STMicroelectronics L6364Q

Overview

L6364Q from STMicroelectronics is a dual-channel IO-Link/SDCI transceiver IC designed as the physical layer bridge between microcontrollers and 24 V industrial sensor/actuator cables. It integrates two configurable high-voltage I/O stages (CQ/DIO), 3.3 V/5 V linear regulators, a 50 mA DC-DC converter (5–10.5 V, 0.5–2 MHz), and an IO-Link UART peripheral compliant with v1.1 - enabling COM2 (38.4 kBaud) and COM3 (230.4 kBaud) operation without external quartz.

For engineers reviewing the L6364Q datasheet, L6364Q pinout, L6364Q application, or L6364Q equivalent, this device supports critical design tasks including IO-Link master interface implementation, robust 24 V line protection (±1.5 kV surge, reverse polarity), programmable current limiting (0.11–0.25 A per channel), and multi-mode UART handling (Transparent/Single-octet/Multi-octet) to reduce MCU firmware overhead in factory automation sensors.

Technical Context

The L6364Q implements a dual-symmetric analog I/O architecture where CQ and DIO pins operate as fully protected, software-configurable high-side/low-side/push-pull switches with 5 Ω on-resistance and integrated 8 V Zener clamps for inductive load demagnetization. Its IO-Link UART engine supports three operational modes: Transparent (pure PHY layer), Single-octet (per-byte interrupt), and Multi-octet (buffered frame handling), all synchronized to an internal 10 MHz ±10% PLL referenced to VPLUS.

Protection logic includes configurable thermal shutdown (up to 216 °C), 7-bit calibrated temperature sensing, VPLUS undervoltage detection (6–15 V), and independent short-circuit reporting thresholds for individual (0.11–0.25 A) and joined (0.22–0.5 A) CQ/DIO operation - all managed via SPI register writes to dedicated control registers (CCTL, DCTL, CFG).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in QFN-20L (4 × 4 mm) and CSP-19 (2.5 × 2.5 mm) packages - both thermally optimized for industrial PCB layouts with exposed thermal pads. Pin functions are identical across packages; numbering differs per footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar IO-Link transceiver applications.

Compared with MAX14824 and TMR1364, the L6364Q uniquely combines dual-channel operation, quartz-free COM3 support, JOIN mode current doubling, and a configurable DC-DC regulator - making it the only option enabling compact, high-speed, self-powered IO-Link sensor designs without external timing or power components.

Availability

L6364Q is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensors, factory automation controllers, and process control I/O modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 (4 kV ESD) and IEC 61000-4-5 (±1.5 kV surge) standards.

Supply support for L6364Q 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 vertical manufacturing and broad IP portfolio.

The L6364Q belongs to ST's IO-Link transceiver product line, engineered specifically for intelligent industrial sensors - integrating physical layer, power regulation, protection, and protocol acceleration to minimize MCU resource usage and accelerate time-to-market.

FAQ

What IO-Link communication modes does the L6364Q support?

The L6364Q supports three UART modes: Transparent (raw PHY layer pass-through), Single-octet (interrupt per received byte), and Multi-octet (buffered frame handling with full M-sequence checksum and synchronization). Mode selection is configured via SPI register writes and determines how much IO-Link protocol processing is offloaded from the host MCU.

How is surge protection implemented on the L6364Q without external components?

The L6364Q embeds internal surge clamps on VPLUS, CQ, DIO, and PGND pins capable of withstanding ±1.5 kV/50 μs pulses (500 Ω coupling). These clamps activate above ±35 V and limit leakage to ≤40 μA at ±35 V - meeting IEC 61000-4-5 Level 3 without TVS diodes or RC networks.

Can the L6364Q drive inductive loads directly, and how is demagnetization handled?

Yes - the CQ and DIO outputs include integrated 8 V Zener clamps that conduct during inductive flyback, enabling rapid demagnetization without external freewheeling diodes. Each output stage has 5 Ω on-resistance and supports 1.2 A saturation current, allowing direct drive of solenoids and valves up to 24 V.

What is the purpose of the JOIN mode, and when should it be used?

JOIN mode shorts CQ and DIO externally to double the effective current drive (0.5 A threshold) and halve power dissipation per channel. It is used when driving high-capacitance cables (>250 nF) or high-current loads where single-channel limits would trigger false overcurrent faults - verified in Figure 23 of DS13363.