The active pull-down function is used to pull the IGBT or MOSFET gate to the low state when no power is connected to the V_CC supply. This feature prevents false IGBT and MOSFET turn-on by clamping V_OUT pin to approximately 2V.

When the output stage of the driver is in an unbiased condition (V_CC floating), the driver outputs (see Figure 8-7) are held low by an active clamp circuit that limits the voltage rise on the driver outputs. In this condition, the upper PMOS & NMOS are held off while the lower NMOS gate is tied to the driver output through an internal 500-kΩ resistor. In this configuration, the lower NMOS device effectively clamps the output (V_OUT) to less than 2V.