STMicroelectronics L296PHT
- Part No.:
- L296PHT
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- Multiwatt-15 (Horizontal, Bent and Staggered Leads)
- Datasheet:
-
L296PHT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 4A 15MULTIWATT
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,012
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Product details
Overview
L296PHT from STMicroelectronics is a high-current stepdown switching regulator IC delivering 4 A output current with adjustable output voltage from 5.1 V to 40 V, ±2 % on-chip reference accuracy, up to 200 kHz switching frequency, and external programmable current limiting-used in industrial power supplies, programmable lab supplies, and distributed DC-DC preregulators.
For engineers reviewing the L296PHT datasheet, L296PHT pinout, L296PHT application, or L296PHT equivalent, this device supports remote inhibit, soft start, open-collector reset output, crowbar SCR drive, thermal shutdown, and synchronization across multiple units-critical for stable, high-reliability 4 A DC-DC conversion in space-constrained power systems.
Technical Context
The L296PHT integrates a sawtooth oscillator, error amplifier, PWM comparator, and high-current output stage in a single monolithic IC. Its regulation loop compares feedback voltage against a precision 5.1 V zener-zap-trimmed reference (±2 %), generating fixed-frequency PWM pulses to control the external power switch.
It features dedicated terminals for crowbar overvoltage protection (pin 1/15), programmable current limit via external resistor (pin 4), soft-start timing (pin 5), reset delay (pin 13), and synchronous PWM input (pin 7)-enabling coordinated multi-regulator operation and robust fault management without additional controllers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 4 A continuous-supports high-power loads without external current boosters. |
| Output Voltage Range | 5.1 V to 40 V-adjustable via external feedback divider; fixed 5.1 V when connected directly. |
| Reference Accuracy | ±2 % at 25 °C-zener-zap trimmed for stable setpoint across line/load/temperature. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 200 kHz-reduces size/cost of external inductors and output capacitors. |
| Efficiency | Up to 90 %-minimizes thermal dissipation in high-current applications. |
| Duty Cycle Range | 0 to 100 %-enables full-range regulation including dropout operation. |
| Thermal Shutdown | ~140 °C junction temperature-hysteretic protection prevents thermal oscillation. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Multiwatt® 15-lead horizontal plastic power package (L296PHT variant), with integrated heatsink tab for thermal conduction to PCB copper plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 CROWBAR INPUT | Voltage sense for overvoltage crowbar | Monitors output or input; triggers external SCR when voltage exceeds nominal by ~20 %. |
| 2 OUTPUT | Regulated DC output node | High-current (4 A) switched output; connects to external inductor and filter capacitor. |
| 3 SUPPLY VOLTAGE | Unregulated input supply | Accepts 5.1–50 V; powers internal logic and gate driver via on-chip regulator. |
| 4 CURRENT LIMIT | External current limit programming | Resistor-to-ground sets threshold; L296PHT-specific feature enabling precise overload control. |
| 5 SOFT START | Soft-start timing control | Capacitor-to-ground defines startup ramp time and limits average short-circuit current. |
| 6 INHIBIT INPUT | TTL-level remote disable | Logic high disables PWM; restarts under soft-start control after release. |
| 7 SYNC INPUT | Multichip synchronization node | Enables master-slave configuration; eliminates beat frequencies in parallel regulators. |
| 8 GROUND | Common reference and return path | Low-impedance ground for analog and power sections; critical for noise immunity. |
| 9 FREQUENCY COMPENSATION | Loop stability network connection | RC network sets gain/phase margin for stable regulation across load/transient conditions. |
| 10 FEEDBACK INPUT | Regulation error sensing point | Compares output (direct or divided) to 5.1 V reference; primary control input. |
| 11 OSCILLATOR | Switching frequency setting | RC network determines operating frequency; tied to pin 7 when internal oscillator used. |
| 12 RESET INPUT | Reset threshold sensing | Monitors supply or feedback; triggers reset when voltage crosses ~5 V threshold. |
| 13 RESET DELAY | Reset timing capacitor | Capacitor-to-ground programs delay before reset signal asserts after power-up. |
| 14 RESET OUTPUT | Open-collector reset signal | Active-low signal for microprocessors; sinks up to 50 mA; requires external pull-up. |
| 15 CROWBAR OUTPUT | SCR gate drive output | Sources up to 100 mA to trigger external crowbar SCR during overvoltage events. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| External programmable current limit | Enables precise, adjustable overload protection via single resistor-unique to L296P/L296PHT. |
| Integrated crowbar circuit | Provides dedicated sense (pin 1) and drive (pin 15) for external SCR-based overvoltage shutdown. |
| Soft-start with short-circuit current limiting | Capacitor-controlled ramp prevents inrush; same capacitor sets safe average short-circuit current. |
| Open-collector reset output with programmable delay | Ensures reliable microprocessor reset timing; delay set independently via pin 13 capacitor. |
| Multi-unit synchronization capability | Pin 7 allows one master oscillator to coordinate switching of multiple L296PHTs-reducing EMI. |
Applications
| Industrial Programmable Power Supply | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Power Module |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Benchtop or rack-mounted power supply delivering 5.1–24 V at up to 4 A with remote control and overvoltage protection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary stepdown regulator controlling output voltage/current via feedback and current-limit resistor; provides reset and crowbar signals for system safety. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-sense amplifiers or discrete reset generators-reducing BOM count and board area. | Use Scenario: Modular power subsystem in ATE that must sequence multiple rails and respond to fault conditions within microseconds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulator with synchronized PWM input (pin 7) and TTL inhibit (pin 6) enables precise timing coordination and fast shutdown across test channels. Use Value: Synchronization prevents beat frequencies in multi-rail systems; reset output ensures deterministic microcontroller boot after power recovery. |
| Distributed DC Preregulator | Remote-Sensing High-Current Load Supply |
Use Scenario: Central 48 V bus feeding multiple downstream point-of-load converters; requires efficient, stable intermediate regulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency (up to 90 %) preregulator stepping 48 V down to 12–24 V; thermal shutdown protects against ambient overheating. Use Value: Reduces heat generation vs. linear preregulators; wide input range accommodates brownout conditions on shared bus. | Use Scenario: Power delivery to remote industrial sensors or actuators where wiring resistance causes significant voltage drop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uses remote feedback (via pin 10) and crowbar sense (pin 1) to regulate at load point and protect against local overvoltage. Use Value: Maintains ±1 % output accuracy at load despite >2 V IR drop; crowbar function isolates fault before cable damage occurs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-current stepdown regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| L296HT | Same electrical specs but vertical Multiwatt package; no external current limit pin (fixed internal limit). | Lacks programmable current limiting; unsuitable where adjustable overload threshold is required. | Select L296HT only if fixed 4.5–7.5 A current limit suffices and vertical mounting is preferred. |
| LM2678-ADJ | 3 A max output; 150 kHz fixed frequency; no crowbar or sync inputs; smaller SO-8 package. | Lower current rating and missing crowbar/reset/sync functions limit use in safety-critical or multi-rail systems. | Choose LM2678-ADJ for cost-sensitive, lower-power designs where compact footprint outweighs feature set. |
Compared with L296HT and LM2678-ADJ, the L296PHT uniquely combines 4 A output, external current limit programming, crowbar SCR drive, and multichip synchronization-making it the only option for robust, field-serviceable, high-current industrial power supplies requiring coordinated fault response.
Availability
L296PHT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial programmable power supplies, automated test equipment modules, and distributed DC preregulators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for L296PHT 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, power, microcontroller, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The L296 series belongs to ST's high-current monolithic switching regulator product line, engineered specifically for rugged, high-efficiency DC-DC conversion in industrial power systems where reliability, thermal resilience, and integrated protection features are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the CROWBAR INPUT (pin 1) and CROWBAR OUTPUT (pin 15)?
Pin 1 senses output or input voltage to detect overvoltage conditions-triggering pin 15 to source up to 100 mA and fire an external SCR. This creates a low-impedance short across the output, forcing immediate shutdown and protecting downstream loads. No internal connection exists between pins 1 and 2, allowing independent monitoring of input or output rails.
How does the external current limit function differ between L296PHT and L296HT?
The L296PHT includes pin 4 for connecting an external resistor to set the current limit threshold precisely (e.g., 2.5–7 A); the L296HT lacks this pin and uses a fixed internal threshold (~4.5–7.5 A). This makes L296PHT essential for applications requiring adjustable, repeatable overload protection-such as lab supplies with user-selectable current limits.
Can the L296PHT synchronize with other switching regulators, and how is it implemented?
Yes-pin 7 (SYNC INPUT) allows multiple L296PHTs to operate at identical switching frequencies. One unit configures its oscillator (pins 11 + 7 tied), while others tie pin 7 to that master's pin 7 and omit their own RC network. This eliminates beat frequencies and reduces EMI in multi-rail systems like programmable power supplies or ATE chassis.
What thermal management considerations apply to the L296PHT in a 4 A application?
The L296PHT has a junction-to-case thermal resistance of 3 °C/W. At 4 A output into 12 V with 35 V input, typical power dissipation is ~3.5 W-requiring ≥15 cm² of 2-oz copper on the heatsink pad. Mounting to a metal chassis or adding forced airflow extends safe continuous operation beyond 90 °C case temperature, per the derating curve in the datasheet.
L296PHT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Multiwatt-15 (Horizontal, Bent and Staggered Leads)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 9V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 46V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 5.1V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 40V
- Current - Output:
- 4A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 100kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 15-Multiwatt
L296PHT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L296PHT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L296PHT 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 L296PHT reliable?
The price and inventory of L296PHT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L296PHT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L296PHT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L296PHT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L296PHT?
L296PHT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L296PHT 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 L296PHT?
For technical support, including L296PHT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L296PHT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L296PHT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L296PHT 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 L296PHT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L296PHT?
All L296PHT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L296PHT, 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 L296PHT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L296PHT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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