Isolated gate driver for SiC MOSFETs offers robust performance

The STGAP2SiCS from STMicroelectronics offers high immunity to transient voltages, and maintains stable operation when used in hard-switching topologies. Low propagation delay enables power-system designs to support high switching frequencies.

The STMicroelectronics STGAP2SiCS is a specialized single-channel gate driver for controlling silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. Supplied in a space-saving, narrow-body SO-8 package, it offers robust operation and supports high-frequency switching.

 

Providing galvanic isolation between the gate-driving channel and the low-voltage control signal, the STGAP2SiCS operates at voltages up to 1,200 V on the high-voltage rail. Input-to-output propagation time of less than 75 ns provides for accurate operation of PWM-controlled switching.

 

High common-mode transient immunity of ±100 V/ns over the entire operating-temperature range helps the power-system designer to maintain highly reliable operation.

 

Two optional configurations are available, giving a choice of separate outputs which allow turn-on and turn-off times to be independently optimized using an external resistor, or a single output with active Miller clamp function. The single-output configuration enhances stability in high-frequency hard-switching applications, taking advantage of the Miller clamp to prevent excessive oscillation of the power switch gate voltage.

 

The STGAP2SiCS inputs are compatible with CMOS/TTL logic down to 3.3 V, simplifying connection to a host microcontroller or DSP.

 

The driver can sink and source up to 4 A at a gate-driving voltage up to 26 V. An integrated bootstrap diode simplifies design and enhances reliability. A shut-down mode with a dedicated Input pin helps to minimize system power consumption.

Features

  • Under-voltage lockout protection optimized for SiC MOSFETs
  • Interlocking function to eliminate cross-conduction
  • Thermal shut-down

Applications

  • EV charging systems
  • Switch-mode power supplies
  • High-voltage power factor correction
  • Dc-dc converters
  • Uninterruptible power supplies
  • Solar power
  • Motor drives
  • Fans
  • Factory automation
  • Home appliances
  • Induction heating
STMicroelectronics — STGAP2SiCS SiC MOSFET Gate Driver

Evaluation Board

Part Number: EVALSTGAP2SICS

The EVALSTGAP2SICS half-bridge board from STMicroelectronics enables evaluation of the STGAP2SICS, an isolated single-channel gate driver for silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. The STGAP2SiCS produces an output drive current of up to 4 A, and offers galvanic isolation of 6 kV.

 

In the EVALSTGAP2SiCS board, the STGAP2SiCS drives a half-bridge power stage with a voltage rating of up to 1,200 V. The components are easy to access on the board and to modify. 

 

The board supports negative gate driving. Onboard isolated dc-dc converters supply the high- and low-side gate drivers, with maximum isolation of 5.2 kV.

The configuration of the drive voltage can be easily selected from the following options:

  • +17 V/0 V
  • +17 V/-3 V
  • +19 V/0 V
  • +19 V/-3 V

FTM Board Club

Sign up for access to exclusive development boards, an essential tool for many innovative design projects.

*Available to pre-qualified EMEA customers only.

Related Articles

STMicroelectronics — STM32G4 Microcontrollers
09 May 2024
STMicroelectronics’ STM32G4 microcontrollers provide a combination of high processor throughput, generous...
Read More
STMicroelectronics — STSPIN32G4 Motor Controller
09 May 2024
The STSPIN32G4 from STMicroelectronics is a flexible, integrated motor controller for driving three-phase...
Read More
Monolithic Power Systems — MA600 Angle Sensor
09 May 2024
The Monolithic Power Systems MA600 is a high-bandwidth digital magnetic angle sensor which provides accurate...
Read More

Subscribe to our newsletters

Subscribe to Future Electronics

Get access to the latest product information, technical analysis, design notes and more

Choose your region