Renesas HIP6018BCB

Overview

HIP6018BCB from Intersil is a triple-output power management IC integrating a synchronous-buck PWM controller for microprocessor core voltage (1.3–3.5V), a linear regulator for clock driver supply (2.5V ±2.5%), and a linear controller for GTL bus power (1.5V ±2.5%). It features Intel-compatible 5-bit VID DAC, voltage-mode control, and MOSFET r_DS(ON)-based over-current protection - deployed in ATX motherboard power regulation.

For engineers reviewing the HIP6018BCB datasheet, HIP6018BCB pinout, HIP6018BCB application, or HIP6018BCB equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SOIC-24 package mapping, functional pin roles, motherboard-level use cases, and two validated alternative controllers for legacy system redesign or obsolescence mitigation.

Technical Context

The HIP6018BCB implements a single-loop voltage-mode PWM architecture with 200 kHz free-running oscillator (programmable 50 kHz–1 MHz), high-bandwidth error amplifier (15 MHz GBWP), and full 0–100% duty cycle capability. Its integrated 5-bit TTL DAC sets core output voltage with ±1% static regulation across temperature.

All three regulated outputs are monitored concurrently: PGOOD asserts only when core voltage is within ±10% of DACOUT and auxiliary outputs exceed under-voltage thresholds; over-voltage protection triggers at 115% DACOUT using lower MOSFET clamping; over-current detection eliminates external sense resistors by measuring V_DS across the upper MOSFET via OCSET1 and internal 200 µA current source.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-lead SOIC (M24.3), RoHS-compliant Pb-free option available (HIP6018BCBZ*).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar triple-output power controller applications.

Compared with HIP6018BCB, HIP6019BCB replaces the 2.5V linear regulator with a 3.3V variant but omits GTL control, while ISL6522CBZ offers higher integration density and lower core voltage support but sacrifices VID compatibility and triple-rail flexibility - making HIP6018BCB uniquely suited for legacy Pentium-class motherboard designs requiring all three outputs and hardware VID.

Availability

HIP6018BCB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for desktop motherboard power regulation, ATX auxiliary supply design, and industrial backplane power systems requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for HIP6018BCB 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

Intersil (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and power management ICs for computing, industrial, and communications markets.

The HIP6018B product line was designed specifically for full motherboard power regulation in Intel-compatible PC platforms, integrating PWM, linear, and linear controller functions to replace multiple discrete regulators in Pentium II/III-era systems.

FAQ

What is the core voltage range supported by the HIP6018BCB?

The HIP6018BCB supports a core voltage range of 1.3VDC to 3.5VDC via its integrated 5-bit VID DAC. It provides 0.05V steps from 1.3V to 2.05V and 0.1V steps from 2.1V to 3.5V. This range is explicitly defined in Table 1 of the FN4586 datasheet and applies directly to the HIP6018BCB. The DACOUT voltage sets both the target output and associated PGOOD/OVP thresholds, ensuring tight coordination across regulation and protection functions in the HIP6018BCB.

Does the HIP6018BCB require an external current-sense resistor for over-current protection?

No, the HIP6018BCB does not require an external current-sense resistor. It implements over-current protection by measuring the voltage drop across the upper MOSFET's r_DS(ON) using the OCSET1 pin and an internal 200 µA current source. This method eliminates the need for a discrete sense resistor, reducing component count and PCB area while maintaining accurate peak-current trip points. The HIP6018BCB datasheet confirms this architecture on page 1 and in the Functional Pin Description section.

What are the output voltage tolerances for each rail of the HIP6018BCB?

The HIP6018BCB specifies ±1% static regulation for the PWM core output over temperature, and ±2.5% regulation for both the 2.5V linear regulator (VOUT2) and the 1.5V linear controller output (VOUT3) over temperature. These values are confirmed in the "Features" section (page 1) and Electrical Specifications table (page 4) of the FN4586 datasheet. All three outputs are independently monitored, and the PGOOD signal asserts only when all meet their respective tolerance and sequencing thresholds in the HIP6018BCB.

Can the HIP6018BCB be used in new designs today?

The HIP6018BCB is marked "NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS" in its official datasheet (FN4586 Rev 3.00, page 1), with no recommended replacement provided by Intersil. It remains viable for legacy system repair, second-source procurement, or life-extension programs where exact form-fit-function compatibility with existing Pentium II/III-era motherboards is required. For new designs, modern alternatives like the ISL6522CBZ or Renesas ISL9581x series should be evaluated, but they do not replicate the HIP6018BCB's triple-output + VID architecture.

What package type and lead finish does the HIP6018BCB use?

The HIP6018BCB uses a 24-lead SOIC package (package drawing M24.3) with standard SnPb lead finish. Its Pb-free variant is designated HIP6018BCBZ*, which uses 100% matte tin plating and meets RoHS compliance per the ordering information table on page 1 of FN4586. Both variants share identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and thermal performance (θ_JA = 60°C/W), and are compatible with both SnPb and Pb-free reflow profiles as documented in the datasheet notes.