ADUM1234:  Isolated, Precision Half-Bridge Driver, 0.1 A Output

The ADuM1234 is an isolated, half-bridge gate driver that employs the Analog Devices, Inc. iCoupler® technology to provide independent and isolated high-side and low-side outputs. Combining high speed CMOS and monolithic transformer technology, this isolation component provides outstanding performance characteristics superior to optocoupler-based solutions.

By avoiding the use of LEDs and photodiodes, this iCoupler gate drive device is able to provide precision timing characteristics not possible with optocouplers. Furthermore, the reliability and performance stability problems associated with optocoupler LEDs are avoided.

In comparison to gate drivers employing high voltage level translation methodologies, the ADuM1234 offers the benefit of true, galvanic isolation between the input and each output. Each output can be operated up to ±700 V_PEAK relative to the input, thereby supporting low-side switching to negative voltages. The differential voltage between the high side and low side can be as high as 700 V_PEAK.

As a result, the ADuM1234 provides reliable control over the switching characteristics of IGBT/MOSFET configurations over a wide range of positive or negative switching voltages.

Applications

• Isolated IGBT/MOSFET gate drives
• Plasma displays
• Industrial inverters
• Switching power supplies