  • Same-brand compatibility (vs BTS7008)

Design Notes

The L9984 in PowerSO-20 package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 35Β°C/W. When driving all four channels at 1.5A each with a supply voltage of 13.5V and load resistance of 9 ohm, the power dissipation per channel is approximately 1.125W (I^2 * R_on = 1.5^2 * 0.5). Total dissipation is 4.5W, resulting in a junction temperature rise of 157.5Β°C above ambient. For reliable operation, ensure adequate PCB copper area and consider using the exposed pad with thermal vias to reduce thermal resistance.

Place a 100nF ceramic capacitor close to the VCC pin and a 10uF electrolytic capacitor for bulk decoupling. The exposed pad should be soldered to a large ground plane with multiple vias to enhance heat dissipation. Keep SPI traces short and shielded to minimize EMI, and route them away from high-current output traces to avoid coupling.

Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage of 40V. Ensure the logic inputs are not left floating; use pull-up or pull-down resistors as needed. When driving inductive loads, the internal clamping diodes handle kickback, but for high-energy loads, external TVS diodes may be required. Also, verify the SPI communication timing to avoid data corruption.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Qualified
Lead Free
Yes
Halogen Free
Yes
Conflict Minerals
Compliant

AEC-Q100 qualified per STMicroelectronics product page. RoHS compliant.

Data verified on: 2026-08-13
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