Automotive-Qualified Opto-Isolated MOSFET Gate Driver

Vishay has introduced a photovoltaic mosfet gate driver qualified to AEC-Q102 for automotive use.

"The component is available in a SOP-4 housing. The driver is the only one of its kind in this package size with an isolation voltage of 3.750 V [sic] and a typical open-circuit output voltage of 8.5V," according to component distributor Rutronik, which is stocking the part.

When driven with 10mA through the input-side LED, the typical output voltage is 8.5V (with a minimum of 6.5V). Alternatively, if the output is short-circuited, a typical output current of 15μA (with a minimum of 8μA at 25°C) is available.

The output current capability can be increased by driving the input harder, up to a maximum of 50mA. This relationship is mostly linear and somewhat temperature dependent. For example, with 20mA through the input, a typical output current of 35μA is available.

When driven at 20mA, the turn-on time is typically 32μs, while the turn-off time is 80μs. These values are measured with the output loaded with 200pF (equivalent to a small mosfet gate) in parallel with 10MΩ.

The operation of the photovoltaic mosfet gate driver is guaranteed across a wide temperature range of -40 to +125°C. Additionally, the creepage and clearance of the SOP-4 package (7 x 5mm footprint) is at least 5mm.

Approvals from UL, cUL, VDE, and CQC are currently pending for this component. Vishay states that the optocoupler is suitable for "safe electrical insulation" within the safety ratings defined by DIN EN 60747-5-5, 7.4.3.8.2. Compliance with these safety ratings should be ensured by means of protective circuits. The isolation test voltage for this component is specified at 3.75kVrms.