IR Introduces the IR2180 Series of MOSFET and IGBT Gate-Driver ICs

International Rectifier Corp. (IR, El Segundo, CA) introduced the new IR2180 Series of 600V MOSFET and IGBT gate-driver ICs. The new ICs are suitable for use in applications up to 12kW. IR claims that the new series includes the industry’s smallest 600V gate drivers, rated at 1.4A pull-up and 1.8A pull-down output source/sink current, in an eight-lead SOIC or PDIP package.

IR's new ICs can be used in a variety of circuits, including UPSs and switched-mode power supply applications up to 12kW, and ac motor drives up to 10HP. With the addition of a few external components, the ICs can provide full driver capability with fast switching speeds and low power dissipation. The IR2180 ICs use a bootstrap supply. The IR2180 Series gate-driver ICs come in six different configurations and have soft switching.

Alberto Guerra, director of the motor-drive sector at IR, said, "IR is a pioneer in high-voltage IC technology. The new IR2180 Series gate drivers simplify product design and manufacturing by replacing discrete circuits with integrated solutions. IR will continue to develop efficient power-management solutions to fulfill the demand to decrease design-cycle time and increase performance."

The new devices are offered in standard 8- and 14-pin SOIC or PDIP packages. The devices in the 14-lead packages include added features such as programmable dead-time for half-bridge drivers and enhanced noise immunity due to separate power and logic ground. In addition, high-voltage pins are on one side of the 14-pin package, while the low-voltage pins are on the other side to simplify layout.

Engineering samples of the IR2180 Series are available now. Pricing for the series devices begins at $1.74 each in 1,000-unit quantities.