STMicroelectronics L6386

Overview

L6386 from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage, dual-channel gate driver IC designed to independently drive high-side and low-side N-channel power MOSFETs or IGBTs in half-bridge topologies. It features 600 V rail capability, ±50 V/ns dV/dt immunity, 400 mA source / 650 mA sink output current, 50/30 ns rise/fall times (1 nF load), and integrated bootstrap diode - enabling robust motor control and SMPS applications.

For engineers reviewing the L6386 datasheet, L6386 pinout, L6386 application, or L6386 equivalent, key selection criteria include floating high-side operation up to 600 V, UVLO on both VCC and Vboot rails, CMOS/TTL-compatible Schmitt-trigger inputs with hysteresis, and diagnostic open-drain output for fault reporting.

Technical Context

The L6386 implements a BCD "off-line" process-based architecture with independent high-side (floating) and low-side (ground-referenced) driver stages. Its level-shifting circuitry enables reliable high-side gate driving up to 600 V, while internal UVLO monitors both VCC (12 V turn-on threshold) and Vboot (11.9 V typ. turn-on) to prevent shoot-through during undervoltage conditions.

It integrates a patented synchronous bootstrap driver using a high-voltage DMOS + series diode, eliminating external fast-recovery diodes. The driver supports 400 kHz max switching frequency with 1 nF load and delivers precise timing control via matched propagation delays (110–150 ns turn-on/off) across temperature (−45 °C to +125 °C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in SO14 and DIP14 packages; thermal resistance junction-to-ambient is 165 °C/W (SO14) or 100 °C/W (DIP14). Pin functions are validated per STMicroelectronics datasheet Rev. 10 (July 1999).

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 L6386 uniquely combines integrated bootstrap diode, dual-rail UVLO, diagnostic output, and comparator input in a single SO14/DIP14 package - reducing component count and enhancing system-level safety without sacrificing 600 V capability or timing precision.

Availability

L6386 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, offline SMPS, induction heating, and UPS inverters requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for L6386 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 L6386 belongs to ST's high-voltage gate driver product line, engineered specifically for robust half-bridge control in mains-connected power conversion and motor drive systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable Vboot–Vout differential voltage?

The recommended operating condition specifies Vboot – Vout ≥ 17 V. Absolute maximum rating allows Vboot up to 618 V, but sustained operation requires maintaining ≥17 V differential to ensure proper high-side driver biasing and avoid UVLO activation. Below this threshold, the high-side output may disable unexpectedly.

Can the L6386 drive IGBTs directly without external components?

Yes - the L6386's 400 mA source / 650 mA sink capability and 50/30 ns switching times are sufficient to drive standard 15–30 A IGBTs with gate charges ≤30 nC. No external gate resistors or buffers are required for typical applications, though layout-dependent snubbing may still be needed.

How does the integrated bootstrap driver affect CBOOT selection?

The internal DMOS has R_DS(on) ≈ 125 Ω, introducing a voltage drop V_drop = Q_gate × R_DS(on) / T_charge. For a 30 nC IGBT gate and 5 µs charging time, V_drop ≈ 0.8 V. This must be subtracted from available Vboot–Vout headroom when sizing CBOOT to maintain sufficient gate drive voltage.

Is the DIAG pin compatible with 3.3 V microcontroller inputs?

Yes - DIAG is an open-drain output with V_OL ≤ 0.8 V at −2.5 mA sink current. When pulled up to 3.3 V via an external resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ), it delivers clean logic-low signaling to 3.3 V MCUs without level shifting, and supports wired-OR fault-bus architectures.