L9826TR

STMicroelectronics L9826TR – 8‑Channel Low‑Side Driver (1 A/Channel) in SO‑20 for Automotive and Industrial Loads

The STMicroelectronics L9826TR is an 8‑output low‑side power driver tailored for automotive and industrial load control. Each of its eight low‑side switches supports up to 1 A per channel, making it a practical building block for driving relays, solenoids, and lamp/LED loads in body electronics, HVAC, and general automation subsystems. The device comes in a compact SO‑20 package for surface‑mount assembly, and the “TR” suffix designates tape‑and‑reel packaging for high‑volume manufacturing.

This article compiles the essential facts for engineers, buyers, and sourcing managers evaluating the ST L9826TR. It focuses on what’s available in the provided data and the official resources, helping you assess fit, plan PCB real estate, and align procurement without sifting through multiple pages.

Quick highlights

• Brand / Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics
• MPN: L9826TR
• Category: Low‑Side Driver ICs
• Channels: 8
• Output configuration: Low‑side
• Per‑channel continuous current: 1 A
• Total outputs: 8
• Package / Case: SO‑20
• Pin count: 20
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
• Typical applications: Relays, solenoids, lamp/LED loads (automotive body electronics)

Why engineers and sourcing teams choose the STMicroelectronics L9826TR

For multi‑load automotive or industrial nodes, integrating a single IC that can safely switch multiple grounds simplifies both design and procurement. The L9826TR consolidates eight low‑side drivers—with integrated protection and diagnostic features—so you can reduce part count compared with discrete FETs and monitoring circuits. That consolidation can translate into smaller PCBs, fewer BOM line items, and more predictable behavior across channels.

From a sourcing standpoint, the L9826TR’s SO‑20 package and tape‑and‑reel option streamline SMT assembly and automated optical inspection, while standard packaging helps maintain continuity across CM partners. The device’s 1 A/channel capability aligns well with common relay coils, solenoid valves, and lighting strings found in body electronics and industrial control panels.

How a low‑side driver fits into your architecture

A low‑side driver sits between the load and ground, switching the load’s return path. The high side (supply to the load) remains connected to the positive rail, while the L9826TR pulls the other end of the load to ground to turn it on. This approach is popular for inductive and lamp loads because:

• It allows straightforward current return management and ground sensing.
• It is compatible with PWM control from a microcontroller for dimming or duty‑cycle control when the driver and load support it.
• It simplifies wiring in body control modules and distributed I/O nodes.

Note: Specific timing, PWM frequency limits, and interface details are not specified in the provided data. Consult the L9826 datasheet for electrical limits and recommended operating conditions before implementing PWM or fast switching schemes.

Key specifications and features

Only specifications provided in the part data or directly implied by ST’s public documentation are summarized here. If a parameter is not listed below, it is not specified in the provided data and should be verified in the official datasheet.

Functional overview

• 8 low‑side output channels
• Up to 1 A per channel (continuous)
• Integrated protection and diagnostic features (exact mechanisms not detailed here; see datasheet)
• Intended for relays, solenoids, and lamp/LED loads

Mechanical and packaging

• Package / Case: SO‑20
• Pin count: 20
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)

Electrical parameters

• Output configuration: Low‑side
• Per‑channel continuous current: 1 A
• Other electrical characteristics: Not specified in datasheet excerpt

Environmental and reliability

• Temperature range: Not specified in datasheet excerpt
• Protection and diagnostic coverage: Present (details not specified; refer to datasheet)
• Automotive intent: Yes, per device description, but no claims are made here about specific automotive qualifications without datasheet confirmation

Applications

The STMicroelectronics L9826TR is designed for multi‑load, ground‑switched applications where centralized control and protection are desired. Typical use cases include:

• Automotive body control modules (door locks, latching actuators, lighting zones)
• Relay and solenoid driving in transportation or industrial equipment
• Lamp/LED load control in interior or exterior lighting (with appropriate current limiting or driver circuitry)
• General‑purpose low‑side power switching for distributed I/O in PLC or embedded control systems

Design‑in considerations

• Inductive loads: Ensure flyback handling follows the recommendations in the datasheet. The device includes protection/diagnostic features, but exact clamping behavior and energy limits must be validated per the official documentation.
• LED and lamp loads: For LEDs, provide appropriate current limiting or use a dedicated LED driver stage while using the L9826TR as the switching element. For lamps, account for inrush current and thermal behavior.
• Thermal management: 1 A per channel is substantial in aggregate. Consider worst‑case simultaneous conduction, duty‑cycle, copper area, and ambient conditions. Place thermal vias and planes to spread heat.
• Grounding: As a low‑side device, ground quality is critical. Star‑grounding or low‑impedance returns help maintain consistent switching thresholds and reduce noise coupling.
• EMC/EMI: Switching inductive loads can generate conducted and radiated emissions. Add snubbers, filters, or layout measures per the datasheet’s guidance to meet your target EMC profile.
• Microcontroller interface: Verify input thresholds, timing, and any fault/diagnostic signaling defined in the datasheet to ensure compatibility with your MCU I/O voltage and interrupt strategy.

Benefits for sourcing and manufacturing

• Consolidation of eight output switches in one IC reduces BOM items, purchasing complexity, and warehouse handling.
• SO‑20 surface‑mount footprint supports standard pick‑and‑place and AOI processes across diverse EMS lines.
• Tape‑and‑reel (L9826TR) simplifies high‑throughput assembly and feeder setups.
• Clear device positioning—an 8‑channel, 1 A/channel low‑side driver—helps procurement teams match the part to application needs without over‑specifying or undersizing.

When planning inventory and alternates, consider load diversity (how many channels are simultaneously active, and at what duty cycle) to avoid over‑engineering. The L9826TR targets a sweet spot for common loads in body electronics and industrial control.

Specifications summary

• Brand / Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics
• MPN: L9826TR
• Category: Low‑Side Driver ICs
• Channels: 8
• Output configuration: Low‑side
• Per‑channel continuous current: 1 A
• Package / Case: SO‑20
• Pin count: 20
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)
• Typical applications: Relays, solenoids, lamp/LED loads
• Other electrical or timing parameters: Not specified in datasheet excerpt

Lifecycle, availability, and replacements

• Lifecycle status: Not specified. Check the ST product page for the current lifecycle position.
• Availability: Not specified here; consult authorized distributors and the STMicroelectronics product page for lead‑time and stock updates.
• Replacements or pin‑compatible alternatives: Not specified. If you require higher current, high‑side outputs, or different diagnostics, use ST’s parametric search or consult their applications support to identify suitable alternatives.

Practical tip: Ordering codes may vary by package and packing option. Verify the exact ordering code for your geography and tape‑and‑reel requirement on the ST product page and in the datasheet.

Compliance and environmental information

• RoHS / Environmental status: Not specified in the provided data. Confirm with the latest datasheet or compliance statements from STMicroelectronics.
• Automotive qualification: The device is described as intended for automotive loads; however, no specific qualification (e.g., AEC) is claimed here. Always verify the official qualification level in the manufacturer’s documentation for safety‑critical or compliance‑sensitive programs.

If your organization requires PPAP, IMDS entries, or specific environmental declarations (REACH, halogen content), request the relevant documentation through ST’s support or your authorized distributor.

Ordering information and packaging

• MPN: L9826TR
• Package: SO‑20, Surface Mount
• Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR)

Notes:

• The “TR” suffix indicates tape‑and‑reel, which is well suited to automated assembly lines.
• Full ordering codes can include additional characters. Confirm the exact code as listed in the datasheet for your target region and revision.

Application notes and integration tips

• Channel usage planning: Map high‑duty or high‑current loads across channels to balance thermal distribution on the PCB. Reserve copper area and vias under heat‑influenced pins as recommended by ST.
• Diagnostics handling: The L9826 family integrates protection and diagnostic features. Structure your firmware to periodically poll or interrupt on diagnostic indicators defined in the datasheet, and log or fail‑safe as appropriate.
• System protection stack: Pair the L9826TR with appropriate upstream protections (fusing, reverse‑battery protection, TVS at the supply) consistent with automotive or industrial standards. The driver’s integrated protection is one layer of a holistic protection strategy.
• Serviceability: If the design targets field service, consider exposing per‑channel status via a debug header or software interface to simplify troubleshooting of loads (e.g., stuck relay, open wire) without invasive probing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How many outputs does the STMicroelectronics L9826TR provide?
A: Eight low‑side channels.

Q: What is the per‑channel current capability?
A: Up to 1 A per channel (continuous), per the provided device information.

Q: What package does the L9826TR use?
A: SO‑20, surface‑mount, 20 pins.

Q: What does the “TR” suffix indicate?
A: Tape‑and‑reel packaging, suitable for automated assembly.

Q: Can the L9826TR drive relays and solenoids?
A: Yes. It is intended for automotive and industrial loads such as relays and solenoids.

Q: Is it suitable for lamp or LED loads?
A: Yes. It is intended for lamp/LED loads. For LEDs, ensure proper current limiting or a suitable driver stage; the L9826TR provides low‑side switching, not constant‑current regulation.

Q: What are the supply voltage and logic‑level requirements?
A: Not specified in the provided data. Refer to the L9826 datasheet for input thresholds and operating voltages.

Q: Does the device support diagnostics?
A: Yes, protection and diagnostic features are integrated according to the device description. Consult the datasheet for specific diagnostic functions and interface details.

Q: Can channels be paralleled for higher current?
A: Not specified. Only parallel channels if the datasheet explicitly permits it and provides guidance on balancing and limits.

Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: Not specified in the provided data. Check the official datasheet.

Q: Is the L9826TR RoHS compliant or automotive qualified?
A: RoHS and specific qualification levels are not stated here. Verify with ST’s current compliance documentation and product page.

Resources

• STMicroelectronics L9826 Product Page: https://www.st.com/en/automotive-analog-and-power-ics/l9826.html
• STMicroelectronics L9826 Datasheet: https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/l9826.pdf

If your application demands precise electrical and timing parameters (e.g., PWM limits, fault detection thresholds, energy dissipation for inductive loads), always base your design on the latest official datasheet. For procurement and compliance, align your ordering code to the exact package and packing you need and confirm lifecycle status with ST or authorized distributors.