STMicroelectronics PM6681A
- Part No.:
- PM6681A
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Voltage Regulators - Linear + Switching
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
PM6681A.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG QUAD BUCK/LINEAR 32VFQFPN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,006
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Product details
Overview
PM6681A from STMicroelectronics is a dual synchronous step-down controller with integrated 5 V and adjustable (0.9–3.3 V) LDOs, designed for FPGA and embedded system power rails. It delivers two independently regulated outputs (OUT1: 0.9–5 V; OUT2: 0.9–3.3 V), supports lossless RDS(on) current sensing, features constant on-time architecture for fast transient response, and operates across 6–36 V input range.
For engineers reviewing the PM6681A datasheet, PM6681A pinout, PM6681A application, or PM6681A equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-channel COT control, selectable pulse-skip/no-audible-skip modes, independent Power Good signals, 1.237 V ±1% reference, and VFQFPN-32 package with exposed thermal pad.
Technical Context
The PM6681A implements a constant on-time (COT) PWM control architecture per channel, using output ripple voltage for timing-enabling near-fixed frequency operation without external compensation. Each channel includes an embedded integrator loop that compensates DC error from output ripple, ensuring stable regulation under varying load and ESR conditions.
It integrates two high-side/low-side gate drivers (HGATE1/LGATE1 and HGATE2/LGATE2), dual independent current limit circuits with negative current detection, soft-start (2 ms fixed), soft-output discharge, latched UVP, and not-latched OVP. The FSEL pin selects among three switching frequencies, while SKIP configures PWM, pulse-skip, or ultrasonic (>33 kHz) operation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input voltage range | 6 V to 36 V - supports industrial 24 V bus and wide-battery-input systems without pre-regulation. |
| OUT1 adjustable range | 0.9 V to 5 V - powers core logic, DDR termination, or CPU I/O rails with external resistor divider. |
| OUT2 adjustable range | 0.9 V to 3.3 V - supplies FPGA I/O banks or auxiliary logic with independent feedback (FB2). |
| LDO5 output | Fixed 5 V / 100 mA peak - powers internal gate drivers and external circuitry; bypassable via V5SW pin. |
| Adjustable LDO output | 0.9 V to 3.3 V / 100 mA peak - configurable low-noise bias rail for analog subsystems or reference buffers. |
| Reference voltage | 1.237 V ±1 % - high-accuracy internal reference used for both FB loops and LDO feedback. |
| Quiescent power | ≤5 mW - enables ultra-low-power standby in battery-backed industrial controllers. |
Pinout & Package
Package: VFQFPN-32 (5 mm × 5 mm) with exposed thermal pad - optimized for high-power density and thermal performance in compact DC-DC modules.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| EN1, EN2 | Independent enable inputs | High-logic (>2.4 V) activates each buck channel; low (<0.8 V) disables with forced low-side-on state. |
| FB1, FB2 | Voltage feedback inputs | Resistive dividers set OUT1 (0.9–5 V) and OUT2 (0.9–3.3 V); referenced to 1.237 V internal VREF. |
| HGATE1/2, LGATE1/2 | Gate driver outputs | Drive external N-channel MOSFETs; HGATE is floating, LGATE referenced to PGND; RDS(on) < 3 Ω. |
| CSENSE1/2 | Positive current sense inputs | Connect to synchronous rectifier drain for RDS(on)-based lossless current limiting and zero-crossing detection. |
| PGOOD1, PGOOD2 | Open-drain status outputs | Assert low when respective output deviates >±10 % from target - enables sequencing and fault monitoring. |
| SKIP, FSEL | Mode configuration pins | SKIP selects PWM/pulse-skip/no-audible-skip; FSEL sets one of three switching frequencies per channel. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Constant on-time (COT) control | Enables sub-10 µs load transient response without external loop compensation components. |
| Output ripple compensation | Embedded integrator corrects DC offset caused by capacitor ESR, improving regulation accuracy at light loads. |
| No-RSENSE current sensing | Uses MOSFET RDS(on) instead of discrete sense resistors - reduces BOM cost and PCB area. |
| Selectable ultrasonic pulse skip | Maintains >33 kHz minimum switching frequency to eliminate audible noise in sensitive environments. |
| Soft output discharge | Actively discharges OUT1/OUT2 during shutdown - prevents floating outputs and ensures safe power-down sequencing. |
Applications
| FPGA Core & I/O Power | Industrial 24 V Embedded System |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA with separate 1.0 V core and 1.8 V I/O rails from a 24 V supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel buck controller regulating both rails; COT architecture ensures <50 µs recovery from 0→2 A load step on core rail. Use Value: Eliminates need for external current-sense resistors and complex compensation networks, reducing solution size by >30 %. |
Use Scenario: Distributed power in PLC backplane with 24 V input powering microcontroller (3.3 V), CAN transceiver (5 V), and analog sensors (2.5 V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary DC-DC controller generating 3.3 V (OUT1) and 5 V (LDO5), with adjustable LDO supplying precision 2.5 V reference. Use Value: Single-chip solution replaces three discrete regulators, enabling conformal coating and meeting IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity requirements. |
| Notebook Computer Subsystem | High-Density DC-DC Module |
|
Use Scenario: Secondary power stage for USB-C PD negotiation IC and display backlight driver in thin-and-light notebook. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies 3.3 V (OUT2) and 1.8 V (adjustable LDO) with soft-start and independent PGOOD for firmware-controlled power sequencing. Use Value: 2 ms fixed soft-start prevents inrush into capacitive loads; PGOOD1/PGOOD2 enable BIOS-level rail validation before boot. |
Use Scenario: 30 W, 1.5" × 1.5" quarter-brick module delivering 3.3 V/5 A and 1.2 V/10 A for telecom line card. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Controller IC managing dual-phase buck stages; VFQFPN-32 package enables bottom-side thermal transfer to heatsink. Use Value: Exposed pad + low RDS(on) gate drivers achieve >92 % efficiency at full load, meeting Level VI efficiency requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-buck controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS546B24A | Dual-channel, single-die buck controller with PMBus interface; requires external current-sense resistors; no integrated LDOs. | Targets digitally controlled server VRMs; lacks analog LDOs and ripple-compensated integrator loop. | Choose for telemetry and dynamic voltage scaling; avoid if analog-only design or LDO integration is required. |
| ISL95831 | Single-channel controller with integrated 5 V LDO; no second buck channel or adjustable LDO; uses voltage-mode control. | Suitable for single-rail notebook CPU cores; cannot replace dual-output requirement of PM6681A. | Only viable if redesigning to single-output topology; lacks OUT2 and LDO adjustability. |
Compared with TPS546B24A and ISL95831, the PM6681A uniquely combines dual COT buck control, two integrated LDOs (one adjustable), and ripple-based compensation-making it optimal for space-constrained industrial and FPGA systems where analog simplicity and thermal efficiency are prioritized over digital control.
Availability
PM6681A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA system power, industrial 24 V embedded systems, and high-density DC-DC modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across temperature.
Supply support for PM6681A 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, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The PM6681A belongs to ST's high-efficiency DC-DC controller product line, engineered specifically for multi-rail power delivery in space- and thermally constrained embedded systems where analog precision and minimal external components are critical.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the V5SW pin?
The V5SW pin controls the internal 5 V LDO5 regulator's operating mode. When connected to an external 5 V supply >4.9 V, LDO5 shuts down and the LDO5 output connects directly to that supply via a 3 Ω internal switch-improving efficiency at high load. When tied to GND, LDO5 remains active and supplies gate drivers and external loads.
How does the PM6681A achieve lossless current sensing?
It uses the RDS(on) of the synchronous rectifier MOSFET as the current-sense element. The CSENSE1/2 pins monitor the voltage drop across the MOSFET's channel during conduction, eliminating the need for discrete sense resistors and associated power loss and board area.
Can the two buck channels operate at different switching frequencies?
Yes. The FSEL pin accepts three logic levels (GND, VREF, or LDO5) to configure three distinct frequency sets-each applied independently to OUT1 and OUT2 sections-enabling optimization for EMI reduction, efficiency, or thermal distribution in dual-rail designs.
What protection features are implemented in hardware?
Hardware-enforced protections include latched undervoltage lockout (UVP), non-latched overvoltage protection (OVP), thermal shutdown, negative current limit detection, and soft-output discharge. All operate autonomously without firmware or external supervision, ensuring fail-safe behavior during fault conditions.
PM6681A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck) (2), Linear (LDO) (2)
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Frequency - Switching:
- Down to 33kHz
- Voltage/Current - Output 1:
- 0.9V ~ 5V, 100mA
- Voltage/Current - Output 2:
- 0.9V ~ 3.3V, 100mA
- Voltage/Current - Output 3:
- 5V, 100mA
- w/LED Driver:
- No
- w/Supervisor:
- No
- w/Sequencer:
- No
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 36V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VFQFPN (5x5)
PM6681A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PM6681A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PM6681A 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 PM6681A reliable?
The price and inventory of PM6681A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PM6681A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PM6681A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PM6681A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PM6681A?
PM6681A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PM6681A 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 PM6681A?
For technical support, including PM6681A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PM6681A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PM6681A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PM6681A 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 PM6681A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PM6681A?
All PM6681A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PM6681A, 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 PM6681A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PM6681A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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