Gate Driver
Power Semiconductor Gate Drivers are designed to drive IGBTs and MOSFETs. For IGBTs, the Gate Driver makes VCE fault protection both compact and affordable. They can provide electrical isolation between the TTL compatible inputs and output drive circuitry by use of an internal optocoupler circuit. Some models are built with integrated short circuit protection and many models include a built-in, isolated DC-DC converter. Enhanced features can include integrated VCE detection, under-voltage lockout (UVLO), soft IGBT turn-off, isolated open collector fault feedback, and Miller clamping. The typical SIP package outline for a Gate Driver takes up as little board space as possible, minimizing the total board space required and leaving more mounting space available for other circuitry on the PCB.
Applications for Gate Drivers include all of the typical applications for IGBTs and/or MOSFETs, including Traction Drive systems, Wind Power Inverters, Solar Power Inverters, Three-Level Inverters (TLI), Industrial Drives, Welding, and UPS. Richardson RFPD carries Gate Drivers capable of driving medium and high-power IGBTs with reverse voltages specified from 600V to 6500V.
Attributes which are important in selecting the right Gate Driver for your application include: Usable Device Range (V, A); Output Current (A); Short-circuit Protection (yes/no); Integral DC-DC Converter (yes/no); and Package Type.
The Richardson RFPD website includes a robust selection of Gate Drivers from CT-Concept, Microsemi, Powerex, and Semikron. Custom solutions are also available from Richardson RFPD, Inc.