Fairchild Semiconductor Introduces Optically Isolated MOSFET Gate Drivers
Fairchild Semiconductor introduced the first in a new family of high-frequency optically isolated MOSFET gate drivers capable of driving up to 30A/1200V in industrial applications. Exhibiting a 200ns (max) rise/fall time rate, the FOD3180 (2A) and FOD3181 (0.5A) quickly turn the power MOSFET on and off to limit power dissipation.
The FOD3180 device features high 2A peak output current that allows a wide range of MOSFETs to be driven without additional amplification. These isolated MOSFET drivers are best used for increasing system efficiency and reliability in applications such as solar inverters, high-performance uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), dc-dc converters, and plasma display panels (PDP).
"The FOD3180 and FOD3181 optically isolated MOSFET gate drivers add the key ’isolation piece’ to Fairchild’s industry-leading power portfolio by bridging low-power logic products to high-power discrete MOSFETs," said John Constantino, Fairchild’s Optoelectronic Strategic Marketing Manager. "This total power solution from Fairchild enables designers to streamline their supply chain while enjoying the online design tools, design centers, evaluation boards and other technical support we provide through the Global Power Resource™."
Additional reliability features of the FOD3180 and FOD3181 include a 5000V isolation rating that meets most safety-certification standards, undervoltage lockout that protects the MOSFET by keeping it off until the voltage reaches the enabled state, as well as coplanar construction that provides fail-safe insulation. These devices also provide a wide (20V max) operating voltage, while their PMOS pull-up and NMOS pull-down transistors provide a 17V signal swing (VCC - VEE).
The FOD3180 and FOD3181 are available in 8-pin DIP packaging that meets RoHS requirements including 260C reflow capability. These lead (Pb)-free devices meet or exceed the requirements of the joint IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-020C and are compliant with European Union regulations now in effect.
Pricing is US$1.91 for the FOD3180 (2A peak output current, 8mA IFLH), and $1.40 for the FOD3181 (0.5A peak output current, 10mA IFLH). Samples and demo board are available now with delivery at 8 weeks ARO.
