STMicroelectronics Unveils L98GD8 for 48V Hybrid Cars

STMicroelectronics has introduced the L98GD8, an 8-channel automotive gate driver developed to further increase the performance of 48V mild-hybrid power systems.

Built for flexibility, it operates from a 58V supply and supports both high-side and low-side MOSFET configurations, providing engineers with a compact, efficient way to manage power across modern vehicles.

The move to 48V architectures is changing how automotive design is approached. These systems allow manufacturers to take full advantage of higher-efficiency components such as integrated starter-generators, e-compressors, pumps, and fans, further facilitating energy recovery and weight reduction to meet increasingly tough global emission standards.

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The L98GD8 simplifies this migration by offering direct support for H-bridges in DC motor control and peak-and-hold operation for valves, with programmable gate current for precisely managing switching noise to guarantee compliance with the most stringent EMC requirements.

The L98GD8 delivers strong safety and reliability features. It includes per-channel diagnostics for open-load, short-to-battery, and short-to-ground detection, along with protection features like overcurrent sensing, logic self-tests, voltage monitoring, and fail-safe mechanisms. Its integrated ADC enables precise monitoring of temperature and voltage, while ultrafast overcurrent shutdown and current limiting protect H-bridge setups under heavy load.

Tested to automotive qualification standards, the L98GD8 ensures dependable performance in demanding environments. Now available in a 10mm x 10mm TQFP64 package, it is priced from $3.94 for orders of 1,000 units, offering an efficient solution for next-generation automotive power systems.