Infineon Technologies AG introduces the 2EDL EiceDRIVER Compact half-bridge gate driver, which is intended for applications with a blocking voltage of 600 Volts. Equipped with a very fast bootstrap diode and resistor, the components enable high efficiency in a very compact construction. This makes them ideal for space-saving installations in consumer electronics as well as household appliances. They can also be used in fans, pumps, engines and forklifts. The new family of driver ICs, designed for use with power semiconductors such as in the newest CoolMOS™ generation, exhibit improved switching behavior which reduces energy loss in a multitude of power applications.
The seven devices in the new2EDL EiceDriver™ Compact class are designed for use with IGBTs as well as with MOSFETs. They are available in DSO-8 and DSO-14 packages. The output current for the new devices is set to 0.5 or 2.3 amps. With the integrated low-resistance and very fast bootstrap diode, the 2EDL EiceDRIVER sets new standards in the market of driver ICs with more than two amp output current strength. The bandwidth of the EiceDRIVER range enables a variety of applications. Driver ICs in the DSO-14 assembly also have extended creepage. This means they meet requirements for higher protection classes and can even be used in industrial applications.
The level-shift in the new EiceDRIVER Compact series is based on Silicon-on-Insulator technology. This places the active transistor layer on the top of an insulator, which results in outstanding robustness against latch-up effects when the component is exposed to extreme temperature and voltage conditions. In a latch-up effect, a semiconductor enters an uncontrolled low-resistance state. This can lead to a short circuit or thermal overload and destroy the component. In addition, the coreless transformer technology introduced by Infineon will also be available for the new Compact class. This makes faster switching operations possible without any loss of performance.
Samples of the 2EDL EiceDRIVER™ Compact class are in stock; a corresponding customer evaluation board can be ordered now and will be available within the next few weeks. Products can be ordered starting in August 2013.