Galvanically Isolated 4A SiC Gate Driver Enhances Robustness and Reliability in Energy-Conscious Power Systems

STMicroelectronics has introduced a single-channel gate driver STGAP2SiCSN which comes in a space-saving narrow-body SO-8 package and is optimized to control silicon-carbide MOSFETs. This new device enhances reliability in energy-conscious power systems and delivers robust performance with accurate PWM control. The target applications of STGAP2SiCSN gate driver include electric-vehicle charging systems, switched-mode power supplies, high-voltage power-factor correction (PFC), DC/DC converters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), solar power, motor drives, fans, factory automation, home appliances, and induction heating.

The STGAP2SiCSN gate driver operates with up to 1700V on the high-voltage rail and its input-to-output propagation time of less than 75ns ensures high PWM accuracy. The device Features galvanic isolation between the gate-driving channel and the low-voltage control and is available in two different configurations. Both configurations provide high flexibility and bill of material reduction for external components. Moreover, an integrated bootstrap diode simplifies design and enhances reliability, and a shutdown mode with separate input pin helps minimize system power consumption.

This gate driver can sink and source up to 4A at gate-driving voltage up to 26V and its built-in protection includes under-voltage lockout (UVLO), with a threshold tuned to prevent SiC power switches from operating in low-efficiency or unsafe conditions. The STGAP2SiCSN logic inputs are compatible with TTL and CMOS logic down to 3.3V, simplifying connection to a host microcontroller or DSP. 

Features

• High voltage rail up to 1700V

• Driver current capability: 4A sink/source @25°C

• dV/dt transient immunity ±100V/ns in full temperature range

• Overall input-output propagation delay: 75ns

• Separate sink and source option for easy gate driving configuration

• 4A Miller CLAMP dedicated pin option

• UVLO function

• Gate driving voltage up to 26V

• 3.3V, 5V TTL/CMOS inputs with hysteresis

• Temperature shutdown protection

• Standby function

• 4.8kVPK isolation

• Narrow body SO8

Applications

• Motor driver for home appliances, factory automation, industrial drives and fans

• 600/1200 V inverters

• Battery chargers

• Induction heating

• Welding

• UPS

• Power supply units

• DC-DC converters

• Power Factor Correction

Availability

The STGAP2SiCSNTR gate driver is now available in the 5mm x 4mm-wide SO-8N package, from $1.25 for orders of 1000 pieces.