STMicroelectronics VIPER16HDTR

Overview

VIPER16HDTR from STMicroelectronics is a fixed-frequency off-line PWM controller with integrated 800 V avalanche-rugged power MOSFET, designed for low-power AC-DC flyback and buck-boost converters. It delivers up to 10 W in open-frame designs at 50 °C ambient, operates at 115 kHz (±8 kHz jitter), achieves <30 mW standby power at 230 VAC, and supports self-biasing without auxiliary winding - enabling compact auxiliary supplies for smart meters and LED drivers.

For engineers reviewing the VIPER16HDTR datasheet, VIPER16HDTR pinout, VIPER16HDTR application, or VIPER16HDTR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 800 V drain-source breakdown, adjustable current limit via LIM pin, burst-mode operation for energy compliance, and thermal shutdown with 30 °C hysteresis.

Technical Context

The device integrates a high-voltage current generator that starts from the DRAIN pin at ≥40 V, enabling direct mains-derived startup without auxiliary windings. Its oscillator provides fixed 115 kHz switching with ±8 kHz frequency jitter at 230 Hz to reduce EMI peak emissions.

It implements cycle-by-cycle current mode control using an internal SenseFET, with dual overcurrent protection: adjustable threshold via external resistor on LIM pin and fixed 0.4 A default IDlim. Burst mode activates when COMP voltage falls below 1.1 V, reducing average switching frequency and quiescent current to 0.6 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VIPER16HDTR is housed in a SO16 narrow (SOIC-16) package with exposed DRAIN pins (13–16) thermally connected to the metal frame for enhanced heat dissipation. The package supports surface-mount assembly and requires copper pour under DRAIN pins per layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar off-line SMPS controller applications.

Compared with ICE2QS03G and LNK306P, VIPER16HDTR offers superior 800 V ruggedness, programmable current limiting, and deterministic burst-mode entry-making it optimal for universal-input, low-standby, and thermally constrained designs where reliability and regulatory compliance are critical.

Availability

VIPER16HDTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart electricity metering, LED lighting drivers, home appliance auxiliary supplies, and industrial sensor modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for VIPER16HDTR 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 applications.

VIPER16HDTR belongs to the VIPer™ plus family of off-line AC-DC converters, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained auxiliary power supplies demanding high integration, low standby power, and robust protection.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output power achievable with VIPER16HDTR in an open-frame design?

VIPER16HDTR delivers up to 10 W continuous output power in open-frame configurations at 50 °C ambient temperature with adequate heatsinking, as confirmed in Table 2 of the official datasheet. This rating assumes proper PCB copper area under DRAIN pins and adherence to thermal resistance guidelines (RthJA = 90 °C/W for SO16N).

Can VIPER16HDTR operate without an auxiliary winding, and how is bias supplied?

Yes - VIPER16HDTR uses a high-voltage current generator connected to the DRAIN pin to charge the VDD capacitor during startup and steady-state operation. When VDRAIN exceeds 40 V, it sources up to −14 mA into VDD, eliminating the need for an auxiliary winding in low-power applications.

How does the LIM pin adjust overcurrent protection, and what is its default behavior?

The LIM pin sinks current proportional to an external resistor (RLIM) connected to GND, lowering the drain current limit from the default 0.4 A. If left open or connected to >80 kΩ, the device uses its internal 0.4 A threshold. RLIM values between 10 kΩ and 68 kΩ scale IDlim linearly from ~0.1 A to 0.4 A per Figure 13.

What protection features prevent latch-up during overload or short-circuit conditions?

VIPER16HDTR employs a digital up-down counter that disables the power MOSFET after 50 ms of continuous overcurrent, then initiates a 1 s auto-restart delay with full soft-start re-engagement. Combined with hysteretic thermal shutdown (150–160 °C), this prevents destructive thermal runaway and ensures safe recovery without manual reset.