Onsemi UC3845BD1R2G: High-Performance Current Mode PWM Controller for Switching Power Supplies
The Onsemi UC3845BD1R2G stands as a cornerstone in the design of modern, efficient switching power supplies (SMPS). As a member of the renowned UC384x family, this integrated circuit is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and control in a wide array of power conversion applications, from AC-DC adapters to industrial power systems.
This controller operates on the principle of current-mode PWM control, a methodology that offers significant advantages over traditional voltage-mode control. This technique provides inherent cycle-by-cycle current limiting, simplified feedback loop compensation, and superior input voltage ripple rejection. The result is a more stable and responsive power supply that can effectively handle dynamic load changes and fault conditions.
Key to its high-performance label are its robust internal features. The UC3845BD1R2G incorporates a precision reference trimmed for accuracy, ensuring stable operation under varying temperatures and supply conditions. It features an oscillator programmable by a single external resistor and capacitor, allowing designers to set the switching frequency up to 500 kHz, which facilitates the design of compact, high-power-density solutions. A critical differentiator for this specific variant (UC3845) is its integrated under-voltage lockout (UVLO) with specific thresholds. It features an 8.5V (on) and 7.9V (off) UVLO window, making it particularly well-suited for off-line power supplies that must operate reliably from a universal input voltage range.
The device excels in its driving capability, equipped with a totem pole output stage optimized for driving power MOSFETs. This output can source and sink high peak currents (up to 1A), enabling fast switching of large gate capacitance MOSFETs, which minimizes switching losses and improves overall efficiency. Furthermore, the controller includes a suite of protection features, such as a current sensing comparator for cycle-by-cycle peak current control and a latch for single-pulse metering, which ensures safe operation during overcurrent fault conditions.
Designers value the UC3845BD1R2G for its ability to create cost-effective yet highly reliable power supplies. Its minimal external component count reduces board space and simplifies the design process. Its performance is critical in applications including:

AC/DC Converters for Consumer Electronics
Power Factor Correction (PFC) Pre-regulators
DC/DC Converter Modules
Auxiliary Power Supplies in Industrial Systems
Battery Chargers
ICGOOODFIND
The Onsemi UC3845BD1R2G is a quintessential high-performance current-mode PWM controller, prized for its robust design, precise control, and comprehensive protection features. Its optimized UVLO makes it a top choice for offline SMPS designs, ensuring reliable startup and operation. It remains a go-to solution for engineers seeking to build efficient, compact, and reliable switching power supplies.
Keywords: Current-Mode PWM Control, Switching Power Supply, Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO), Power MOSFET Driver, Oscillator
