Littelfuse Introduces New Low Side Gate Driver for SiC MOSFETs and High-Power IGBTs
Littelfuse Unveils IX4352NE: A Game-Changing Low-Side Driver for SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs
Littelfuse, an industry leader in industrial technology solutions, announces the release of the IX4352NE Low-Side SiC MOSFET and IGBT Gate Driver. This innovative driver is specifically designed to empower engineers working with Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and high-power Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in various industrial applications.
Tailored Performance for Optimal Efficiency
The IX4352NE distinguishes itself with several key features:
- Separate 9A Source and Sink Outputs: This allows for customized turn-on and turn-off timing, minimizing switching losses and optimizing efficiency in your power electronics designs.
- Internal Negative Charge Regulator: The IX4352NE incorporates an internal negative charge regulator, providing a user-selectable negative gate drive bias. This enhances immunity to voltage spikes (dV/dt) and facilitates faster turn-off times for improved performance.
- Wide Operating Voltage Range: With a voltage range (VDD - VSS) of up to 35 V, the IX4352NE offers exceptional flexibility to accommodate diverse application requirements.
Space-Saving Design and Seamless Integration
The IX4352NE goes beyond performance by providing significant design advantages:
- Eliminates External Components: A standout feature is the internal negative charge pump regulator. This eliminates the need for an external auxiliary power supply or DC/DC converter, saving valuable PCB space. This is particularly beneficial for driving SiC MOSFETs, as it removes the requirement for external logic-level translator circuitry.
- Standard Logic Level Compatibility: The IX4352NE seamlessly integrates with standard TTL or CMOS logic levels, further minimizing the need for additional external components.
Ideal Applications for Demanding Power Electronics
The IX4352NE is perfectly suited for a wide range of industrial power electronics applications, including:
- On-board and off-board chargers for electric vehicles
- Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits
- DC/DC converters
- Motor controllers
- Industrial power inverters
Its superior performance makes it a compelling choice for demanding applications in the electric vehicle, industrial, renewable energy, smart home, and building automation sectors.
Enhanced Safety, Reliability, and Integration
The IX4352NE goes beyond just performance and space savings. It boasts a comprehensive suite of features to enhance safety, reliability, and ease of use:
- Built-in Protection Features: The IX4352NE incorporates desaturation detection (DESAT) with a soft shutdown sink driver, Under Voltage Lockout (UVLO), and thermal shutdown (TSD) for robust protection of the power device and the gate driver itself.
- Integrated Fault Output: An integrated open-drain FAULT output signals fault conditions to the microcontroller, enabling a more robust and reliable system design.
- Increased Circuit Density: The compact design of the IX4352NE saves valuable PCB space and allows for higher circuit density, contributing to a more efficient overall system layout.
Additional Product Highlights
- Safe DESAT-initiated soft turn-off for enhanced system protection.
- High-accuracy thermal shutdown for reliable operation.
- Charge pump functionality maintained even during thermal shutdown.
- Pin compatibility with the existing Littelfuse IX4351NE (released in 2020) for a smooth drop-in replacement in existing designs.
Empowering Innovation with a Versatile Driver
"The IX4352NE expands our portfolio of low-side gate drivers with a powerful 9 A sink/source driver, simplifying the design of gate drive circuits for SiC MOSFETs," stated June Zhang, Product Manager at Littelfuse. "Its integrated features, including various protection mechanisms and the built-in charge pump with adjustable negative gate drive voltage, enhance dV/dt immunity and enable faster turn-off times. This versatility allows the IX4352NE to drive any SiC MOSFET or high-power IGBT, regardless of the manufacturer."
Partner with BonChip Electronics for Your Power Electronics Needs
BonChip Electronics is a trusted distributor of Littelfuse products, including the innovative IX4352NE Low-Side SiC MOSFET and IGBT Gate Driver. We offer a comprehensive selection of power electronics solutions and exceptional technical support to assist you in selecting the ideal components for your next industrial design project.
Contact BonChip Electronics today to learn more about the IX4352NE and how it can revolutionize your approach to driving SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs in your industrial power electronics applications.
