8-Channel Driver Offers Configurable Solutions for Auto Body Electronics, Climate Control

The L9026 8-channel driver from STMicroelectronics integrates six configurable high-side/low-side outputs and two high-side outputs. With a limp-home mode in case of controller failure and two extra input pins for failsafe operation, the L9026 enhances safety and reliability.

Capable of driving multiple relays, solenoids, LEDs, and resistive loads in equipment such as body electronics, climate controls, and fuel-injection systems, the L9026 can handle resistive, capacitive, and inductive loads. The device has an SPI interface with registers for storing the device configuration as well as internal mapping and pulse-width-modulation (PWM) behavior.

With advanced diagnostic and protection features for each channel, the L9026 eases ISO 26262 system-level qualification up to ASIL B in safety-related applications. Protection against open and short circuits, overcurrent, and overtemperature is incorporated, with real-time diagnostics available at the SPI interface.

Additional features increase flexibility and bring savings to the system bill of materials, such as the bulb-inrush mode that automatically protects against excessive power-on current. The L9026 guarantees operation during cranking with battery voltage as low as 3 V.

The choice of packages includes HTSSOP and a 5- × 5- × 1-mm VFQFPN32 that provides an unusually compact option for in-vehicle use. The L9026 is in production now, priced from $1.60 in the HTSSOP24 and $0.90 in the VFQFPN32 for orders of 1,000 pieces.