STMicroelectronics is a leading provider of analog and mixed-signal ICs designed for braking systems, including ABS (anti-lock braking), ESC (electronic stability control), and electric parking brake (EPB) systems. Our portfolio spans highly integrated U-chip (universal chip) solutions and system basis chips (SBC), through to valve drivers and sensor interfaces. Designed to ISO 26262 functional safety requirements up to ASIL-D, these devices support vehicle dynamics control and passenger safety through precise current regulation, sensor data acquisition and processing, and extensive diagnostic capabilities.
Currently in development, ST's XWire family of 12 V and 48 V WCU ICs extends the same application-specific design approach to electro-mechanical braking, supporting customers through the architectural shift from hydraulic to fully electric corner control.
Applications
Product types
Our braking IC portfolio is organized into specialized categories to simplify system architecture:
- Integrated U-chips and system basis chips (L9300 / L9396): power supply ICs and flexible all-in-one solutions combining buck/boost regulators, LDOs, and WSS sensor interfaces for ASIL-D system readiness.
- Intelligent valve and load drivers (L9305): four-channel independent LSD/HSD current controlled drivers designed to drive inductive loads like ABS valves, featuring integrated current regulators, recirculation control, and programmable dither; octal low side driver (L9301) as standalone companion chip for digital (ON/OFF) valve control.
- Electric parking brake controllers (L9369 / L9370): application-specific ICs for EPB, featuring H-bridge gate predrivers for dual motor on caliper (MoC) control, integrated current and voltage measurement paths, lamp drivers, and button interface for EPB button diagnostics in normal and sleep modes.
- Brushless motor predriver (L9908): brushless motor predriver for brake boosters.
Benefits
- Functional safety compliant: designed for ISO 26262 compliance up to ASIL-D, featuring continuous BIST (built-in self-test), dual bandgap references, and watchdog monitoring.
- High integration: combines power management (buck/boost/LDO), gate drivers, and sensor interfaces (wheel speed) in a single package to reduce PCB footprint and system complexity.
- Current acquisition: integrated fully differential amplifiers and high resolution ADCs to support accurate motor current measurement and an integrated PI controller for valve control.
- Robustness in harsh conditions: AEC-Q100 qualified, with full functionality maintained during deep cranking pulses (stop/start) and weak battery conditions (down to 5.5 V).
- Extensive diagnostics: real-time monitoring of VDS, overcurrent, open load, and ground loss, with 32-bit SPI communication for detailed fault handling and status reporting.