Gate Drivers Providing Protection For Power Switches

STMicroelectronics launches STGAP3S series gate drivers for improved protection in motor drives and power control.

STMicroelectronics, Geneva, Switzerland has introduced its STGAP3S series of advanced galvanically isolated gate drivers, designed for high-performance motor drives and power control applications. Targeting industries such as air conditioning, home appliances, factory automation, and energy sectors including charging stations, energy storage systems, and solar inverters, these gate drivers ensure greater reliability and protection for silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power switches. The product is ideal for engineers, OEMs, and system integrators looking to optimise power management and safety in industrial and energy applications.

The drivers feature a state-of-the-art galvanic isolation technology, offering reinforced capacitive isolation between the gate-driving channel and the low-voltage control circuitry. This isolation can withstand 9.6kV transient isolation voltage (VIOTM) and 200V/ns common-mode transient immunity (CMTI), which enhances the protection and reliability of industrial applications. This robust isolation is especially beneficial in motor drives for air conditioning and factory automation systems, providing stable and secure operation.

– Advertisement –

These gate drivers are ideal for a range of power and energy applications, including power-factor correction (PFC) circuits, DC/DC converters, and solar inverters. The series supports both SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs, offering tailored solutions to suit various energy and industrial needs. “The STGAP3S family is designed to provide flexible, reliable protection for power switches in demanding environments,” said a company representative. This flexibility is crucial for industries looking to optimise system performance and efficiency.

The driver product line offers 10A and 6A current capabilities, each with adjustable under voltage lock-out (UVLO) and desaturation thresholds. This variety allows engineers to select the optimal driver for their specific SiC or IGBT power switch, maximising both performance and protection. The desaturation protection feature is particularly noteworthy as it provides overload and short-circuit protection, while the undervoltage-lockout function prevents the device from turning on with insufficient drive voltage, avoiding potential damage.

Another key feature is the integrated Miller clamp architecture, which provides a pre-driver for an external N-channel MOSFET. This design helps prevent induced turn-on and cross conduction, ensuring efficient operation. Additionally, the fault conditions such as desaturation, UVLO, and overtemperature protection are monitored through two dedicated open-drain diagnostic pins.

The product is available in the SO-16W wide-body package and is already in production. You may check on the official website for more information or may click here.