Isolated Gate Drivers Deliver Solutions for GaN and SiC
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) today announced small form factor isolated gate drivers designed for the higher switching speeds and system size constraints required by power switch technologies such as SiC and GaN, while still providing reliable control over switching characteristics for IGBT and MOSFET configurations. The ADuM4120 and ADuM4121 series leverages ADI's proven iCoupler® isolation technology combined with high speed CMOS and monolithic transformer technology to enable ultra-low propagation delay without sacrificing common mode transient immunity (CMTI) performance.
While legacy alternatives such as optocouplers or pulse transformers struggle to deliver shorter delay and maintain CMTI performance, the robust ADuM4120 and ADuM4121 are purposely designed to enable the higher switching speeds of the new inverter architectures. In systems requiring multiple power switches, these small SOIC packaged isolated gate drivers minimize PCB layout space subsequently reducing cooling requirements.
Additionally, their small size allows the gate drivers to be located close to the power switches to reduce the parasitic inductance between the driver and the switch. Operating over a high temperature range and high working voltages, the ADuM4120 and ADuM4121 are designed for improving the energy efficiency and timing performance stability of solar inverters, motor controllers, and industrial inverter applications.
All four devices in the new series are 2A output, single-channel gate drivers that provide 5kVrms isolation with low propagation delay and CMTI performance of >150kV/μs. Operating with an input supply ranging from 2.5V to 6.5V, these isolated gate drivers provide compatibility with lower voltage systems with the benefit of true galvanic isolation between the input and the output.
The ADuM4120 and ADuM4120-1 provide thermal shutdown for over temperature protection. The ADuM4120 with input glitch filter reduces system noise on the input pin that could trigger a false output, while the ADuM4120-1 without glitch filter supports low 33ns typical propagation delay. The ADuM4121 and ADuM4121-1 are available with an internal Miller clamp for added protection. The ADuM4121 device is also available with the thermal shutdown. By offering gate drivers in a small package and retaining key performance specifications, ADI provides designers with the flexibility needed to successfully architect next generation power conversion systems.
The devices, along with their isolated gate driver key feature and pricing (in lots of 1,000) are as follows: ADuM4120 with enabled glitch filter in a 6-lead SOIC, $1.58; ADuM4120-1 with disabled glitch filter in a 6-lead SOIC, $1.58; ADuM4121 with an internal Miller clamp with thermal shutdown in an 8-lead SOIC, $1.87; and the ADuM4121-1 with an internal Miller clamp without thermal shutdown in an 8-lead SOIC, $1.87.
