Parameters versus features

A parameter is a measurable specification or classification used to compare devices. DESAT is a feature; DESAT threshold, blanking time, filter time, and response time are parameters. Active Miller clamp is a feature; clamp threshold and current are parameters.

Output-current sizing

Higher peak current can shorten transitions, but actual current during the Miller plateau depends on supply voltage and total series resistance. The portfolio source material spans low-current integrated motor-driver outputs through isolated drivers with output-current capability up to 18 A in selected families.

The correct value is determined by gate charge, target transition time, switching frequency, losses, EMI, and thermal limits.

First-Order Estimate: Use I ≈ Qg / t for an initial average-current estimate. Then verify output resistance, peak-current test conditions, pulse duration, gate-charge curve, supply range, switching frequency, and thermal performance.

Voltage class is not gate-drive voltage

Voltage class describes the maximum switch-node offset or domain voltage supported by the architecture, with the precise definition depending on configuration. Gate-drive supply voltage is the local voltage applied by the output stage. Isolation voltage describes the galvanic barrier.

These values are related to different design questions and must not be substituted for one another.

Isolation requires more than one number

Select functional, basic, or reinforced isolation from the applicable standard and insulation concept. Then check working voltage, repetitive peak voltage, transient voltage, surge, dielectric test voltage, creepage, clearance, material group, pollution degree, altitude, package, and certification.

The portfolio material cites CT solutions with product-specific isolation and certification options; use the current datasheet and certificate for the final design.

Next step: Explore isolated gate drivers

Compare isolation classes, packages, channel counts, current, timing, and protection options.

Timing and transient robustness

At high switching frequency, propagation delay alone is not enough. Compare matching, pulse-width distortion, minimum pulse width, input-filter time, UVLO recovery, deadtime range, CMTI, and negative switch-node behavior.

Fast SiC and GaN switching can raise CMTI and layout requirements, while high integration can reduce loop area and timing uncertainty.

Package and thermal selection

Package choice affects PCB area, pin pitch, creepage, clearance, isolation class, thermal resistance, output-stage dissipation, and manufacturability.

The source portfolio includes traditional DSO/SOIC and DIP packages as well as compact SOT23, WSON/VSON/SON, LGA, QFN/TSNP, TSSOP, and bare-die offerings. Availability is family-specific.

Next step: Find evaluation boards

Validate the shortlisted driver with the selected switch and switching conditions.

Step-by-step selection workflow

  • Lock the switch technology, bus voltage, topology, and channel count.
  • Define the gate-bias scheme, source/sink-current target, and switching frequency.
  • Decide whether galvanic isolation is required and identify the governing standard.
  • Check timing, CMTI, negative-transient behavior, pulse width, bootstrap or bias-supply needs, and thermal limits.
  • Select package, creepage, clearance, temperature range, qualification, and required certifications.
  • Add protection, control, monitoring, and diagnostic features.
  • Shortlist in the parametric table; then validate the current driver datasheet, switch datasheet, simulation model, and hardware performance

 

Next step: Use cross-reference search

Check for pin-compatible or functionally similar Infineon alternatives when replacing an existing device.

Frequently asked questions about gate driver's parameters

What are the most important gate-driver parameters?

Switch compatibility, topology, channels, voltage class, source/sink current, output resistance, supply range, isolation, timing, CMTI, UVLO, package, temperature, and qualification.

No. Compare peak-current conditions, output resistance, Miller-plateau current, pulse duration, supply voltage, and thermal performance.

Voltage class relates to the switch-node or domain supported by the architecture. Isolation ratings characterize the galvanic barrier.

It must exceed the worst-case common-mode slew rate at the driver, with appropriate margin and matching test conditions.

They are features. Their thresholds, current, timing, and filtering specifications are parameters.

No. A table shortlists devices. Final selection requires current datasheets, safety requirements, simulation, layout review, and hardware validation.