Gate Drivers
4 Enrollments Level : AdvancedRelevance
The energy-efficiency, cost effectiveness and reliability of power electronic circuits depend on the control of the power switching semiconductors. Insulated gate transistors (MOSFET, IGBT) are interfaced to the on/off signal from a controller via a gate driver, and the optimal balance of efficiency/reliability/EMC can be achieved if the gate driver circuit and available options are well understood.
Abstract
A gate driver converts an on/off signal from a controller to appropriate voltages and sufficient current to drive the gate of a power switching insulated gate transistor (MOSFET, IGBT) so that the power device is either off or in the ohmic region in an optimized switching (transition) time.
The different options will be addressed to achieve the appropriate voltages, current and switching time.
Contents: What is a gate driver; Some basic power converter circuits; Gate voltage; Gate capacitance; Gate current; Basic low-side gate driver; Basic high-side gate driver; Isolated gate driver; Series-inductance and ringing; Miller clamp; GaN HEMT; References
Learning Outcomes
To basically select an optimal gate driver, optimize the external passive components and optimize a connection to the power semiconductor (i.a. PCB-layo
To optimize/fix existing circuits.
To start experimentation and gain experience to become an expert.
Prior Knowledge
Electrical Engineering Concepts: basic knowledge of electrical elements (R, L, C) and electrical circuits (AC and DC). Understanding of voltage, current, power, impedance. Familiarity with Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws and the derivative form of current-voltage relationship.
Power semiconductor characteristics.
Transient analysis.
Keywords
- Gate driver
- Isolated gate driver
- High side driver
- Miller Clamp