STMicroelectronics Has a New Galvanically Isolated Gate Drivers Simplify Power Design

The STGAP3S family of gate drivers from STMicroelectronics has been expanded with enhanced galvanic isolation, introducing an efficient and economical 3A series for applications requiring lower drive current. The new STGAP3S3S is optimised for silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, while the STGAP3S3IF is optimised for IGBTs.

These drivers are designed to work with high-voltage rails up to 1200V, making them suitable for critical power circuits such as power-factor correction (PFC), power supply units, DC/DC converters, and inverters. Their robust isolation is independently confirmed by international safety and insulation certifications, including UL 1577 and IEC 60747-17, ensuring safe operation and reliable long-term performance in high-voltage environments.

A key differentiator for the new STGAP3S3 series is the integration of a complete active Miller clamp, including the clamping MOSFET. This feature prevents unwanted induced turn-on of the power switch, thereby avoiding shoot-through currents, and simplifies circuit design by saving PCB space and reducing the bill of materials.

Specifications

Key Features

• Enhanced galvanic isolation for increased reliability and safety.
• Optimized for high-voltage rails up to 1200V.
• International safety and insulation certifications, including UL 1577 and IEC 60747-17.
• Reinforced galvanic isolation protects against transients up to 9.6kV.
• Common Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI) up to 200V/ns.
• 3A sink/source drive strength, suitable for low drive-current requirements.
• Integrated active Miller clamp (including clamping MOSFET) to prevent unwanted power switch turn-on.
• Desaturation detection with soft turn-off for power switch protection during overload or short-circuit conditions.
• Diagnostic pins indicate active desaturation protection, undervoltage lockout (UVLO), and thermal shutdown.
• Allows negative gate voltage to strengthen unwanted turn-on prevention and ensure robust switching.
• Available in the SO16W wide-body package.
• Dedicated half-bridge evaluation boards (EVLSTGAP3S3S, EVLSTGAP3S3IF) are available for development.

Applications

• Power-factor correction (PFC) circuits
• Power supply units
• DC/DC converters
• Inverters
• Charging stations
• Energy-storage systems (ESS)
• Solar inverters
• Industrial electric vehicles (e.g., forklifts)
• Induction heating equipment
• General drives, pumps, and fans

Availability

STMicroelectronics’ new STGAP3S3S and STGAP3S3IF 3A galvanically isolated gate drivers are now in production. The devices are available in the SO16W wide-body package, with evaluation boards also offered for development and testing. The STGAP3S family is available through STMicroelectronics and its eStore