STMicroelectronics VIPER20-E

Overview

VIPer20-E from STMicroelectronics is a high-voltage, current-mode PWM controller with integrated 620 V/0.5 A vertical power MOSFET in Pentawatt HV (DIP-8) package, designed for primary-side regulation in offline SMPS up to 20 W. It features adjustable switching frequency up to 100 kHz (typ.), internal start-up supply, undervoltage lock-out with 3 V hysteresis, overtemperature protection at 170 °C (typ.), and burst-mode operation enabling <1 W standby consumption per Blue Angel norm.

For engineers reviewing the VIPer20-E datasheet, VIPer20-E pinout, VIPer20-E application, or VIPer20-E equivalent, key selection considerations include its integrated HV MOSFET capability, primary-side feedback compatibility, programmable current limit via COMP pin voltage, thermal shutdown hysteresis, and DIP-8 layout suitability for low-cost flyback designs targeting consumer and industrial AC/DC adapters.

Technical Context

The VIPer20-E implements a current-mode control topology with dual-loop regulation: an inner peak-current loop using internal sense-FET sampling and blanking (250 ns), and an outer voltage loop managed by a transconductance error amplifier (Gm = 1.5 mA/V, GBW = 150 kHz). Its oscillator operates with external RT–CT network and maintains ±10% frequency stability across VDD = 9–15 V.

Startup is enabled by an integrated high-voltage current source tied to the DRAIN pin, delivering ~2 mA to charge the VDD capacitor until UVLO threshold (12 V typ.) is reached; shutdown occurs at 8 V with hysteresis. Burst mode is triggered automatically when COMP voltage falls below 0.5 V, forcing zero-duty-cycle operation while maintaining secondary-side regulation via auxiliary winding feedback.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Packaged in Pentawatt HV (DIP-8, 022Y footprint), VIPer20-E uses a thermally enhanced through-hole package with isolated heatsink tab (pin 4) and standard 0.3" DIP spacing. The case-to-junction thermal resistance is 1.9 °C/W, supporting >57 W power dissipation at T_C = 25 °C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar primary-side SMPS controller applications.

Compared with ICE2A280Z and LNK304P, VIPer20-E offers balanced integration-retaining design flexibility via adjustable frequency and COMP-based current limiting-while delivering certified <1 W standby performance in a proven DIP-8 form factor suitable for cost-sensitive 20 W designs.

Availability

VIPer20-E is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AC/DC wall adapters, set-top box power supplies, smart home hub power modules, and industrial sensor transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for VIPer20-E 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 power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

VIPer20-E belongs to the VIPer™ family of high-voltage offline controllers, engineered specifically for cost-optimized, low-to-mid power flyback converters where integration, reliability, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Blue Angel, Energy Star) are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output power achievable with VIPer20-E?

VIPer20-E supports up to 20 W in single-range AC input (e.g., 230 V_AC) or doubler configuration, and 10 W in wide-range (85–265 V_AC) operation. This is determined by its 0.5 A peak current limit, 16 Ω R_DS(on), and thermal limits under natural convection with proper heatsinking on the DIP-8 tab.

How does the burst-mode operation maintain output regulation during standby?

Burst mode activates when COMP voltage drops below 0.5 V, forcing zero-duty-cycle operation. Regulation is sustained because the auxiliary winding continues charging the VDD capacitor; once VDD falls to 8 V, the device restarts briefly until VDD reaches 12 V, repeating cyclically. Output ripple remains low due to large output capacitance and minimal load current.

Can VIPer20-E be used with secondary-side optocoupler feedback?

Yes. In secondary regulation, the optocoupler output connects to the COMP pin. VDD is held between 8.5–12.5 V by the auxiliary winding, causing the transconductance amplifier to operate in saturation. The COMP pin then acts as a constant-current sink/source, enabling precise cross-regulation across multiple outputs without additional error amplifiers.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 8) and the heatsink tab (Pin 4)?

Pin 8 is electrically unconnected and must remain floating. Pin 4 is an isolated metal heatsink tab-no internal electrical connection-but must be soldered to a large copper pour for thermal dissipation. Its 1.9 °C/W R_thJC rating enables reliable operation at full load without forced air cooling.