Vishay Siliconix SIC401DB

Overview

SIC401DB from Vishay Siliconix is a reference board designed to evaluate the SiC401A/B 15 A synchronous buck regulator with integrated power MOSFETs, bootstrap switch, and programmable 200 mA LDO. It supports input voltage range of 3–17 V, output voltage range of 0.6 V to VIN × 0.75, switching frequency up to 1 MHz, and operates in forced continuous or power-save mode for high-efficiency point-of-load conversion in server and networking applications.

For engineers reviewing the SIC401DB datasheet, SIC401DB application, or SIC401DB equivalent, this evaluation platform enables rapid validation of thermal performance, transient response, soft-start behavior, LDO switchover logic, and PGOOD timing under real-world load conditions - critical for embedded power architecture design and qualification.

Technical Context

The SIC401DB implements the SiC401A/B IC in PowerPAK® MLP32-55G (5 mm × 5 mm) package with full peripheral support: external BST capacitor (≥100 nF), soft-start capacitor on SS pin, resistor-programmable ILIM and tON, and dual feedback paths (FB for buck, FBL for LDO). It routes all 32 pins-including PGND, LX, VIN, AGND, EN/PSV, ENL, PGOOD, and BST-to accessible test points and solder pads.

Board-level features include pre-populated ceramic input/output capacitors, shielded 2.2 µH inductor (4.6 mΩ DCR), Kelvin-sense traces for current monitoring, and jumper-selectable modes (FCM/P-Save, internal/external VDD bias, LDO enable/disable), enabling direct correlation between schematic design and measured efficiency, load regulation, and fault response per Vishay's S20-0483-Rev. E specification.

Key Specifications

Availability

SIC401DB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power delivery, networking equipment design, and embedded point-of-load evaluation requiring stable component supply, fast turnaround prototyping, and traceable reference hardware.

Supply support for SIC401DB 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

Vishay Siliconix is a global leader in discrete semiconductors and power ICs, specializing in high-efficiency, high-density power management solutions for computing, telecom, and industrial markets.

The SiC401A/B product line delivers integrated buck + LDO functionality in ultra-compact MLP packages, targeting space-constrained, high-current point-of-load applications where thermal performance, transient response, and flexible biasing are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the SIC401DB evaluation board?

The SIC401DB evaluation board is a fully assembled reference design for the Vishay SiC401A/B synchronous buck regulator IC. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including efficiency across load and input voltage, soft-start timing, PGOOD assertion delay, LDO switchover behavior, and transient response-under real operating conditions before integrating the SiC401A/B into end systems.

Does the SIC401DB support both SiC401A and SiC401B variants?

Yes, the SIC401DB supports both SiC401A and SiC401B ICs. The board accommodates differences in power-save mode selection: SiC401A offers ultra-sonic power-save (USP), while SiC401B uses standard power-save (P-Save). Jumpers and layout allow configuration for either variant without hardware modification.

Can the SIC401DB be used to evaluate the integrated LDO functionality?

Yes, the SIC401DB provides full access to LDO-related pins (ENL, FBL, VDD, VOUT) and includes jumpers to select internal LDO bias (from VIN) or external 5 V bias. Resistor dividers for FBL and ENL are populated or socketed, enabling verification of LDO output accuracy (±1%), dropout voltage (1.2 V typical), and switchover thresholds (±130 mV) as specified for the SiC401A/B.

What thermal management features does the SIC401DB include for validating 15 A operation?

The SIC401DB uses 2-oz copper layers, thermal vias under the PowerPAK MLP32-55G footprint, and a low-DCR (4.6 mΩ) shielded 2.2 µH inductor to sustain 15 A continuous output. It includes temperature test points near the IC and inductor, and supports optional heatsink attachment-enabling direct measurement of junction-to-ambient thermal impedance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W) and validation of over-temperature shutdown at 150 °C.

Is PowerCAD simulation support available for the SIC401DB circuit topology?

Yes, Vishay provides PowerCAD Simulation software (available at www.vishay.com/power-ics/powercad-list/) with built-in models for the SiC401A/B IC and reference designs matching the SIC401DB topology. Users can simulate efficiency, loop stability, current limit, and soft-start behavior using the exact component values and layout parasitics defined on the SIC401DB board.