STMicroelectronics STA516BETR

Overview

STA516BETR from STMicroelectronics is a monolithic quad half-bridge digital audio power stage in PowerSO-36 (exposed pad up) package, designed for FFX® Class-D amplification. It delivers 2 × 250 W into 6 Ω BTL at 56 V supply, features 190 mΩ RdsON, integrated overtemperature/overvoltage/short-circuit protection, and supports reconfigurable operation (dual-BTL, PBTL, or quad-SE) via CONFIG pin. Used in high-fidelity home theater and mini-audio systems with external PWM modulators like STA309A.

For engineers reviewing the STA516BETR datasheet, STA516BETR pinout, STA516BETR application, or STA516BETR equivalent, key selection criteria include output configuration flexibility (BTL/PBTL/SE), thermal warning (TH_WARN at 130 °C), automatic fault recovery mode, and compatibility with 3.3 V CMOS logic inputs referenced to VL.

Technical Context

The STA516BETR implements dual independent H-bridges with binary, ternary, or phase-shift PWM input decoding, supporting differential full-bridge, parallel-BTL (PBTL), or quad half-bridge (SE) topologies. Each bridge uses matched P/N-channel MOSFETs with 190 mΩ typical RdsON and < 50 ns dynamic dead time.

It integrates a 5 V regulator (VDD), logic-level interface referenced to VL (2.7–5.0 V), open-drain FAULT and TH_WARN outputs, and configurable protection latching or auto-recovery via TRISTATE/FAULT tie-off. Thermal shutdown triggers at 150 °C with 25 °C hysteresis, and undervoltage lockout activates below 7 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STA516BETR uses PowerSO-36 (EPU) package with thermally enhanced exposed pad on top surface for direct heatsink coupling. All duplicate power, ground, and output pins must be connected in parallel for low-impedance current paths and optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multi-bridge Class-D power stage applications.

Compared with TAS5630PHDR and IRS2092SPBF, STA516BETR uniquely combines reconfigurable topology, integrated thermal warning, and auto-recovery fault handling in a single monolithic device - reducing system-level protection complexity while enabling scalable power delivery across product tiers.

Availability

STA516BETR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for home theater receivers, DVD audio amplifiers, and mini audio systems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent thermal performance across production batches.

Supply support for STA516BETR 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, specializing in analog, power, microcontrollers, and automotive ICs with vertical manufacturing capability.

STA516BETR belongs to ST's FFX® digital audio power stage product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, low-EMI Class-D amplification in cost-sensitive consumer audio equipment with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the recommended power-on sequence for STA516BETR?

Apply VCC and VL in any order while holding PWRDN low; then release PWRDN high only after VL is stable; finally release TRISTATE high. This prevents uncontrolled current through internal protection diodes and ensures proper regulator startup. Failure to follow this sequence risks latch-up or premature thermal shutdown during initialization.

Can STA516BETR drive 2 Ω loads in PBTL mode?

Yes - STA516BETR delivers 380 W at 10% THD+N into 2 Ω PBTL with 56 V supply, and 400 W into 2 Ω PBTL at 52 V supply. Operation requires strict adherence to PCB layout guidelines: short, wide traces for power/ground, symmetric dual-sided copper pour, and thermal pad soldered to ≥4 thermal vias to inner ground planes.

How does the CONFIG pin affect output configuration?

When CONFIG is tied to GND, STA516BETR operates as two independent BTL channels. When tied to VDD, OUT1A=OUT1B and OUT2A=OUT2B, enabling PBTL (single 480 W channel) or quad-SE (four independent outputs). The pin must be hard-wired - not dynamically toggled - as configuration is sampled only at power-up.

Is an external LC filter required for STA516BETR operation?

Yes - a second-order passive LC filter is mandatory to reconstruct analog audio from PWM output. ST recommends 22 µH inductors and 470 nF–1 µF film capacitors per channel for 6–8 Ω loads. Filter component tolerance directly impacts THD+N; X7R ceramics are acceptable for C, but polypropylene film is preferred for lowest distortion.