Stmicroelectronics has announced the start of the StGAP4S, a galvanically isolated automobile gate driver for use with silicium carbid mosfets and bipolar transistors (IGBTS). The device supports scalable inverter structures for electric vehicles (EV) drive trains and includes an integrated diagnosis and protective measures to meet ISO 26262 ASIL D function safety standards.
The STGAP4S integrates an analog digital converter (ADC) and a flyback controller that offers a compact solution for the control of inverters via various performance levels. The driver's output group supports the connection to an external push-pull buffer using small MOSFET, so that the ability to gate current can be scaled as required. It can process gate-drive flows in the range of ten amps and supports a maximum operating voltage of 1200 V.
In order to support system security, the device includes self-diagnostic features that check the connection integrity, gate-drive stresses and internal circuit processes such as desea saturation and overstrom detection. This diagnostics can be accessed via a SPI interface, and two dedicated pins offer error status signals for monitoring at the hardware level.
The StGAP4S also include protective measures such as active miller clamps, undervoltage and overvoltage closure (UVLO and OVLO) as well as development, overcurrent and over-temperature detection. Engineers can configure important parameters such as protective thresholds, deadtime and deglitch filtering via the SPI interface.
The integrated flyback controller enables the production of high-voltage supply rails that are needed to drive gatherers and are supported quickly and efficiently changes from SIC mosfets. The device offers a 6.4 kV insulation between the circuits with a low and high side.
To support the development, Stmicroelectronics has provided the Evalstgap4S evaluation committee, which includes two StGAP4S drivers in a half-bridge configuration. Several boards can be connected to the test complex setups such as three-phase inverter.
The STGAP4S is now in production and is available in a SO-36W broad body dual inline package, which is reduced from $ 4.66 for quantities of $ 1,000 units.
About Stmicroelectronics
Stmicroelectronics is a global semiconductor manufacturer who works with over 200,000 customers. The company focuses on energy efficiency, more intelligent mobility and automation technologies and aims to achieve carbon neutrality and 100% renewable power procurement by 2027.