ST reveals flexible isolated-buck IC for protected power conversion and gate driving in IGBTs, SiC, and GaN transistors

The STMicroelectronics L6983i 10W isolated buck (iso-buck) converter ensures high efficiency and a compact footprint, with advantages including low quiescent current and 3.5V-38V input-voltage range. The L6983i is suitable for applications that require an isolated DC-DC converter. It implements an iso-buck topology, which uses fewer components than a conventional isolated flyback converter and requires no optocoupler, saving bill-of-materials costs and PCB space.

Further benefits of the L6983i include 2µA shutdown current and integrated functions such as adjustable soft-start time, internal loop compensation and power good indicator, as well as protection from overcurrent and thermal shutdown. The selectable spread-spectrum feature improves EMC performance.

Capable of sourcing/sinking up to 4.5A primary current, the L6983i allows the switching frequency to be adjusted from 200kHz to 1MHz and to be also externally synchronized. It can be used to power isolated gate drivers for IGBTs and silicon-carbide (SiC) or gallium-nitride (GaN) transistors, industrial automation, small traction systems and charging stations, and isolated safety equipment (more info).