STMicroelectronics has launched the new L9908 integrated automotive three-phase gate driver unit that operates in 12V, 24V, or 48V systems and has flexible input and output channels to fulfill numerous applications in conventional and hybrid/electric vehicles. Designed for controlling 6 N-channel FETs for brushless motors in automotive applications, this device includes SPI-programmable dead-time insertion with shoot-through diagnostic and protection, open-load detection, and short-to-ground and short-to-battery diagnostics.
By combining high integration, flexibility, and accuracy, the L9908 GDU simplifies design, saves space, and enhances control of low-voltage fluid pumps, pumps, and blowers in ventilation and cooling systems, and electronic seat controls. It can be also used in traction inverters for mild-hybrid internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and 48V full-electric city cars.
Features
- AEC-Q100 qualified
- Full ISO26262 compliant, ASIL-D systems ready
- VDH motor supply voltage ranges from 4.5 V to 75 V for working in single (12 V systems), double (24 V systems) and 48 V battery applications
- 3.3 V internal supply voltage generated from 5 V on VDD pin
- Digital I/O compatible to 3.3 V/5 V logics
- 6 separate N-channel FET pre-drivers
- 3 differential high accuracy current monitors for ground referred current measurements
- 3 real time phase voltage monitor channels
- 32-bit - 10 MHz SPI interface with 5-bit CRC and 1bit frame counter for internal setting, self-test and full diagnostics
Moreover, the L9908’s built-in diagnostics allow use in safety-related systems such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and advanced electronic power steering (EPS), simplifying certification according to ISO 26262. It features an SPI-programmable temperature warning and SPI-readable junction-temperature measurement. Other diagnostics include ground-loss detection, over-voltage and under-voltage detection on the power supply pins and FET-driver supply, system-clock monitoring, SPI window watchdog, and a fault-status flag.
