STMicro rolls out gate driver for IGBT, power MOSFETs

STMicroelectronics has introduced an advanced gate driver for IGBT and power MOSFETs that includes control and protection functions, easing the design of high-reliability systems such as 1,200V three-phase inverters, motor control and uninterruptible power supplies.

According to STMicro, the TD350 offers a simpler way to design reliable systems by putting all the control and protection functions on one chip. It can source or sink 1.5A and has separate sink and source outputs to enable designers to control gate charging and discharging independently, without needing an external diode.

The input is designed to work with low-cost pulse transformers and optocouplers, saving cost in the final design. It has a Miller clamp to enable designers to control the Miller current in the driven device, helping avoid the need for a negative supply voltage.

The device also features several functions that help protect itself and the driven device. The TD350 monitors the desaturation voltage to protect the IGBT in the event of an excess current, triggering a fault signal if necessary, and it offers an option to turn the IGBT off in two stages - via a programmable intermediate voltage to improve reliability. The driver also includes an undervoltage detection function to protect the application in the event of a low supply voltage.