STMicroelectronics L6388E

Overview

L6388E from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage half-bridge gate driver IC designed to control power MOSFETs and IGBTs in high-side/low-side configurations. It supports up to 600 V rail voltage, delivers 400 mA source / 650 mA sink peak output current, features integrated bootstrap diode and interlocking/deadtime protection, and operates with 3.3 V/5 V/15 V CMOS/TTL inputs - used in induction heating inverters and HVAC motor drives.

For engineers reviewing the L6388E datasheet, L6388E pinout, L6388E application, or L6388E equivalent, key selection criteria include dV/dt immunity (±50 V/ns), UVLO thresholds on both VCC and VBOOT, bootstrap driver R_DS(on) (125 Ω), propagation delays (225–300 ns turn-on), and SO-8/DIP-8 package compatibility with industrial thermal requirements.

Technical Context

The L6388E integrates dual independent drivers with interlocked logic and programmable deadtime (220–420 ns) to prevent shoot-through in half-bridge topologies. Its floating high-side section uses bootstrap charging synchronized with LVG, enabling operation up to 600 V with ±50 V/ns dV/dt immunity across –45 °C to +125 °C.

CMOS/TTL-compatible inputs (V_IL = 1.1 V, V_IH = 1.8 V) interface directly with microcontrollers, while dual UVLO circuits monitor VCC (9.1–10.1 V turn-on) and VBOOT (8.5–10.5 V turn-on) to ensure safe gate drive under brownout conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in DIP-8 (100 °C/W R_th(JA)) and SO-8 (150 °C/W R_th(JA)) packages, both RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK® certified. Pin functions are validated per ST's DocID13991 Rev 5, Figure 2 (top view).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IR2110STRPBF and UCC27211D, the L6388E uniquely combines integrated bootstrap diode, hardware interlock, and 600 V capability in a single SO-8/DIP-8 package - optimizing design simplicity and robustness for cost-sensitive industrial inverters.

Availability

L6388E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for induction heating inverters, HVAC compressor drives, and industrial motor controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for L6388E 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, MEMS, and microcontroller technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L6388E belongs to ST's high-voltage gate driver product line, engineered specifically for robust, compact half-bridge control in 400–600 V industrial power conversion systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended switching frequency for L6388E?

The L6388E is characterized up to 400 kHz with 1 nF load, and its 70 ns rise / 40 ns fall times support efficient operation in induction heating and motor drives. Thermal limits (R_th(JA) = 150 °C/W for SO-8) constrain continuous use above 200 kHz without forced cooling or derating.

Can L6388E drive SiC MOSFETs?

Yes - its 650 mA sink and 400 mA source currents, ±50 V/ns dV/dt immunity, and fast propagation delays make it suitable for discrete SiC MOSFETs in half-bridge configurations, provided gate resistors are selected to limit peak current and manage ringing.

Is an external bootstrap diode ever required with L6388E?

An external diode is optional but recommended when C_BOOT charging time is insufficient (e.g., very low duty cycle or high f_sw), or when V_BOOT droop exceeds 1 V due to 125 Ω R_DS(on) - especially above 100 kHz with large gate charges (>50 nC).

How does the interlocking function behave when both HIN and LIN are high?

When both inputs are high, the interlock forces LVG low and holds HVG low until one input goes low; then the corresponding output turns on after deadtime. This hardware-level prevention avoids shoot-through even if MCU firmware fails or generates overlapping pulses.