STMicroelectronics LNBH29EPTR

Overview

LNBH29EPTR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic LNB supply and control IC with integrated step-up DC-DC converter and I²C interface, designed for satellite receiver front-end power and signaling. It delivers 13/18 V DC output with selectable current limit (up to 550 mA), generates a factory-trimmed 22 kHz tone for DiSEqC™ compliance, and features EXTM pin for external tone modulation. Used in STB, TV, and PC card satellite receivers to power and control LNB down-converters.

For engineers reviewing the LNBH29EPTR datasheet, LNBH29EPTR pinout, LNBH29EPTR application, or LNBH29EPTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its QFN16 (3×3) package, 22 kHz tone integrity at no load, ±4 kV ESD tolerance on power pins, I²C diagnostic register access (STATUS/DATA), and dynamic short-circuit protection with 90 ms ON / 900 ms OFF cycling.

Technical Context

The LNBH29EPTR integrates a high-efficiency PWM step-up converter (93% typical @ 0.5 A) feeding a low-drop linear post-regulator, maintaining VUP − VOUT ≈ 1 V to minimize power loss. Its EXTM pin accepts external 22 kHz AC signals via DC-blocking capacitor, enabling analog tone modulation independent of internal generator logic.

Protection is implemented through five I²C-accessible diagnostic bits: OLF (overload/short-circuit), OTF (overtemperature >150 °C), VMON (output voltage monitoring), PDO (external voltage detection on VOUT), and PNG (input undervoltage <4.7 V). All protections latch until cleared by STATUS register read.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: QFN16 (3×3 mm), exposed thermal pad (Epad), RoHS-compliant, tape-and-reel packaging.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LNB supply and control applications.

Compared with MAX2181AETL+, LNBH29EPTR offers higher output current headroom (550 mA vs. 450 mA), wider input range (8–17.5 V vs. 4.75–5.25 V), and unique EXTM capability for host-controlled tone injection - critical for advanced DiSEqC implementations.

Availability

LNBH29EPTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for STB satellite receivers, TV satellite receivers, and PC card satellite receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full traceability for consumer electronics production.

Supply support for LNBH29EPTR 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, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The LNBH29 series belongs to ST's broadcast interface product line, engineered specifically for satellite receiver front-end power management - integrating LNB voltage generation, DiSEqC signaling, and diagnostics into a single monolithic IC.

FAQ

What is the function of the EXTM pin on LNBH29EPTR?

The EXTM pin accepts an externally generated 22 kHz AC signal (via DC-blocking capacitor) to modulate the VOUT DC voltage, enabling host-controlled DiSEqC tone injection. Unlike the internal tone generator used in LNBH29 variants, EXTM bypasses internal logic and directly drives the linear regulator loop with analog fidelity - essential for custom waveform or synchronized multi-channel systems.

How does the dynamic short-circuit protection operate?

Upon overload detection, LNBH29EPTR cycles between 90 ms active output (TON) and 900 ms shutdown (TOFF), reducing average power dissipation to under 0.5 W. The OLF bit latches in the STATUS register until cleared by an I²C read. This prevents thermal runaway while allowing automatic recovery once the fault is removed - unlike static shutdown that requires system reset.

Can LNBH29EPTR support both 13 V and 18 V LNB outputs?

Yes - output voltage is programmable via three bits (V1/V0/VOSEL) in the I²C DATA register, selecting 13.0 V, 13.5 V, 14.0 V, 15.0 V, 16.0 V, 17.0 V, 18.0 V, or 18.5 V. These values meet EN 50494 and ETSI EN 301 429 standards for universal LNB polarity and band selection in European and global satellite systems.

What is the recommended layout practice for the Epad and ground connections?

The exposed thermal pad (Epad) must be soldered to a solid copper ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting to inner/ground layers. PGND (Pin 2) and GND (Pin 9) should join *only* at the Epad - separating power and analog grounds elsewhere prevents noise coupling into I²C and voltage reference circuits, ensuring stable 22 kHz tone generation and accurate VMON monitoring.