STMicroelectronics’ STDRIVEG600 half-bridge gate driver has high current output and 45 ns propagation delay, closely matched between high-side and low-side outputs, to handle high-frequency switching of GaN enhancement-mode FETs.

Also suitable for driving N-channel Silicon MOSFETs at up to 20 V, the STDRIVEG600 allows the flexibility to apply up to 6 V gate-source voltage (V_GS) on GaN devices to ensure low R_ds(on). In addition, there is an integrated bootstrap circuit that helps minimize the bill of materials and simplify board layout. This circuit uses a synchronous MOSFET that lets the bootstrap voltage reach the logic supply voltage (V_CC) allowing the driver to operate from a single supply without a low-dropout regulator (LDO).

With dV/dt immunity of ±200 V/ns, the STDRIVEG600 ensures dependable gate control in challenging electrical environments. The logic inputs are CMOS/TTL compatible down to 3.3 V for easy interfacing with a host microcontroller or DSP. The high-side section withstands up to 600 V, allowing use in applications with a high-voltage bus up to 500 V.

The outputs have 5.5/6 A sink/source capability and provide separated turn-on and turn-off pins that let designers choose the optimum way to control the gate. In addition, both the high-side and low-side circuits support Kelvin connection to the power-switch source for enhanced control. Dedicated ground and supply-voltage connections for the low-side driver ensure stable switching with the Kelvin connection and allow a shunt resistor to be used for current sensing without additional isolation or input filtering.

Built-in safety functions include under-voltage lockout (UVLO) on both the lower and upper driving sections to prevent the power switches from operating in low efficiency or dangerous conditions. There is also interlocking to avoid cross-conduction, as well as over-temperature protection. A dedicated pin for shutdown functionality is also available.

The STDRIVEG600 is suited to applications such as high-voltage PFC, DC-DC, and DC-AC converters, switched-mode power supplies, UPS systems, solar generators, and motor drivers for home appliances, factory automation and industrial drives.

Two development boards are available to jump-start new projects

The EVSTDRIVEG600DG contains a 150 mΩ, 650 V GaN HEMT in 5 x 6 mm PowerFLAT package with Kelvin source. The EVSTDRIVEG600DM comes with a STL33N60DM2 MDmesh 115 mΩ, 600 V Silicon power MOSFET with fast recovery diode in 8 x 8 mm PowerFLAT with Kelvin source or alternative DPAK package. The STDRIVEG600 is in full production and available as a 16-pin SO16 device.

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