STMicroelectronics E-L6911C
- Part No.:
- E-L6911C
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- DC DC Switching Controllers
- Package:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
E-L6911C.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CTRLR BUCK 20SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,265
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Product details
Overview
L6911C from STMicroelectronics is a synchronous step-down DC-DC controller IC designed for high-current microprocessor core power supplies, featuring 5-bit VID-programmable output (1.30V–3.50V), ±1% output accuracy over line/temperature, 200kHz internal oscillator (adjustable 50kHz–1MHz), TTL-compatible VID inputs, and integrated overvoltage/overcurrent protection using upper MOSFET RDS(on).
For engineers reviewing the L6911C datasheet, L6911C pinout, L6911C application, or L6911C equivalent, this controller delivers precise voltage-mode PWM regulation with fast transient response, soft-start/inhibit control, power-good signaling, and gate drive capability up to 1.3A for N-channel MOSFETs in VRM 8.4-compliant systems.
Technical Context
The L6911C implements voltage-mode PWM control with a 15MHz gain-bandwidth error amplifier and 10V/µs slew rate to support high-bandwidth loop compensation. Its internal 5-bit DAC sets both output voltage and associated protection thresholds (PGOOD, OVP) via VID0–VID4 pins, eliminating external resistor dividers.
Overcurrent protection uses the upper MOSFET's RDS(on) as a current-sense element, with OCSET pin sourcing 200µA to set trip threshold. Overvoltage detection triggers dual protection: an open-drain OVP pin (for external SCR crowbar) and internal low-side MOSFET activation during fault conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage Range | 1.30V–2.05V @ 50mV binary steps; 2.10V–3.50V @ 100mV binary steps - enables VRM 8.4 compliance and fine-grained CPU core voltage selection |
| Output Accuracy | ±1% over line and temperature - ensures stable microprocessor operation without external calibration |
| Switching Frequency | 200kHz default; adjustable 50kHz–1MHz via RT pin - allows optimization of efficiency, size, and EMI for specific board layouts |
| Gate Drive Current | UGATE: 1.3A source / 1.3A sink; LGATE: 1.1A source / 1.3A sink - supports fast switching of low-RDS(on) N-MOSFETs with minimal conduction loss |
| Protection Features | OVP at +17% VOUT; PGOOD window ±12%; HICCUP-mode overcurrent recovery - provides robust fault handling without system reset |
| Soft-Start Control | 10µA constant-current ramp into external capacitor - enables controlled inrush current limiting and predictable startup timing |
| Supply Voltage Range | VCC: 5V–12V - compatible with standard intermediate bus voltages and decoupled from power stage input |
Pinout & Package
Package: SO-20 (Small Outline, 20-pin, surface-mount).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VSEN | Output voltage feedback monitor | Direct connection to regulated output; enables PGOOD assertion and OVP detection without external divider |
| OCSET | Overcurrent threshold programming | Sinks 200µA to set current limit via RDS(on) of upper MOSFET - eliminates sense resistor and associated losses |
| SS/INH | Soft-start timing / device inhibit | 10µA charging current for external capacitor; pulled below 0.4V disables all gate drivers - supports sequencing and fault shutdown |
| VID0–VID4 | Digital voltage identification inputs | TTL-compatible, internally pulled-up; floating = logic '1', grounded = logic '0' - selects 32 discrete output voltages per Table 1 |
| UGATE | High-side N-MOSFET gate driver output | Drives gate of upper switch with 1.3A peak current; bootstrap-supplied via BOOT–PHASE capacitor - enables high-efficiency synchronous buck topology |
| LGATE | Low-side N-MOSFET gate driver output | Drives gate of lower switch with 1.1A peak source current; referenced to PGND - complements UGATE for full synchronous rectification |
| BOOT | Bootstrap supply for high-side driver | Connected via capacitor to PHASE; supplies floating gate driver - enables high-side N-MOSFET without charge pump or isolated supply |
| PHASE | Switch node connection | Return path for UGATE driver; monitors upper MOSFET drain-source voltage for current sensing - critical for RDS(on)-based OCP |
| OVP | Overvoltage protection output | Open-drain, active-high signal to trigger external SCR crowbar - provides hardware-level input rail shutdown on catastrophic overvoltage |
| RT | Oscillator frequency programming | Fixed 1.23V bias; sinking current increases fSW, sourcing decreases it - enables precise EMI tuning and efficiency optimization |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 5-bit VID programmability | 32 discrete output voltages (1.30V–3.50V) with binary stepping - eliminates manual trimming and supports dynamic CPU voltage scaling |
| Voltage-mode PWM control | 15MHz GBW error amplifier with 10V/µs slew rate - enables wide bandwidth loop compensation for sub-µs load transient response |
| RDS(on)-based overcurrent protection | No external current-sense resistor required - reduces BOM cost, PCB area, and power loss while maintaining ±10% trip accuracy |
| Dual overvoltage protection | External SCR crowbar (OVP pin) + internal low-side MOSFET activation - provides redundant safety against output overvoltage faults |
| HICCUP-mode fault recovery | Automatic restart after overcurrent clears - maintains system uptime without requiring host intervention or power cycle |
Applications
| Advanced Microprocessor Core Supply | Distributed Power Architecture |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing tightly regulated, dynamically scalable voltage to Intel Pentium III/Xeon or AMD Athlon MP processors in server motherboards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary VRM controller managing VID decoding, PWM generation, and real-time protection for CPU core rail. Use Value: ±1% output accuracy and 0%–100% duty cycle range ensure stable operation across 10A+ load transients with <100ns response latency. | Use Scenario: Local point-of-load (POL) regulation for FPGA I/O banks or ASIC auxiliary rails in telecom base station backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone synchronous buck controller delivering isolated, low-noise 2.5V/3.3V rails from 5V/12V intermediate bus. Use Value: Adjustable 50kHz–1MHz switching frequency allows EMI filtering optimization while maintaining >90% efficiency at 5A load. |
| High-Power DC-DC Regulator | VRM 8.4-Compliant Power Module |
Use Scenario: 12V-to-1.5V conversion for GPU memory subsystems requiring >25A continuous current in gaming PCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current PWM controller driving paralleled N-MOSFETs with adaptive dead-time control to prevent shoot-through. Use Value: 1.3A gate drive capability and 120ns dead time ensure clean switching transitions even with 10nH layout parasitics. | Use Scenario: Embedded power module design for industrial embedded controllers requiring VRM 8.4 specification compliance and long-term component availability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: VID-programmable controller implementing VRM 8.4 voltage steps (1.30V–2.05V @ 50mV) and PGOOD timing requirements. Use Value: Integrated DAC and protection logic reduce external components by 40% versus discrete op-amp + comparator solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISL6522CRZ | 6-bit VID (32 steps), 300kHz fixed frequency, integrated MOSFET drivers with 2A peak current | Designed for Pentium 4 VRM 10.x; lacks RDS(on) OCP and external RT adjustment | Preferred where higher gate drive current and tighter VID resolution are needed, but requires external current-sense resistor |
| TPS51116PWR | Integrated LDO for VTT, 300kHz–1MHz adjustable frequency, thermal shutdown, no VID pins (analog FB only) | Targeted at DDR memory termination; lacks VID interface and VRM 8.4 compliance | Selected when combined VDDQ/VTT regulation is required, but not suitable for CPU core voltage programming |
Compared with ISL6522CRZ and TPS51116PWR, the L6911C uniquely combines VRM 8.4 VID compliance, RDS(on)-based overcurrent protection, and 50kHz–1MHz frequency adjustability - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability microprocessor core supplies where external sense resistors must be avoided.
Availability
L6911C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for advanced microprocessor core supplies, distributed power architectures, and high-power DC-DC regulators requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and VRM 8.4 compliance.
Supply support for L6911C 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, analog, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs.
The L6911C belongs to ST's VRM-compliant power controller product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-transient-response DC-DC conversion in microprocessor and DSP core power applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum output current supported by the L6911C?
The L6911C itself does not define a maximum output current; it is a controller IC that drives external N-channel MOSFETs. Output current capability depends on selected MOSFETs, inductor, and thermal design. The datasheet confirms suitability for >10A load transients typical of microprocessor core supplies, with gate drivers rated for 1.3A peak current to support low-RDS(on) devices.
How does the L6911C implement overcurrent protection without a sense resistor?
The L6911C measures voltage drop across the upper MOSFET's intrinsic RDS(on) using the OCSET pin, which sinks a precise 200µA current. By connecting an external resistor between OCSET and the MOSFET drain, the resulting voltage sets the overcurrent threshold according to IP = (200µA × ROCSET) / RDS(on). This eliminates the power loss and PCB area of a discrete current-sense resistor.
Can the L6911C operate with input voltages below 5V?
No. The L6911C requires a minimum VCC supply of 4.6V to enable operation, and its specified operating range is strictly 5V to 12V. Input voltages below 5V fall outside absolute maximum ratings and will prevent proper startup, gate drive, or regulation. The device is not rated for 3.3V or battery-powered operation.
What happens during a short-circuit event on the output?
Upon output short-circuit detection, the L6911C discharges the soft-start capacitor via its internal 10µA current sink. When the SS pin voltage drops to ~0.5V, the soft-start sequence restarts. If the fault persists, the device enters HICCUP mode - cycling through repeated soft-start attempts with off-time determined by capacitor discharge - until the fault clears, enabling automatic recovery without host intervention.
E-L6911C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Type:
- Transistor Driver
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Output Phases:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 5V ~ 12V
- Frequency - Switching:
- 200kHz
- Duty Cycle (Max):
- 100%
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Clock Sync:
- No
- Serial Interfaces:
- -
- Control Features:
- Current Limit, Frequency Control, Phase Control, Power Good, Soft Start
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SO
E-L6911C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for E-L6911C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for E-L6911C 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 E-L6911C reliable?
The price and inventory of E-L6911C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for E-L6911C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for E-L6911C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for E-L6911C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for E-L6911C?
E-L6911C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your E-L6911C 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 E-L6911C?
For technical support, including E-L6911C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your E-L6911C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that E-L6911C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All E-L6911C 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 E-L6911C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of E-L6911C?
All E-L6911C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with E-L6911C, 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 E-L6911C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for E-L6911C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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