Microchip Technology MD1716K6-G

Overview

MD1716K6-G from Microchip Technology is a 3-channel, 12-output high-speed MOSFET gate driver IC designed as the logic controller stage for 3-level ultrasound transmit pulsers. It delivers ±2 A peak source/sink current per output, 6.5 ns rise/fall time (1 nF load), and ±2 ns channel-to-channel propagation delay matching. It operates with 1.8V–3.3V CMOS logic inputs and interfaces directly with the TC8020 high-voltage output stage in medical ultrasound imaging systems.

For engineers reviewing the MD1716K6-G datasheet, MD1716K6-G pinout, MD1716K6-G application, or MD1716K6-G equivalent, key selection criteria include matched 12-channel timing performance, low-inductance 40-lead QFN packaging, dual-rail gate drive capability (AVDD/VDD), and precise logic threshold control for piezoelectric transducer driver synchronization.

Technical Context

The MD1716K6-G implements three independent channel control blocks-A, B, and C-each driving two pairs of complementary P/N-channel gate drivers (OP1/ON1 and OP2/ON2). Each channel accepts dedicated POS/NEG logic inputs and supports 3-level output states (high, low, damping) via truth-table-defined switching sequences.

It features smart logic threshold referencing to VLL (1.8–3.3 V), separate analog ground (AGND) and power ground (GND) domains, and thermal pad-connected substrate grounding. The device requires coordinated AVDD (≥ VDD) and VDD supplies (±4.5 V to 12.5 V) to drive external high-voltage MOSFETs in pulser topologies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MD1716K6-G uses a 40-lead QFN package (3.5 mm × 6.0 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad connected to GND. Pin numbering follows standard top-view layout; pins 1–40 are assigned per Table 2-1 in DS20005924A, including three sets of POS/NEG controls (POSA/NEGA, POSB/NEGB, POSC/NEGC), twelve gate driver outputs (OP1A–ON2C), multiple VDD/AGND/GND rails, and dual-function VLL/EN.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed multi-channel gate driver applications.

Compared with TC8020 and MD1711K6-G, the MD1716K6-G uniquely integrates 3-channel logic control, 12 matched drivers, and smart thresholding in a single QFN package - making it irreplaceable for 3-level, multi-element ultrasound pulsers where channel synchronization and compact layout are design-critical.

Availability

MD1716K6-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound imaging, piezoelectric transducer drivers, and non-destructive testing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MD1716K6-G 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

Microchip Technology is a global provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

The MD1716K6-G belongs to Microchip's high-speed ultrasound pulser IC family, engineered specifically for precision timing-critical medical and industrial ultrasonic systems requiring matched multi-channel gate drive with low-jitter propagation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MD1716K6-G in an ultrasound pulser system?

The MD1716K6-G serves as the logic controller and gate driver interface between low-voltage digital controllers (e.g., FPGAs) and high-voltage output stages like the TC8020. It translates 1.8–3.3 V CMOS logic inputs into precisely timed, matched 12-channel gate drive signals - enabling 3-level (high/low/damping) pulsing essential for medical ultrasound beamforming. Its ±2 ns delay matching and 6.5 ns edges ensure coherent excitation across transducer arrays.

Does the MD1716K6-G require external level shifters for 1.8 V logic inputs?

No. The MD1716K6-G incorporates smart logic threshold technology referenced to the VLL pin, automatically adapting input switching thresholds to the applied VLL voltage (1.8–3.3 V). This eliminates the need for external level-shifting circuitry when interfacing with 1.8 V or 3.3 V FPGA I/O banks - simplifying design and improving noise immunity in mixed-voltage systems.

How does the MD1716K6-G achieve ±2 ns channel-to-channel delay matching?

The MD1716K6-G achieves ±2 ns propagation delay matching through matched internal driver cell design, symmetrical routing within the die, and dedicated low-inductance VDD/GND pin distribution (10 VDD and 8 GND pins). This matching is verified across temperature and process corners per DS20005924A, ensuring consistent timing behavior in multi-channel beamforming applications where skew directly impacts image resolution.

Can the MD1716K6-G operate without the TC8020 companion IC?

Yes - the MD1716K6-G can drive other high-voltage MOSFET configurations, but its truth tables, timing specifications, and output drive strength (±2 A) are optimized for use with the TC8020. While functional with alternative FET stages, full 3-level pulser performance - including damping control and impedance-matched switching - requires the TC8020's complementary P/N FET pairs and associated layout guidelines defined in the MD1716K6-G datasheet.

What is the role of the AGND pins on the MD1716K6-G?

The AGND pins (6 and 7) provide a dedicated analog ground reference for the logic input circuitry and internal level translators. They are electrically isolated from the power GND pins to prevent switching noise from the 2 A gate drivers from corrupting logic thresholds. Proper PCB layout requires connecting AGND to a clean analog ground plane, separate from high-current power GND traces, to maintain input noise immunity and timing stability in the MD1716K6-G.