8.1 Overview

In order to switch power transistors rapidly and reduce switching power losses, high-current gate drivers are often placed between the output of control devices and the gates of power transistors. There are several instances where controllers are not capable of delivering sufficient current to drive the gates of power transistors. This is especially the case with digital controllers, since the input signal from the digital controller is often a 3.3-V logic signal capable of only delivering a few mA.

The UCC21520-Q1 is a flexible dual gate driver which can be configured to fit a variety of power supply and motor drive topologies, as well as drive several types of transistors, including SiC MOSFETs. The UCC21520-Q1 has many features that allow it to integrate well with control circuitry and protect the gates it drives such as: resistor-programmable dead time (DT) control, a DISABLE pin, and under voltage lock out (UVLO) for both input and output voltages. The UCC21520-Q1 also holds its outputs low when the inputs are left open or when the input pulse is not wide enough. The driver inputs are CMOS and TTL compatible for interfacing to digital and analog power controllers alike. Each channel is controlled by its respective input pins (INA and INB), allowing full and independent control of each of the outputs.