STMicroelectronics E-L6910TR

Overview

E-L6910TR from STMicroelectronics is a synchronous step-down PWM controller IC designed for high-efficiency DC-DC conversion from 5V–12V input buses, delivering adjustable output down to 0.9V ±1.5%, supporting up to 20A output current via external N-channel MOSFETs, and featuring voltage-mode control with 0%–100% duty cycle, integrated 200kHz oscillator (adjustable 50kHz–1MHz), and hiccup-mode overcurrent protection.

For engineers reviewing the E-L6910TR datasheet, E-L6910TR pinout, E-L6910TR application, or E-L6910TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its SO-16 package compatibility, bootstrap-based high-side gate drive (1.3A source), internal 0.9V reference accuracy, fast load transient response enabled by 10MHz GBWP error amplifier, and dual overvoltage/overcurrent protection architecture.

Technical Context

This controller implements voltage-mode PWM regulation using an internal 0.9V ±1.5% reference and a 10MHz gain-bandwidth error amplifier with 10V/µs slew rate, enabling high-loop bandwidth for sub-microsecond load transient recovery. It drives external high- and low-side N-MOSFETs in synchronous buck topology without requiring external current-sense resistors-overcurrent detection uses upper MOSFET r_DS(on) sensing via OCSET pin.

The device integrates adaptive dead-time control (90–210ns) to prevent shoot-through, supports soft-start via external capacitor (10µA charging current), and provides power-good monitoring with ±10% output window and 2% hysteresis. Overvoltage protection activates a crowbar by forcing LGATE high while pulling OSC above 3V until fault clears.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO-16 narrow body (JEDEC MS-012), RoHS-compliant, tape-and-reel delivery (E-L6910TR).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck controller applications.

Compared with MP2307DN-LF-Z and LM5116PWPR, E-L6910TR uniquely combines dual N-MOSFET drive, r_DS(on) current sensing, and 0.9V reference accuracy in SO-16-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-current, low-voltage POL applications where discrete FET selection and thermal management are priorities.

Availability

E-L6910TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory power supplies, computer add-on cards, low-voltage distributed DC-DC systems, and mag-amp replacement circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent tape-and-reel packaging.

Supply support for E-L6910TR 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 power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

E-L6910TR belongs to ST's high-performance DC-DC controller product line, engineered specifically for synchronous buck topologies in computing and communications infrastructure where efficiency, transient response, and robust protection are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum output voltage achievable with E-L6910TR?

E-L6910TR supports output voltages down to 0.9V ±1.5% when using the internal reference (EAREF tied to VREF). With an external reference up to 3V applied to EAREF, the output can be set higher via feedback divider, but the lower bound remains fixed at 0.9V due to internal reference architecture and error amplifier input range limits.

Can E-L6910TR operate with a 5V input bus?

Yes-E-L6910TR is explicitly rated for 5V to 12V VCC operation. At 5V input, gate drive strength reduces (HGATE source drops to ~600mA, LGATE to ~500mA), but full functionality-including soft-start, PGOOD, OVP, and hiccup-mode OCP-remains active. The 200kHz default oscillator frequency is stable across this range.

How does overvoltage protection work on E-L6910TR?

When FB voltage exceeds 117–120% of the reference (e.g., >1.06V for 0.9V ref), the internal crowbar activates: LGATE is forced high while OSC is pulled above 3V, holding the low-side MOSFET on to clamp output voltage. This state persists until FB falls below the hysteresis threshold (~92% of ref), ensuring safe recovery without controller reset.

Is an external bootstrap diode required for E-L6910TR?

Yes-an external Schottky diode (e.g., BAT54) is mandatory between VCC (cathode) and BOOT (anode) to charge the bootstrap capacitor during LGATE conduction. The diode must support ≥100mA peak current and ≤0.4V forward drop; omitting it prevents HGATE from reaching sufficient voltage to fully enhance the high-side MOSFET.