Pre-Driver Handles Heavy Loads

Working under the heavy load requirements associated with automotive and industrial applications, the A3946 half-bridge, pre-driver provides fault reporting while operating on voltages from 7V to 60V and at temperatures from -40°C to 135°C.The device includes two inputs that can be tied together for a single PWM signal or driven independently to provide direct control of high- and low-side gate-drive outputs. Driving a standard half-bridge, the device's high-current gate-drive outputs are capable of interfacing to a wide range of n-channel MOSFETs. A bootstrap capacitor is employed to supply above-battery voltage and an integrated charge pump for the high side allows half-bridge operation with a 100% duty cycle. Price is $0.85 each/1,000. ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS INC., Worcester, MA. (508) 853-5049.