Summary of L6983 38 V STEP-DOWN CONVERTER IS A SYNCHRONOUS MONOLITHIC STEP-DOWN REGULATOR
STMicroelectronics L6983 is a monolithic synchronous step-down regulator delivering up to 3 A with a 3.5–38 V input range. Available in low consumption (LCM) and low noise (LNM) modes, it uses peak current mode control, selectable 200 kHz–2.2 MHz switching (optionally spread spectrum), internal compensation, Power Good, EN pin with 1.3 ms soft-start, pulse-by-pulse current protection, and thermal shutdown. Packaged in QFN16 3×3, it targets 24 V bus industrial systems, battery-powered equipment, decentralized nodes, sensors, and always-on applications.
Parts used in the L6983 Synchronous Step-Down Converter:
- L6983 synchronous step-down regulator (QFN16 3×3)
- Input capacitors (low-ESR)
- Output capacitors (low-ESR)
- Inductor suitable for 3 A output
- Feedback resistors (to set output voltage)
- EN pin pull-up resistor
- Power Good open-collector pull-up resistor
- Input protection components (optional, e.g., transient suppression)
- PCB with appropriate thermal and layout considerations
STMicroelectronics’ step-down converter is an easy to use synchronous monolithic step-down regulator

STMicroelectronics L6983 Synchronous Step-Down Converter is an easy to use monolithic step-down regulator capable of delivering up to 3A DC to the load. The wide input voltage range makes the device suitable for a broad range of applications. The L6983 is based on a peak current mode architecture. The device is packaged in a QFN16 3×3 with internal compensation, thus minimizing design complexity and size.
The L6983 is available both in low consumption mode (LCM) and low noise mode (LNM) versions. LCM maximizes the efficiency at light-load with controlled output voltage ripple so the device is suitable for battery-powered applications. LNM makes the switching frequency constant and minimizes the output voltage ripple for light load operations, meeting the specification for low noise-sensitive applications. The L6983 allows the switching frequency to be selected in the 200kHz to 2.2MHz range with an optional spread spectrum for improved EMC.
The EN pin provides an enable/disable function. The typical shutdown current is 2µA when disabled. As soon as the EN pin is pulled up, the device is enabled, and the internal 1.3ms soft-start takes place. The L6983 features Power Good open collector that monitors the FB voltage. Pulse-by-pulse current sensing on both power elements implements an effective constant current protection, and thermal shutdown prevents thermal run-away.
Features
- Two different versions: LCM for high efficiency at light loads and LNM for noise-sensitive applications
- 200 kHz to 2.2 MHz programmable switching frequency; stable with low-ESR capacitors
- Operating input voltage: 3.5 V to 38 V
- Output voltage: 0.85 V to VIN
- 3 ADC output current
- Operating quiescent current: 17 μA
- 2 μA shutdown current
- Optional spread spectrum for improved EMC
Applications
- Designed for 24 V buses industrial power systems
- 24 V battery-powered equipment
- Decentralized intelligent nodes
- Sensors and always-on applications
Read more: L6983 38 V STEP-DOWN CONVERTER IS A SYNCHRONOUS MONOLITHIC STEP-DOWN REGULATOR
- What is the maximum output current of the L6983?
The device can deliver up to 3 A DC to the load. - What input voltage range does the L6983 support?
The operating input voltage range is 3.5 V to 38 V. - What switching frequency range can be selected for the L6983?
The switching frequency is programmable from 200 kHz to 2.2 MHz. - Does the L6983 offer modes for efficiency and low noise?
Yes, it is available in low consumption mode (LCM) for light-load efficiency and low noise mode (LNM) for minimized output ripple. - How is the device enabled or disabled?
The EN pin provides enable/disable control; pulling EN up enables the device and starts a 1.3 ms soft-start; typical shutdown current is 2 μA. - Does the L6983 include protection features?
Yes, it has pulse-by-pulse current sensing for constant current protection and thermal shutdown. - Is the L6983 stable with low-ESR capacitors?
Yes, it is stable with low-ESR capacitors. - Does the L6983 provide a Power Good signal?
Yes, it features a Power Good open-collector output that monitors the FB voltage. - What packaging does the L6983 use?
The device is packaged in a QFN16 3×3 package.
