A new automotive pre-driver designed for emerging 48V vehicle architectures combines ISO 21780 compliance with eight independently configurable output channels, enabling designers to control a wide range of loads in mild-hybrid and auxiliary automotive systems.
The device features an absolute maximum voltage rating of 75V and supports independent configuration of eight outputs for driving external high-side N-channel MOSFETs, high-side P-channel MOSFETs, or low-side N-channel MOSFETs. This flexibility allows a single device to support multiple system architectures and load types.
In motor-control applications, one IC can manage up to two H-bridges for DC motor drives. The device can also control relays, resistive and capacitive loads, and provide peak-and-hold control for small valves. One dedicated channel includes an enable function intended for safety-critical loads.
The pre-driver is aimed at 48V automotive applications including mild-hybrid powertrain systems, energy recovery systems, e-compressors, and integrated starter generators. By supporting multiple loads within a single device, designers can simplify the transition to 48V power networks, which offer increased power delivery and efficiency while reducing wiring weight and current-handling requirements.
To help vehicle manufacturers meet increasingly stringent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, the device allows MOSFET slew-rate control during both turn-on and turn-off transitions. Controlling switching behavior can help reduce electromagnetic emissions and improve overall system performance.
The device also incorporates a range of diagnostic and protection features intended to support automotive safety requirements. These include detection of short-to-ground, short-to-battery, and open-load conditions in both active and inactive operating states. Integrated protection mechanisms help safeguard connected loads while enabling rapid fault identification.
Two onboard 10-bit analog-to-digital converters monitor battery voltage and device temperature. This information is used to provide dynamic overcurrent-threshold compensation, allowing the device to adapt protection behavior across varying operating conditions.
The pre-driver supports both 3.3V and 5V logic environments and communicates through a high-speed SPI interface used for device configuration and diagnostic reporting. Diagnostic capabilities include built-in self-test (BIST), hardware self-checking of internal overvoltage-detection circuitry, and a communication-check watchdog timer. Battery voltage and die-temperature measurements are also accessible through the SPI interface.
To further support safety-oriented applications, the device includes dual disable pins that provide redundant fast switch-off capability in fault conditions.
The new pre-driver is available now in a 10 mm × 10 mm TQFP64 package. Budgetary pricing begins at $3.95 in quantities of 1,000 units.
Learn More: L98GD8E | Product – STMicroelectronics
