STMicroelectronics L6386D

Overview

L6386D 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 L6386D datasheet, L6386D pinout, L6386D application, or L6386D equivalent, key selection criteria include high-side floating voltage tolerance (up to 618 V), UVLO on both VCC and Vboot rails, CMOS/TTL-compatible Schmitt-trigger inputs with hysteresis, open-drain diagnostic output, and thermal performance up to 125 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The L6386D implements a BCD "OFF-LINE" process-based architecture with separate high-side (floating) and low-side (ground-referenced) driver stages. Its patented integrated bootstrap driver replaces external fast-recovery diodes using a synchronous DMOS + series diode structure, reducing leakage and board space.

UVLO protection operates independently on VCC (12.0 V turn-on, 10.0 V turn-off) and Vboot (11.9 V turn-on, 9.9 V turn-off), each with 2 V hysteresis. The diagnostic output (pin 5) provides open-drain fault reporting, while the comparator input (pin 6) supports overcurrent sensing via external shunt or sense-FET feedback.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SO14 (8.55 × 5.8 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) and DIP14 (20 × 8.5 mm); RoHS-compliant, plastic body, surface-mount or through-hole mounting options.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IR2110PbF and UCC27211D, the L6386D offers unique value in cost-sensitive, thermally demanding industrial inverters where integrated bootstrap, dual UVLO, and diagnostic reporting reduce BOM count and improve system-level fault coverage - without sacrificing 600 V capability or 400 kHz operation.

Availability

L6386D is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, switch-mode power supplies, solar microinverters, and appliance inverters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for L6386D 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, mixed-signal, power, and microcontroller solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6386D belongs to ST's high-voltage gate driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, cost-effective half-bridge control in AC motor drives, UPS systems, and offline SMPS - emphasizing integration, ruggedness, and ease of use in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable V_BOOT – V_OUT differential voltage?

The absolute maximum V_BOOT – V_OUT is 18 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. Exceeding this causes internal bootstrap driver stress and may degrade Rdson performance or cause premature failure. This limit ensures safe operation of the integrated DMOS bootstrap switch under all load and temperature conditions.

Can L6386D drive IGBTs directly without external gate resistors?

Yes - L6386D can drive small-to-medium IGBTs (≤30 A, Q_G ≤ 100 nC) directly, but external gate resistors are strongly recommended to control switching speed, reduce EMI, and prevent shoot-through. The 400 mA source / 650 mA sink capability allows flexible resistor selection to tailor rise/fall times per application requirements.

How does the diagnostic (DIAG) pin indicate fault conditions?

The DIAG pin is an open-drain output that pulls low during VCC or Vboot UVLO, internal thermal shutdown, or invalid input states (e.g., simultaneous HIN/LIN high). It remains latched low until a valid falling edge occurs on either HIN or LIN, enabling simple system-level fault capture without additional logic.

Is the L6386D pin-compatible with L6386 or L6386A variants?

No - L6386D (SO14/DIP14) shares identical pinout and functionality with L6386 (same package options), but L6386A is a different revision with modified UVLO thresholds and is not drop-in compatible. Always verify part marking and datasheet revision (D97IN520D vs. D97IN520A) before substitution.