STMicroelectronics L6920DB
- Part No.:
- L6920DB
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
L6920DB.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BST ADJ/1.8V 800MA 8MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,840
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Product details
Overview
L6920DB from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic synchronous rectifier step-up DC/DC converter IC designed for low-voltage battery-powered systems. It starts up from 0.8V input, delivers adjustable output (1.8–5.5V) or fixed 3.3V/5V, integrates 750mA current limiting and 1.23V reference, and operates in MSOP8 package-enabling compact PDA, digital camera, and GPS power rails.
For engineers reviewing the L6920DB datasheet, L6920DB pinout, L6920DB application, or L6920DB equivalent, key selection criteria include startup voltage (0.8V), synchronous switch RON (300 mΩ), low-battery detection threshold (1.23V), shutdown current (<1 µA), and fixed/flexible output configuration via FB pin routing.
Technical Context
The L6920DB employs a maximum-on-time / minimum-off-time control architecture with peak current limiting at 750mA and zero-crossing detection to regulate output voltage. Its synchronous rectification eliminates external diode requirements and reduces conduction loss.
It integrates a 1.23V bandgap reference, open-drain low-battery output (LBO) with hysteresis, reverse-polarity protection, and internal charge pump for N-channel MOSFET gate drive-enabling efficient operation down to 0.8V input while maintaining stable 3.3V or 5V rail generation under variable load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Start-up Voltage | 0.8V min - enables operation from single-cell alkaline/NiMH or partially discharged Li-ion. |
| Output Voltage Range | 1.8–5.5V adjustable or fixed 3.3V/5V - supports modern ASICs, µPs, and mixed-voltage peripherals. |
| Switch Current Limit | 750mA typ - defines max deliverable load current before regulation loss; sets inductor sizing basis. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.23V ±4% - precision feedback reference for output voltage setting via external resistor divider. |
| Quiescent Current | 9–15 µA - ensures minimal battery drain during light-load or standby operation. |
| Shutdown Current | 0.1–1 µA - preserves battery life when device is disabled via SHDN pin. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 1 MHz - allows use of small-profile 10 µH inductor and 47 µF output capacitor. |
Pinout & Package
Package: MSOP8 (3.0 × 4.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant ECOPACK® with lead-free interconnect.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 FB | Feedback voltage selector | Connect to GND for 5V, to OUT for 3.3V, or to resistor divider for 1.8–5.5V adjustment. |
| 2 LBI | Low-battery detector input | Accepts scaled battery voltage; triggers LBO when below internal 1.23V threshold. |
| 3 LBO | Low-battery open-drain output | Sinks current when LBI < 1.23V; requires external ~200 kΩ pull-up for logic-high state. |
| 4 REF | 1.23V reference output | Bypassed with 100 nF capacitor to GND for noise filtering; no stability dependency. |
| 5 SHDN | Shutdown control | Active-low: <0.2V disables all circuitry; >0.6V enables operation. |
| 6 GND | Power and signal ground | Common return path for input, output, and internal bias circuits. |
| 7 LX | Inductor switching node | Connects to one end of boost inductor; carries pulsed high-current switching waveform. |
| 8 OUT | Regulated power output | Delivers final boosted DC voltage; connects to output capacitor and load. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Synchronous rectification | Integrated N- and P-channel switches (RON = 300 mΩ each) eliminate external Schottky diode and reduce conduction loss. |
| Ultra-low start-up voltage | 0.8V minimum input enables use with deeply discharged single-cell batteries without auxiliary wake-up circuitry. |
| Reverse battery protection | Internal circuit blocks reverse current flow (<1 µA) when battery is inserted backward-no external FET required. |
| Programmable low-battery detection | External resistor divider on LBI sets custom battery depletion threshold; LBO provides system-level alert signal. |
| High-efficiency PFM mode | Automatic transition to pulse-frequency modulation under light load maintains >75% efficiency at 100 µA output current. |
Applications
| Handheld Medical Instruments | Digital Cameras |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable blood glucose meters powered by single AA/AAA alkaline cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-up regulator generating stable 3.3V rail for microcontroller, LCD driver, and sensor interface. Use Value: 0.8V start-up extends usable battery life by >20% compared to 1.0V-start converters; synchronous rectification sustains >85% efficiency at 50 mA load. | Use Scenario: Compact digital still cameras using 1-cell Li-ion battery (2.7–4.2V range). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Boost converter delivering regulated 5V to flash LED driver and image sensor interface. Use Value: Fixed 5V output mode simplifies BOM; 1 MHz switching frequency permits use of 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm × 1.2 mm shielded inductor. |
| GPS Receivers | Industrial Data Loggers |
Use Scenario: Battery-backed GPS modules operating from 2×NiMH cells (1.2–2.4V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC/DC converter supplying 3.3V to GPS baseband IC and RF front-end. Use Value: Low quiescent current (12 µA typ) minimizes self-discharge during cold-start acquisition; REF pin enables external voltage monitoring. | Use Scenario: Remote environmental sensors powered by 3×alkaline cells (3.0–4.5V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output boost IC generating 1.8V for ultra-low-power MCU and 5V for RS-485 transceiver. Use Value: Dual-rail capability via FB pin configuration avoids second regulator; reverse polarity protection prevents field-replacement damage. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-up converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS61022 | Higher 2-MHz switching frequency; 0.9-V start-up; integrated soft-start; no LBO pin. | Lacks dedicated low-battery alert output; requires external circuit for battery monitoring. | Select when board space is critical and LBO functionality is handled elsewhere. |
| MAX1706 | 0.7-V start-up; 1.25-V reference; no reverse polarity protection; 500-mA current limit. | Lower current capability limits max output power; no built-in reverse-battery blocking. | Select for cost-sensitive designs where reverse insertion risk is mitigated mechanically. |
Compared with TPS61022 and MAX1706, the L6920DB uniquely combines 0.8V start-up, integrated LBO with programmable threshold, reverse polarity protection, and synchronous rectification in MSOP8-making it optimal for battery-critical portable instrumentation requiring robustness and long runtime.
Availability
L6920DB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld medical instruments, digital cameras, GPS receivers, industrial data loggers, and portable test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for L6920DB 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, power, microcontroller, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The L6920DB belongs to ST's low-voltage DC/DC converter product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-input, battery-powered portable electronics where start-up voltage, quiescent current, and integration density are primary design constraints.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for L6920DB to begin regulation?
The L6920DB starts switching and regulating output voltage at an absolute minimum input of 0.8V (typical) when VOUT = 3.3V or 5V. This is verified per Section 3 of the datasheet under "VCC Minimum Start Up Input Voltage." Startup occurs before VOUT reaches 1.4V, after which normal PWM/PFM regulation takes over.
How is the low-battery detection threshold set on the L6920DB?
The L6920DB uses an internal 1.23V comparator reference for low-battery detection. The user sets the actual battery voltage threshold by connecting a resistor divider between battery and GND, feeding the midpoint to the LBI pin. Equation 2 in the datasheet defines Vbatt-th = 1.23V × (1 + R1/R2), allowing precise customization for specific cell chemistries.
Can the L6920DB be used without an external inductor?
No. The L6920DB is a synchronous boost converter requiring an external inductor connected between VIN and the LX pin. The inductor stores and transfers energy during switching cycles. Datasheet Figure 9 shows the mandatory 10 µH inductor; omitting it prevents regulation and may damage the IC due to uncontrolled current surge.
Does the L6920DB provide overvoltage protection on its output?
No. The L6920DB does not include output overvoltage protection (OVP). Its regulation relies solely on feedback via the FB pin and internal 1.23V reference. If FB is disconnected or shorted, output voltage rises uncontrollably toward input + diode drop. System-level OVP must be implemented externally-e.g., using a TLV431 shunt regulator or dedicated supervisor IC.
L6920DB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Boost
- Output Type:
- Adjustable (Fixed)
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 0.6V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.8V (3.3V, 5V)
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 800mA (Switch)
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-MSOP
L6920DB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L6920DB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L6920DB 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 L6920DB reliable?
The price and inventory of L6920DB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L6920DB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L6920DB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L6920DB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L6920DB?
L6920DB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L6920DB 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 L6920DB?
For technical support, including L6920DB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L6920DB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L6920DB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L6920DB 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 L6920DB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L6920DB?
All L6920DB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L6920DB, 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 L6920DB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L6920DB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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