STMicroelectronics L6384

Overview

L6384 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage half-bridge gate driver IC designed to control N-channel power MOSFETs and IGBTs in switching topologies. It features 600 V rail capability, ±50 V/ns dV/dt immunity across full temperature range, 400 mA source / 650 mA sink output drive, 50/30 ns rise/fall times (1 nF load), and integrated bootstrap driver replacing external diode - used in motor inverters, SMPS, and induction heating.

For engineers reviewing the L6384 datasheet, L6384 pinout, L6384 application, or L6384 equivalent, key selection criteria include floating high-side operation up to 600 V, programmable dead time via resistor on pin 3, UVLO thresholds (12 V turn-on / 10 V turn-off), CMOS/TTL Schmitt-trigger inputs with hysteresis, and SO8/Minidip package compatibility with industrial thermal constraints.

Technical Context

The L6384 implements a matched-delay half-bridge architecture with independent high-side (HVG) and low-side (LVG) drivers referenced to VOUT and GND respectively. Its patented bootstrap driver uses a synchronous DMOS switch and internal charge pump to supply the floating high-side section without external diode - requiring VOUT near GND during LVG conduction for capacitor recharge.

Dead time is set externally via resistor between pin 3 (DT/SD) and GND, generating 0.4–3.1 µs delay based on 28 µA reference current; shutdown is activated when pin 3 voltage drops below 0.5 V. UVLO circuitry monitors VCC with 2 V hysteresis (12 V ON / 10 V OFF) and draws only 150 µA in undervoltage quiescent state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in SO8 and Minidip packages. SO8: 1.27 mm pitch, 5.0 × 4.0 mm body; Minidip: 2.54 mm pitch, 10.9 × 7.9 mm body. Both rated for 100 °C/W (Minidip) and 150 °C/W (SO8) junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage half-bridge gate driver applications.

Compared with IR2110 and UCC27211, the L6384 uniquely combines 600 V floating operation, integrated bootstrap driver, and programmable dead time in a single SO8/Minidip package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 400–600 V industrial inverters where BOM reduction and layout simplicity are critical.

Availability

L6384 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor inverters, industrial SMPS, induction heating systems, and appliance power modules requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for L6384 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-grade ICs.

The L6384 belongs to ST's high-voltage gate driver product line, engineered specifically for ruggedized half-bridge control in industrial motor drives, induction cooking, and offline SMPS - emphasizing integration, noise immunity, and thermal robustness.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the DT/SD pin (pin 3) on the L6384?

Pin 3 serves dual functions: applying a voltage below 0.5 V shuts down both drivers, while connecting a resistor to ground sets dead time between HVG and LVG using a 28 µA internal current source. The resulting dead time ranges from 0.4 µs (47 kΩ) to 3.1 µs (270 kΩ), and layout must minimize trace length to avoid false shutdown from noise.

Can the L6384 operate without an external bootstrap diode?

Yes - the L6384 integrates a patented bootstrap driver consisting of a synchronous DMOS switch and series diode, eliminating the need for an external fast-recovery diode. This reduces leakage, saves board space, and improves reliability, provided LVG is active long enough to recharge C_BOOT when VOUT is near GND.

What is the maximum recommended switching frequency for the L6384?

The L6384 is characterized up to 400 kHz with 1 nF load, delivering 70 ns rise and 30 ns fall times. At higher frequencies, bootstrap capacitor recharge time and R_DS(on)-induced voltage drop (e.g., ~0.8 V at 30 nC gate charge and 5 µs charge time) become limiting factors - practical operation is typically capped at 200–300 kHz for robust C_BOOT maintenance.

How does the L6384 handle undervoltage lockout (UVLO)?

The L6384 implements UVLO on VCC with 12.0 V turn-on and 10.0 V turn-off thresholds, yielding 2 V hysteresis. Below 10 V, both drivers disable and quiescent current drops to 150 µA. This prevents partial turn-on of external FETs during brown-out, avoiding shoot-through and thermal runaway in power stages.