The SN6501 is a transformer driver designed for low-cost, small form-factor, isolated DC-DC converters utilizing the push-pull topology. The device includes an oscillator that feeds a gate-drive circuit. The gate-drive, comprising a frequency divider and a break-before-make (BBM) logic, provides two complementary output signals which alternately turn the two output transistors on and off.

The output frequency of the oscillator is divided down by an asynchronous divider that provides two complementary output signals with a 50% duty cycle. A subsequent break-before-make logic inserts a dead-time between the high-pulses of the two signals. The resulting output signals, present the gate-drive signals for the output transistors. As shown in the functional block diagram, before either one of the gates can assume logic high, there must be a short time period during which both signals are low and both transistors are high-impedance. This short period, known as break-before-make time, is required to avoid shorting out both ends of the primary.