MOSFET Drivers Improve Efficiency with High Switching Speeds and Overtemperature Protection

Jan 26, 2010 10:57 AM

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) announced a family of new high-speed 18-volt MOSFET drivers that provide 2-A and 4-A peak currents. Among the industry's fastest, they feature propagation delays of 14 ns to 35 ns (nanoseconds) and edge rise/fall times of 10 ns to 25 ns. The new ADP36xx MOSFET driver family improves system reliability with the inclusion of overtemperature protection, UVLO (undervoltage lockout) and precision shutdown capability.

These new high-current, high-speed, dual 18-volt drivers are capable of driving two independent N-channel power MOSFETs. Using industry-standard packages, the parts have an internal temperature sensor and provide two levels of overtemperature protection: warning and shutdown at extreme junction temperatures. The shutdown function, generated from a precise internal comparator, provides fast system enable or shutdown, allowing redundant overvoltage protection and complementing the protection function of the switching controller.

A wide input voltage range allows the drivers to be compatible with both analog and digital PWM controllers. Digital power controllers are powered by a low voltage supply, while the drivers are powered by a higher voltage supply. UVLO and hysteresis functions allow safe startup and shutdown of the higher voltage supply when used with low-voltage digital controllers. The device families are available in thermally enhanced SOIC_EP (small outline package with exposed pad) and Mini SO_EP (mini small outline package with exposed pad) packaging to maximize high frequency drive capability in a small PCB  area.
*       Up to 18-volt input, making them ideal for 12-volt power supplies
*       High-speed switching provides low propagation delays and fast edge rise and fall times for improved efficiency and high-frequency operation.
*       Overtemperature warning and shutdown features provide improved system safety and protection.
*       Precision shutdown functionality provides backup protection against catastrophic failures and damage.
*       UVLO functionality guarantees drive integrity in all start-up and shutdown scenarios.

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