STMicroelectronics A5974DTR
- Part No.:
- A5974DTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
A5974DTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 2.5A 8HSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,051
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Product details
Overview
A5974DTR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic step-down switching regulator IC designed for automotive power conversion, featuring an internal P-channel DMOS switch (RDS(on) = 250 mΩ), 250 kHz fixed-frequency operation, and AEC-Q100 qualification. It delivers up to 2.5 A DC output current across 4 V–36 V input range, supports adjustable output from 1.235 V to 35 V, and enables cold-crank operation down to 4 V - ideal for engine control units and body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the A5974DTR datasheet, A5974DTR pinout, A5974DTR application, or A5974DTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its HSOP8 exposed-pad thermal performance (RthJA ≈ 40 °C/W), synchronization capability, inhibit-controlled zero-load quiescent current (≤100 µA), and integrated short-circuit protection via pulse-by-pulse current limiting and frequency foldback.
Technical Context
The A5974DTR implements voltage-mode PWM control with feed-forward compensation, using an internal transconductance error amplifier (gm = 2.3 mS, DC gain = 65 dB) and a sawtooth oscillator synchronized to an external clock or operating as master/slave via the SYNC pin. Its feedback loop references a precision 1.235 V bandgap (±2% over temperature) and supports dynamic compensation through the COMP pin.
Current protection combines cycle-by-cycle peak limiting (3.1 A min. switch current limit) with adaptive frequency reduction during overload, while thermal shutdown activates at 150 °C ±10 °C with ~20 °C hysteresis. The INH pin provides logic-level enable/disable with internal pull-up, supporting <100 µA standby current when asserted high.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4 V to 36 V - supports automotive battery transients including cold-crank (4 V minimum). |
| Output Current | Up to 2.5 A DC - enabled by 3.1 A min. switch current limit and HSOP8 exposed-pad package (RthJA ≈ 40 °C/W). |
| Switching Frequency | 250 kHz (±15%) - fixed internal oscillator with optional synchronization to external clock or other A5974DTR devices. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.235 V (±2%) - precise bandgap reference for FB pin; enables accurate output regulation across temperature. |
| Quiescent Current | ≤100 µA in inhibit mode - ensures ultra-low power consumption during vehicle sleep states. |
| RDS(on) | 250 mΩ (typ.) - low on-resistance P-channel DMOS switch minimizes conduction losses and external component count. |
| Duty Cycle Range | 0–100% - supports low-dropout operation, enabling output voltages near input rail (e.g., 35 V out at 36 V in). |
Pinout & Package
Package: HSOP8 with exposed thermal pad (pin 9), optimized for automotive thermal management (RthJA ≈ 40 °C/W on evaluation board).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 OUT | Power switch output | Connects directly to inductor; carries full switched output current (up to 2.5 A). |
| 2 SYNC | Synchronization I/O | Configurable as master (output) or slave (input); enables noise-free multi-rail coordination at 250 kHz. |
| 3 INH | Inhibit control input | Active-high logic enable; internal pull-up disables device if left floating; VCC-compatible (0.8 V/2.2 V thresholds). |
| 4 COMP | Error amplifier output | Drives external RC compensation network to stabilize feedback loop and ensure phase margin >45°. |
| 5 FB | Feedback input | Resistive divider input referenced to 1.235 V; direct connection yields 1.235 V output; sets output voltage precisely. |
| 6 VREF | 3.3 V reference output | Stable 3.3 V supply (±3%); powers sync circuitry; requires ≥100 nF decoupling for master-mode synchronization. |
| 7 GND | Analog/digital ground | Common return for control circuitry; must be connected to exposed pad for thermal and electrical integrity. |
| 8 VCC | Unregulated input supply | Primary power input (4–36 V); powers internal regulator and gate driver; bypass with ≥10 µF ceramic capacitor. |
| 9 EX-PAD | Thermal & electrical ground | Exposed copper pad; soldered to PCB ground plane to dissipate heat and reduce RthJA to ~40 °C/W. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage feed-forward compensation | Improves line transient response by scaling PWM ramp amplitude with input voltage - reduces output deviation during battery dips. |
| Pulse-by-pulse current limiting | Monitors switch current each cycle; forces immediate turn-off at 3.1 A threshold - prevents MOSFET destruction during short circuits. |
| Frequency foldback under overload | Reduces switching frequency as feedback voltage drops - maintains inductor current below safe limit when duty cycle alone is insufficient. |
| Feedback disconnection protection | Detects open FB trace or resistor failure; clamps duty cycle to prevent uncontrolled output rise toward input rail. |
| Zero-load operation | Maintains regulation with no output load - critical for always-on automotive modules (e.g., CAN gateway, alarm controller). |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Power Supply | Automotive Infotainment Core Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Supplies 5 V/2.5 A to microcontroller, CAN transceivers, and sensor interfaces in gasoline/diesel ECUs exposed to 4–16 V battery swings and cold-crank events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator delivering stable core voltage; operates continuously across -40 °C to +125 °C ambient. Use Value: 250 kHz switching enables compact LC filter (15 µH + 330 µF); AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in safety-critical engine management. |
Use Scenario: Generates 3.3 V for SoC, display controller, and audio codec in head unit systems requiring low EMI and fast load-step response. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary buck converter synchronized to main system clock to eliminate beat frequencies between multiple rails. Use Value: SYNC pin allows deterministic phase alignment with other regulators; feed-forward improves transient suppression during video frame bursts. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) Subsystem | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Camera Power |
|
Use Scenario: Powers door lock actuators, window lift motors, and LED lighting drivers in BCMs where low quiescent current extends battery life during vehicle sleep. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on buck regulator with INH pin controlled by microcontroller wake signal; enters <100 µA standby when inactive. Use Value: Inhibit function eliminates parasitic drain; 100% duty cycle supports 12 V → 11.5 V dropout for auxiliary loads without external LDO. |
Use Scenario: Provides 1.8 V/2 A to CMOS image sensor and ISP in rear-view or surround-view cameras mounted in hot under-hood environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability buck converter with thermal shutdown (150 °C) and robust short-circuit protection for unattended camera operation. Use Value: Exposed-pad HSOP8 package sustains 2.5 A at junction temperatures up to 150 °C; RDS(on) stability ensures consistent output under thermal stress. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596T-ADJ | Fixed 150 kHz frequency; no synchronization; 3 A typical output but not AEC-Q100 qualified; TO-220 package (RthJA > 60 °C/W). | Targeted at industrial/non-automotive designs; lacks cold-crank support (min. 4.5 V input) and automotive thermal robustness. | Select only for cost-sensitive non-automotive applications where AEC-Q100 and thermal performance are not required. |
| MPQ4420AGL-A | 2.5 A rated; 35 V max input; AEC-Q100 Grade 1; 500 kHz switching; QFN-10 package with exposed pad (RthJA ≈ 35 °C/W). | Higher frequency enables smaller magnetics; no internal VREF pin; requires external reference for feedback divider. | Prefer for space-constrained ADAS modules needing higher switching frequency and tighter thermal resistance - but verify compensation design for 500 kHz loop. |
Compared with LM2596T-ADJ, A5974DTR offers automotive-grade reliability, cold-crank operation, and superior thermal performance; versus MPQ4420AGL-A, it provides integrated 3.3 V VREF and simpler feedback configuration at the cost of lower switching frequency and larger external components.
Availability
A5974DTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, infotainment systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.
Supply support for A5974DTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and automotive ICs for industrial and transportation markets.
The A5974DTR belongs to ST's automotive-grade power management portfolio, engineered specifically for harsh-environment DC-DC conversion in vehicles - emphasizing AEC-Q100 compliance, thermal resilience, and functional safety readiness.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for A5974DTR to regulate during cold-crank conditions?
The A5974DTR operates down to 4 V input, enabling continuous regulation during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage can dip to 3.5–4.0 V. This is achieved via low-threshold UVLO and 100% duty cycle capability, allowing output voltages close to the input rail without dropout.
How does the SYNC pin function in master vs. slave configuration?
When multiple A5974DTR devices share a SYNC net, the one with highest natural switching frequency (250 kHz ±15%) becomes master and drives the net; others operate as slaves synchronized to that frequency. As master, the SYNC pin outputs a 2.75–3 V square wave; as slave, it accepts 0.74–2.5 V input with 0.11–0.45 mA drive capability.
Can A5974DTR operate with no output load, and what is its quiescent behavior?
Yes - A5974DTR supports zero-load operation with stable regulation. In active mode, total operating quiescent current is 3–5 mA; when INH is pulled high (>2.2 V), standby current drops to ≤100 µA, meeting automotive "always-on" module requirements for extended parking modes.
What thermal derating guidance applies when using A5974DTR at 2.5 A output?
At 2.5 A output and 12 V input, power dissipation is ~0.6 W. With RthJA ≈ 40 °C/W on a standard 4-layer board, junction temperature rise is ~24 °C above ambient. To stay within 150 °C max TJ, ambient must remain ≤126 °C - achievable with proper copper pour and airflow in engine bay mounting.
A5974DTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.235V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 35V
- Current - Output:
- 2.5A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 250kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-HSOP-EP
A5974DTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for A5974DTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A5974DTR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for A5974DTR reliable?
The price and inventory of A5974DTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A5974DTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for A5974DTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A5974DTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for A5974DTR?
A5974DTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your A5974DTR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for A5974DTR?
For technical support, including A5974DTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A5974DTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that A5974DTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All A5974DTR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that A5974DTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of A5974DTR?
All A5974DTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A5974DTR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The A5974DTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for A5974DTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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