Fairchild Introduces New High Current High Side Gate Driver

Fairchild Semiconductor introduced its new high voltage gate driver IC (HVIC) with 4A current driving capability, that is claimed to ensure exceptional system reliability and space benefits in consumer and industrial applications. Featuring what is described as the industry’s widest high-side driver operation with negative V_S swings of up to -9.8V (at V_BS = 15V), robust positive and negative V_B and a common-mode dv/dt noise canceling circuit, the FAN7371 is said to provide excellent noise immunity and increases system reliability.

This HVIC is said to save at least 50% PCB area compared to optocoupler-based or pulse transformer-based solutions, and to eliminate a buffer transistor compared to other low current HVICs on the market. Fairchild’s FAN7371 drives MOSFETs and IGBTs in a wide array of applications up to 600V including plasma display panel (PDP), high intensity discharge (HID) lighting, induction heating and other general purpose inverter applications.

The FAN7371 further increases reliability by providing under-voltage lockout (UVLO) for VBS and a built-in 25V shunt regulator. In addition, the FAN7371 is claimed to feature the industry’s lowest temperature dependency, ensuring stable performance against fluctuating temperatures in harsh environments. To enhance efficiency, this high voltage gate driver offers a floating channel designed for bootstrap operation up to +600V. When coupled with Fairchild’s MOSFETs and IGBTs, it is said to provide a full system power optimization solution.

The FAN7371 utilizes lead-free (Pb-free) terminals and has been characterized for moisture sensitivity in accordance with the Pb-free reflow requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020. All of Fairchild’s products are designed to meet the requirements of the European Union’s Directive on the restriction of the use of certain substances (RoHS).

The FAN7371 has an 8-SOP package, and priced at (each, 1000 pieces) at US$ 0.96, with a 9 week ARO.