STMicroelectronics Launches Synchronous Buck Converters for Automotive Use
**STMicroelectronics Introduces Advanced Synchronous Buck Converters for Automotive Applications**
STMicroelectronics has unveiled a new range of automotive-qualified step-down synchronous DC/DC converters designed to save space and simplify integration in various automotive applications such as body electronics, audio systems, and inverter gate drivers. These cutting-edge converters are engineered to meet the high demands of modern automotive systems, offering unparalleled efficiency and performance.
The centerpiece of this new series is the A6983 converters, which provide flexible design options with six non-isolated step-down converters available in both low-consumption and low-noise configurations. Additionally, the series includes the A6983I isolated buck converter. These highly integrated monolithic devices require only minimal external components such as filtering, feedback, and, in the case of the A6983I, a transformer. This level of integration significantly reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the design process.
BonChip Electronics is proud to be the authorized distributor for the full range of STMicroelectronics products, including the newly launched A6983 converters. We offer comprehensive product sales and ordering solutions, ensuring the best service and the most convenient delivery options for our customers.
### Key Features of the A6983 Converters
#### Non-Isolated A6983 Series
The non-isolated A6983 converters can deliver up to 3 A load current with a typical efficiency of 88% at full load. The series includes low-consumption variants (A6983C), which are optimized for light-load operation, ensuring high efficiency and low output ripple to minimize battery drain in parked vehicles. The low-noise variants (A6983N) operate with a constant switching frequency and maintain minimal output ripple across the load range, making them ideal for sensitive applications like audio-system power supplies. Both variants offer a choice of fixed output voltages (3.3 V, 5.0 V) as well as adjustable output voltage from 0.85 V to VIN, providing design flexibility.
#### Isolated A6983I Buck Converter
The A6983I is a robust 10 W iso-buck converter featuring primary-side regulation, thus eliminating the need for an optocoupler. This converter is particularly well-suited for isolated gate drivers in IGBTs or silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFETs used in traction inverters and on-board chargers (OBCs). The primary output voltage can be accurately adjusted, and the secondary voltage is determined by the transformer's turns ratio.
### Comprehensive Protection and Efficiency
All variants, both isolated and non-isolated, are designed with a low quiescent operating current of just 25 µA and feature a power-saving shutdown mode drawing less than 2 µA. The converters support a wide input-voltage range from 3.5 V to 38 V and are tolerant to load-dump conditions up to 40 V, ensuring operational reliability during voltage transients on the main supply bus. Built-in protective features include output overvoltage protection, thermal protection, and internal soft start. Additional features such as optional spread-spectrum operation help reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is crucial for noise-sensitive applications. A power-good pin is also available to facilitate power sequencing, and both the A6983I and A6983 can synchronize with an external clock.
For the best in service and the most convenient delivery options, BonChip Electronics is your trusted distributor for STMicroelectronics’ full product line, including the innovative A6983 series of automotive-qualified DC/DC converters.
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