STMicroelectronics L6910
- Part No.:
- L6910
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- DC DC Switching Controllers
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L6910.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CTRLR BUCK 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
L6910 from STMicroelectronics is a voltage-mode PWM controller IC for synchronous buck DC-DC converters, designed to regulate output voltages down to 0.9V ±1.5% from 5V–12V input buses. It integrates high-current gate drivers (1.3A high-side source), adjustable 50kHz–1MHz oscillator, power-good output, and hiccup-mode overcurrent protection - enabling high-efficiency, fast-transient point-of-load regulation in memory supply and add-on card applications.
For engineers reviewing the L6910 datasheet, L6910 pinout, L6910 application, or L6910 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0%–100% duty cycle capability, internal 0.9V reference accuracy, SO-16/HTSSOP16 package options, and rDS(on)-based current sensing eliminating external sense resistors.
Technical Context
The L6910 implements voltage-mode PWM control with a 10 MHz gain-bandwidth error amplifier and 10 V/µs slew rate, enabling high-loop bandwidth for sub-microsecond load transient response. Its oscillator supports fixed 200 kHz operation or external resistor tuning across 50 kHz–1 MHz, with adaptive dead-time control preventing shoot-through in synchronous rectification.
Protection architecture includes overvoltage crowbar action (via PHASE/LGATE activation), rDS(on)-monitored overcurrent detection with automatic soft-start discharge, and EAREF-based shutdown at <650 mV - all implemented without external comparators or timers.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage Range | Adjustable down to 0.9V ±1.5% using internal reference; higher values via external divider. |
| Input Voltage Range | 5V to 12V VCC supply; VIN must not exceed VCC - enforces safe bus-level integration. |
| Gate Drive Current | 1.3A peak high-side source current enables fast switching of low-rDS(on) N-MOSFETs. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 200 kHz internal default; externally adjustable from 50 kHz to 1 MHz via RT resistor. |
| Duty Cycle Range | 0% to 100% - supports deep dropout regulation and 100% conduction during overload recovery. |
| Overcurrent Protection | Hiccup mode triggered by rDS(on) voltage drop; no external sense resistor required. |
| Power-Good Output | Open-collector PGOOD asserts low when VOUT deviates >±10% from setpoint - enables system sequencing. |
Pinout & Package
Available in SO-16 (narrow) and HTSSOP16 (exposed pad) packages. Both are RoHS-compliant surface-mount packages optimized for thermal dissipation in high-current DC-DC designs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VREF | Internal reference output | 0.9V ±1.5% precision reference; requires ≥1 nF bypass capacitor; forces hiccup if pulled below 70% nominal. |
| OSC | Oscillator frequency control | Fixed 1.23V node; sinking current increases fSW, sourcing decreases it - enables precise frequency tuning. |
| OCSET | Overcurrent threshold setting | 200 µA current sink sets trip point via external resistor tied to upper MOS drain - enables rDS(on) sensing. |
| SS/INH | Soft-start timing & enable | 10 µA internal charge current sets ramp time; voltage <0.4V disables operation - dual-function pin. |
| COMP | Error amplifier output | Drives external compensation network; 0.5–4V swing range interfaces directly with standard RC networks. |
| FB | Feedback input | Inverting input of error amplifier; monitors output via resistor divider; also triggers OVP and PGOOD logic. |
| EAREF | Error amp reference input | Non-inverting input accepts 0.9–3V external reference or shorted to VREF - defines regulation setpoint. |
| PGOOD | Power-good status | Open-collector output pulled low if VOUT outside ±10% window - used for system enable/sequencing. |
| PHASE | High-side switch return | Connects to upper MOS source; provides return path for high-side driver and rDS(on) sensing node. |
| HGATE | High-side gate driver | 1.3A source/sink capable output; bootstrapped from BOOT pin - drives N-MOS high-side switch. |
| BOOT | Bootstrap supply | Charged via diode + capacitor from VCC to PHASE; supplies HGATE driver during high-side conduction. |
| LGATE | Low-side gate driver | 1.1A source/1.3A sink output referenced to PGND - drives N-MOS low-side switch. |
| VCC | IC supply input | 5–12V operating range; powers internal circuitry and LGATE driver - must be ≥VIN to avoid latch-up. |
| PGND | Power ground | Separate low-impedance return for LGATE and power stage - minimizes noise coupling into control circuitry. |
| GND | Analog ground | Reference for all internal references and error amplifier - must be connected to clean signal ground plane. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Synchronous Buck Control | Integrated high/low-side gate drivers with adaptive dead-time control eliminate external drivers and prevent shoot-through. |
| rDS(on) Current Sensing | OCSET pin uses constant 200 µA sink to measure upper MOS voltage drop - removes need for lossy sense resistor. |
| Fast Transient Response | 10 MHz GBW and 10 V/µs slew-rate error amplifier enable >100 kHz closed-loop bandwidth for sub-µs load steps. |
| Flexible Oscillator Tuning | Single RT resistor adjusts switching frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz - balances efficiency, size, and EMI requirements. |
| Hiccup-Mode Protection | Automatic soft-start capacitor discharge and restart on overcurrent - sustains operation without full shutdown/restart delay. |
Applications
| Memory Supply Regulation | Computer Add-On Card Power |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating 1.2V/1.5V/1.8V supply rails for DDR SDRAM, SRAM, and FPGA configuration memory on high-speed PCBs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary synchronous buck controller managing output voltage accuracy, transient response, and power-good signaling to memory controller. Use Value: 0.9V ±1.5% internal reference and 0–100% duty cycle ensure stable low-voltage operation under dynamic memory access loads. | Use Scenario: Providing isolated, tightly regulated 3.3V or 5V power to PCIe expansion cards, GPU risers, and peripheral interface modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone step-down controller driving discrete MOSFETs to replace integrated POL modules in space-constrained add-in cards. Use Value: SO-16/HTSSOP16 packaging and rDS(on) current sensing reduce BOM count and board area versus sense-resistor-based solutions. |
| Low-Voltage Distributed DC-DC | Mag-Amp Replacement |
Use Scenario: Local voltage conversion in industrial I/O modules, telecom line cards, and embedded controllers requiring 0.9–3.3V outputs from 5V/12V backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency buck controller delivering up to 20A output current using external N-MOSFETs and custom inductors. Use Value: 1.3A gate drive and 200 kHz–1 MHz frequency tuning optimize efficiency across wide load and input voltage ranges. | Use Scenario: Replacing magnetic amplifiers in multi-output flyback or forward converters to improve cross-regulation and reduce component count. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary-side synchronous rectifier controller synchronizing low-side MOSFETs with primary-side switching events. Use Value: Adjustable oscillator and precise 0.9V reference enable accurate voltage matching across multiple isolated outputs without optocouplers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM5116 | Current-mode control; wider 6–100V input range; no integrated 0.9V reference; requires external VREF. | Better suited for high-input-voltage industrial supplies; lacks built-in precision reference for low-VOUT optimization. | Select LM5116 only when input exceeds 12V or current-mode stability is required over wide duty cycles. |
| TPS40200 | Voltage-mode like L6910 but fixed 300 kHz oscillator; lower 1.2A gate drive; no hiccup-mode OCP. | Targeted at cost-sensitive mid-power applications; less robust transient handling and protection than L6910. | Choose TPS40200 only for simpler, lower-performance 5–12V systems where 100% duty cycle and hiccup mode are unnecessary. |
Compared with LM5116 and TPS40200, the L6910 delivers superior low-voltage regulation accuracy (0.9V ±1.5%), higher gate drive strength (1.3A), and integrated hiccup-mode protection - making it optimal for memory and add-on card supplies demanding tight tolerance and fast recovery.
Availability
L6910 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for memory supply regulation, computer add-on card power, and low-voltage distributed DC-DC applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for L6910 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 L6910 belongs to ST's high-performance DC-DC controller product line, engineered specifically for synchronous buck topologies in computing, communications, and industrial point-of-load applications requiring precision regulation and robust protection.
FAQ
What is the minimum output voltage achievable with the L6910?
The L6910 achieves a minimum regulated output voltage of 0.9V ±1.5% when using its internal reference (EAREF tied to VREF). This specification is guaranteed over temperature and line conditions per Table 5 in the datasheet. External references down to 0.9V may be used, but the internal reference provides the highest accuracy and stability for low-voltage rails such as DDR memory supplies.
How does the L6910 implement overcurrent protection without a sense resistor?
The L6910 senses overcurrent by measuring the voltage drop across the rDS(on) of the upper N-MOSFET using the OCSET pin. An internal 200 µA current sink flows through an external resistor connected between OCSET and the MOSFET drain, generating a threshold voltage proportional to ROCSET. When the rDS(on) × ILOAD exceeds this threshold, hiccup-mode protection activates - discharging the soft-start capacitor and restarting regulation after a brief pause.
Can the L6910 operate with 100% duty cycle, and what is its significance?
Yes, the L6910 supports 0% to 100% duty cycle operation. This allows continuous conduction during heavy load transients or low-input/high-output voltage conditions - critical for maintaining regulation when input voltage sags or output current surges. Unlike controllers limited to <95% duty, the L6910 avoids dropout and enables seamless recovery from deep load steps without output collapse.
What is the role of the BOOT and PHASE pins in high-side gate driving?
The BOOT pin supplies the floating high-side gate driver via a bootstrap capacitor connected between BOOT and PHASE. During low-side conduction, VCC charges the capacitor through an external diode. When the low-side MOSFET turns off and the high-side turns on, PHASE rises - lifting BOOT above VCC and enabling full gate drive to the high-side N-MOSFET. This self-biasing scheme eliminates the need for an isolated auxiliary supply.
L6910 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Type:
- Transistor Driver
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Output Phases:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply (Vcc/Vdd):
- 5V ~ 12V
- Frequency - Switching:
- 200kHz
- Duty Cycle (Max):
- 100%
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Clock Sync:
- No
- Serial Interfaces:
- -
- Control Features:
- Current Limit, Frequency Control, Phase Control, Power Good, Soft Start
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 150°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SO
L6910 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L6910 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6910 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for L6910 reliable?
The price and inventory of L6910 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6910 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L6910?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6910 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L6910?
L6910 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L6910 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for L6910?
For technical support, including L6910 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6910 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L6910 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L6910 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that L6910 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6910?
All L6910 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6910, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The L6910 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L6910:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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