STMicroelectronics A6983NQTR
- Part No.:
- A6983NQTR
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
A6983NQTR.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 3A 16QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,000
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
A6983NQTR from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified synchronous step-down DC-DC converter delivering up to 3 A output current, operating from 3.5 V to 38 V input, with 25 μA quiescent current in LCM mode and integrated compensation in a QFN16 (3 × 3 mm) package - used as primary power supply for automotive body control modules and smart ambient lighting systems.
For engineers reviewing the A6983NQTR datasheet, A6983NQTR pinout, A6983NQTR application, or A6983NQTR equivalent, key selection criteria include light-load efficiency mode (LCM vs. LNM), programmable 200 kHz–2.3 MHz switching frequency, VIN-compatible enable with wake-up threshold, internal soft-start timing, and PGND/SW dual-pin layout for thermal and EMI optimization.
Technical Context
The A6983NQTR implements peak current mode control with slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation across its full 200 kHz–2.3 MHz switching range. It features dual-mode operation: Low Consumption Mode (LCM) uses pulse skipping with controlled ripple at light loads, while Low Noise Mode (LNM) enforces constant-frequency forced PWM for audio-grade noise performance.
Its internal architecture integrates high-side (0.13 Ω typ.) and low-side (0.085 Ω typ.) MOSFETs, a transconductance error amplifier with embedded compensation, valley-current sensing for overcurrent protection, and a dedicated VBIAS switch-over path that reduces VIN-sourced quiescent current by >90% when supplied from regulated output voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 3.5 V to 38 V - supports 12 V/24 V automotive battery rails including load dump transients up to 40 V. |
| Output Current | 3 A DC - sufficient for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and LED drivers in body electronics without external heatsinking. |
| Quiescent Current (LCM) | 25 μA from VIN - enables always-on functionality in parking-mode applications with minimal battery drain. |
| Switching Frequency | 200 kHz to 2.3 MHz programmable via FSW resistor - allows EMI optimization and inductor size reduction. |
| Thermal Protection | 165 °C shutdown with 30 °C hysteresis - prevents thermal runaway during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
| Power Good Output | Open-drain PGOOD with 90% VOUT threshold and 3% hysteresis - provides reliable system power sequencing and fault indication. |
| Enable Threshold | 1.2 V rising / 1.0 V falling with 0.5 V wake-up - ensures robust start-up under cold-cranking and brown-out conditions. |
Pinout & Package
Package: QFN16 (3 × 3 mm), exposed thermal pad requiring connection to both AGND and PGND for optimal thermal dissipation and EMI performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 12 VIN | Main input voltage supply | Dual VIN pins reduce parasitic inductance and improve current sharing for high-current input paths. |
| 2 VINLDO | LDO input filter rail | Accepts RC-filtered input to stabilize internal bias circuitry and reduce noise coupling into analog blocks. |
| 3, 10 AGND | Analog ground reference | Separate AGND pins isolate sensitive feedback and oscillator circuits from power switching noise. |
| 4 EN/CLKIN | Enable input / external sync clock (LNM only) | VIN-compatible digital input; doubles as synchronization interface in LNM versions to eliminate beat frequencies. |
| 5 PGOOD | Power-good open-drain output | Signals valid regulation status; requires external pull-up for system-level power sequencing logic. |
| 6 VBIAS | Bias supply input | Enables switch-over mode: sourcing bias current from VOUT reduces VIN quiescent draw by >95% at light loads. |
| 7 VOUT/FB | Output voltage sense / feedback node | Configurable for fixed-output (3.3 V/5 V) or adjustable operation via external resistor divider. |
| 8 FSW | Frequency programming and dither control | Resistor-to-ground sets switching frequency; optional dithering improves EMC by spreading spectral peaks. |
| 9 VCC | Internal analog supply | Internally regulated 3.3 V rail; requires ≥1 μF ceramic capacitor for stable reference and gate drive. |
| 11 BOOT | High-side gate driver bootstrap | Connects to SW via 100 nF capacitor to generate floating gate voltage for HS MOSFET drive. |
| 13, 16 PGND | Power ground return | Dual PGND pins minimize ground loop impedance and reduce radiated emissions from high di/dt paths. |
| 14, 15 SW | Switching node | Dual SW pins reduce trace inductance and voltage ringing; critical for low-EMI layout in automotive environments. |
| E.P. Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground | Mandatory connection to both AGND and PGND planes for thermal conduction and EMI shielding. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Load dump tolerance | Withstands 40 V transients per ISO 7637-2 without external clamping - eliminates need for TVS diodes in many body electronics designs. |
| Light-load efficiency strategy | LCM mode achieves 82% efficiency at 1 mA load (VIN = 12 V, VOUT = 5 V), enabling multi-year battery life in parked-state modules. |
| Low-noise operation | LNM version maintains constant 2.2 MHz switching with <10 mVpp output ripple (MLCC output) - meets car audio PSRR requirements. |
| EMI-optimized layout | Parallel VIN paths, minimized SW node area, and spread-spectrum capability reduce peak radiated emissions by >10 dBμV/m at 150 MHz. |
| Integrated protection suite | Includes valley-current OCP, output overvoltage (120% trip), thermal shutdown, and UVLO - eliminates need for discrete protection ICs. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Smart Ambient Lighting Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering door module ECUs, seat position controllers, and mirror actuators in 12 V vehicle architectures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5 V/3.3 V buck regulator supplying MCU, CAN transceiver, and LIN interface. Use Value: LCM mode extends battery life during vehicle sleep state; 38 V input rating covers cold-crank and load-dump events without derating. |
Use Scenario: Driving RGB LED strings and local microcontrollers in interior dome, footwell, and ambient lighting zones. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current-capable buck controller with precise VOUT regulation and low ripple. Use Value: LNM mode ensures flicker-free illumination by eliminating audible switching noise and maintaining tight output voltage stability. |
| Car Audio DSP Power Rail | Parking-Assist Sensor Hub |
|
Use Scenario: Generating clean 3.3 V supply for digital signal processors and ADCs in head unit audio subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, fixed-output buck converter synchronized to system clock to avoid heterodyne interference. Use Value: External clock synchronization (via EN/CLKIN) eliminates beat frequencies between switching and audio sampling clocks. |
Use Scenario: Powering ultrasonic parking sensors, radar preprocessing units, and CAN-connected proximity modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability buck regulator with AEC-Q100 qualification and -40 °C to +150 °C operation. Use Value: Thermal protection and 150 °C Tj rating ensure continuous operation under hood-mounted sensor enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPQ4433-AEC1 | 4 A output, 3.8–36 V input, 28 μA IQ, QFN13 package - lacks VBIAS switch-over and external sync capability. | Higher current capacity but no LNM/LCM mode selection; less optimized for ultra-low-IQ parking-mode operation. | Select when higher output current (>3 A) is required and external clock sync is unnecessary. |
| TPS543B20RQYR | 3 A, 4–18 V input, 12 μA IQ, 2.2 MHz fixed frequency - narrower input range, no load-dump tolerance, no AEC-Q100 grade. | Targeted at infotainment SoCs; unsuitable for direct battery connection or harsh automotive transients. | Select only for non-battery-fed, low-voltage interior subsystems where AEC-Q100 and transient immunity are not required. |
Compared with MPQ4433-AEC1 and TPS543B20RQYR, the A6983NQTR uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 38 V input with load-dump tolerance, dual LCM/LNM modes, and VBIAS switch-over - making it the only choice for battery-connected, always-on automotive body electronics demanding both ultra-low IQ and low-noise operation.
Availability
A6983NQTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, smart ambient lighting systems, car audio DSP supplies, and parking-assist sensor hubs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and transient-voltage conditions.
Supply support for A6983NQTR 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management solutions with broad manufacturing and quality certification infrastructure.
The A6983 belongs to ST's automotive-grade power management portfolio, designed specifically for battery-connected, always-on vehicle subsystems requiring ultra-low quiescent current, high transient immunity, and EMI-compliant operation in space-constrained packages.
FAQ
What is the difference between LCM and LNM versions of the A6983?
The LCM (Low Consumption Mode) version uses pulse-skipping to maximize light-load efficiency - ideal for parked-state modules where battery drain must be minimized. The LNM (Low Noise Mode) version forces continuous PWM operation with constant frequency and lower output voltage ripple - essential for noise-sensitive applications like car audio. Pin 4 (EN/CLKIN) serves as synchronization input only in LNM versions.
Can A6983NQTR operate directly from a 24 V truck battery?
Yes - the A6983NQTR supports 3.5 V to 38 V input and is explicitly rated for load dump transients up to 40 V, making it suitable for both 12 V passenger vehicles and 24 V commercial truck platforms. Its AEC-Q100 qualification and -40 °C to +150 °C junction temperature range further validate its use in under-hood and chassis-mounted applications.
How does the VBIAS pin reduce quiescent current?
When VBIAS is connected to the regulated output (e.g., 5 V), the internal bias circuitry draws current from VBIAS instead of VIN, reducing VIN-sourced quiescent current from 25 μA to ≤3.5 μA in LCM mode. This switch-over function is confirmed in Table 6 of DS14234 and enables multi-year battery life in always-on automotive modules.
Is external compensation required for stable operation?
No - the A6983NQTR features an internal compensation network optimized for typical 15 μH inductors and 40 μF ceramic output capacitors. ST's recommended application circuit (Figure 3/4 in DS14234) achieves stable regulation without external compensation components, simplifying layout and reducing BOM count for automotive-grade designs.
A6983NQTR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 3.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 38V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.85V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 38V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 200kHz ~ 2.3MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFN (3x3)
A6983NQTR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for A6983NQTR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for A6983NQTR 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 A6983NQTR reliable?
The price and inventory of A6983NQTR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for A6983NQTR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for A6983NQTR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for A6983NQTR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for A6983NQTR?
A6983NQTR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your A6983NQTR 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 A6983NQTR?
For technical support, including A6983NQTR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your A6983NQTR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that A6983NQTR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All A6983NQTR 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 A6983NQTR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of A6983NQTR?
All A6983NQTR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with A6983NQTR, 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 A6983NQTR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for A6983NQTR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
A6983NQTR Tags

-
TPS562201DDCR
Texas Instruments

-
MC34063ABD-TR
STMicroelectronics

-
TPS561201DDCR
Texas Instruments

-
MC33063ADR
Texas Instruments

-
MC34063ADR
Texas Instruments
-
TPS560200DBVR
Texas Instruments

-
AP3012KTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated

-
TLV61048DBVR
Texas Instruments

-
AZ34063UMTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated

-
TPS562200DDCR
Texas Instruments

-
AP62300TWU-7
Diodes Incorporated

-
MC34063EBD-TR
STMicroelectronics
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

