Isolated gate drivers deliver value and performance

Skyworks has introduced the Si82Ex/Fx Value and Performance Isolated Gate Drivers. Combining a decade of customer feedback, the next-generation value and performance isolated gate driver families provide an upgrade path from the Si823x and Si823Hx ISODrivers.

The Si82Ex value driver provides backward compatibility and a traditional voltage-controlled design paradigm. It uses the company's advanced, proprietary silicon isolation technology and supports 6kVRMS for one minute of isolation voltage.

In addition to advanced isolation technology, the Si82Fx performance driver offers a new approach to driving power devices through its paradigm-shifting drive strength control feature, 'Selectable Variable Current Drive', or SelVCD. SelVCD provides eight selectable levels of output current for turn-on and turn-off cycles, eradicating the necessity for gate resistors and clamping any Miller effect currents.

The device functions as a current source that maintains current output within a tight tolerance of the target across operating conditions, leading to more flexible control and improved switching efficiency when compared to conventional voltage-controlled drivers.