AHV85111 Datasheet

Self-Powered Single-Channel Isolated GaN FET Driver with Regulated Bipolar Output Drive


FEATURES AND BENEFITS

  • Transformer isolation barrier
  • Power-Thru integrated isolated bias
    • No need for high-side bootstrap
    • No need for external secondary-side bias
  • AEC-Q100 Grade 2 qualification
  • Bipolar drive output with adjustable regulated positive rail
  • Built-in primary-side 3.3 V REF bias output
  • 50 ns propagation delay
  • Supply voltage 10.8 V < VDRV < 13.2 V
  • Undervoltage lockout on primary VDRV and secondary VSEC
  • Enable pin with fast response
  • Continuous ON capability—no need to recycle IN or recharge bootstrap capacitor
  • CMTI > 100 V/ns dv/dt immunity
  • Creepage distance 8.4 mm
  • Safety regulatory approvals
    • 5 kV RMS VISO per UL 1577
    • 8 kV pk VIOTM maximum transient isolation voltage
    • 1 kV pk maximum working isolation voltage 

APPLICATIONS

  • AC-DC and DC-DC converters: Totem-pole PFC,
    LLC half-/full-bridge, SR drive, multi-level converters,
    phase-shifted full-bridge
  • Automotive: EV chargers, OBC
  • Industrial: Data center, transportation, robotics, audio, motors
  • Clean Energy: Micro-, string, and solar inverters

 

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DESCRIPTION

The AHV85111 isolated gate driver is optimized for driving GaN FETs in multiple applications and topologies. An isolated dual positive/negative output bias supply is integrated into the driver, eliminating the need for any external gate drive auxiliary bias supply or high-side bootstrap. The bipolar output rails, with adjustable and regulated positive rail, improves dv/dt immunity, greatly simplifies the system design, and reduces EMI through reduced total common-mode (CM) capacitance. It also allows the driving of a floating switch in any location in a switching power topology.

The driver has fast propagation delay and high peak source/ sink capability to efficiently drive GaN FETs in high-frequency designs. High CMTI combined with isolated outputs for both bias power and drive make it ideal in applications requiring isolation, level-shifting, or ground separation for noise immunity. The device is available in a compact low-profile surface-mount NH package. Several protection features are integrated, including undervoltage lockout on primary and secondary bias rails internal pull-down on IN pin and OUTPD pin, fast response enable input, overtemperature shutdown, and OUT pulse synchronization with first IN rising edge after enable (avoids asynchronous runt pulses).

PACKAGE

test

TYPICAL APPLICATION

Typical-Application_halfbridge_drivers

Figure 1: Typical AHV85111 half-bridge application—eliminates high-side bootstrap

SELECTION GUIDE 

Part Number Switch #Channels Output Qualifications Package Tape & Reel Detail
Part NumberAHV85111KNHTR SwitchE-Mode GaN #Channels1 OutputBipolar QualificationsAEC-Q100
Grade 2
Package10 mm × 7.66 mm × 2.41 mm 12-pin low-profile surface mount Tape & Reel Detail13-inch 1500 pieces
Part NumberAHV85111KNHLU Part NumberE-Mode GaN #Channels1 OutputBipolar Qualifications  Package10 mm × 7.66 mm × 2.41 mm 12-pin low-profile surface mount Tape & Reel Detail13-inch 200 pieces

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATING [1]

Characteristics Symbol Notes Rating Unit
CharacteristicsDrive Supply Voltage SymbolVDRY NotesVDRV, wrt to GND RatingVGND – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsInput Data SymbolVIN NotesIN, wrt to GND RatingVGND – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsEnable SymbolVEN NotesEN, wrt to GND
RatingVGND – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsSelect SymbolVSEL NotesSEL to GND; internal use only RatingVGND – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsReference Voltage SymbolVREF Notes3.3 V reference, wrt GND RatingVGND – 0.5 to 4 UnitV
CharacteristicsFeedback Voltage SymbolVFB Notes1.225 V feedback, wrt SOURCE RatingVSECN – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsOutput Drive Pull-Up SymbolVOUTPU NotesOUTPU to SOURCE RatingVSECN – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsOutput Drive Pull-Down SymbolVOUTPD NotesOUTPD to SOURCE RatingVSECN – 0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsIsolated Bias Supply SymbolVSECP – VSECN NotesTotal rail Rating–0.5 to 15 UnitV
CharacteristicsJunction Temperature SymbolTJ Notes Rating–40 to 150 Unit°C
CharacteristicsStorage Temperature SymbolTSTG Notes Rating–40 to 150 Unit°C

[1] Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ESD RATINGS

Characteristic Symbol Test Conditions Value Unit
CharacteristicHuman Body Model SymbolVHBM Test Conditions
Value±2 UnitkV
CharacteristicCharged Device Model SymbolVCDM Test Conditions  Value±500 UnitV

 

THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS: May require derating at maximum conditions; see application information

Characteristic Symbol Test Conditions [1] Value Unit
CharacteristicJunction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance SymbolRθJA Test Conditions [1]4-layer PCB based on JEDEC standard, with no thermal vias Value102 Unit°C/W

[1] Additional thermal information available on the Allegro website

RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS: 

Valid at –40°C < TJ < 125°C, 10.8 V < VDRV < 13.2 V, CSEC(NET) = 47 nF, COUT = 1 nF, unless otherwise stated. [1][2]

Characteristics Symbol Test Conditions Min. Typ. [3] Max. Unit
SUPPLY VOLTAGE PINS
Drive Supply Voltage VDRV 10.8 13.2 V
INPUT PINS
Input Data VIN VGND VDRV V
Enable Active High VEN VGND VDRV V
Select VSEL Internal use only VGND VDRV V
OUTPUT PINS
Isolated Supply Referenced to SOURCE VSECP 6 V
VSECN –6 V
VSEC Pin Capacitor CSEC [3] CSECP External capacitance connected between VSECP and SOURCE pins; external COUT = 1 nF 22 [4] 100 300 [5] nF
CSECN External capacitance connected between VSECN and SOURCE pins; external COUT = 1 nF 22 [4] 100 300 [5] nF
CSECPN External capacitance connected between VSECP and VSECN pins; external COUT = 1 nF 22 [4] 100 300 [5] nF
Reference VREF 3V3 rail decoupling capacitor pin VGND 3.3 V
REF Pin Capacitor CREF CREF External capacitor connected between REF and GND pin 100 1000 nF
Junction Temperature TJ –40 125 °C

[1] CSEC(NET) is the net equivalent of CSECP in series with CSECN, i.e., (CSECP × CSECN) / (CSECP + CSECN).
[2] Not tested in production; guaranteed by design and bench characterization.
[3] Typical values should be chosen to match the ratio of VSECP to VSECN.
[4] Smaller CSEC values than the recommended typical value can give higher voltage ripple on CSEC.
[5] Larger CSEC values will mean longer startup times.

ISOLATION CHARACTERISTICS 

Characteristic Symbol Test Conditions Value Unit
General
External Clearance CLR Shortest terminal-to-terminal distance through air 8.4 mm
External Creepage CPG Shortest terminal-to-terminal distance across the package surface 8.4 mm
Distance Through Insulation DTI Internal insulation thickness 200 µm
Comparative Tracking Index CTI According to IEC 60112 400 to 599 V
Material Group MG According to IEC 60664-1 II
Overvoltage Category Per IEC 60664-1 at 600 V line voltage I–IV
Maximum Reinforced Working Voltage [1][2] VIORM Maximum approved working voltage for basic insulation according to UL 62368-1:2014 (Edition 2) 1000 VPK VDC
700 VRMS
Maximum Impulse Voltage VIMP Tested to UL 62368 Table D1 circuit 3 8000 VPK
Maximum Transient Isolation Voltage VIOTM 60 second rating, 100% production test, 1 second at 6000 VRMS 7000 VPK
Maximum Surge Isolation Voltage VIOSM Tested with to UL 62368 Table D1 circuit 3 in oil at 1.6 × rating 8000 VPK
Partial Discharge qPD Method B1: At routine test (100% production) and preconditioning (type test), Vini = VIOTM, tini = 1 s; Vm = 1.875 × VIORM, tm = 1 s ≤5 pC
Barrier Capacitance, Input to Output CIO VIO = 0.5 × sin (2πft), f = 1 MHz <1 pF
Insulation Resistance, Input to Output RIO >1012
Climatic Classification 40/105/21
UL1577
Withstand Isolation Voltage VISO 60 second rating, 100% production test, 1 second at 6000 VRMS 5000 VRMS

[1] Pending certification to UL 62368 Edition 2.
[2] Working Voltage evaluated for use at Pollution Degree 2 and Material Group II.

MSL RATING

Device MSL Rating Maximum Floor Life at Standard Ambient (30°C/60%RH) Maximum Peak Reflow Temperature Pre-Reflow Bake Requirement
DeviceAHV85111 MSL RatingMSL-3 Maximum Floor Life at Standard Ambient (30°C/60%RH)168 hours Maximum Peak Reflow Temperature260°C Pre-Reflow Bake RequirementPer JEDEC J-STD-033C

Per JEDEC J-STD-033C, the AHV85111 devices are rated MSL3. This MSL3 rating means that once the sealed production packaging is opened, the devices must be reflowed within a “floor-life” of 168 hours (1 week) if they are stored in under standard ambient conditions (30°C and 60% relative humidity (RH)).

The peak reflow temperature should not exceed the maximum specified in MSL Rating table.

If the devices are exposed to the standard ambient for more than 168 hours, they must be baked before reflow to remove any excess moisture in the package and prevent damage during reflow soldering. The required bake times and temperatures are detailed in IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-033C. If the devices are exposed to higher temperature and/or RH compared to the standard ambient of 30°C/60% RH, the floor-life will be shortened due to the increased rate of moisture absorption. If the actual ambient conditions exceed the standard ambient, it is recommended that parts should always be baked per IEC/JEDEC J-STD-033C before reflow as a precaution to avoid potential device damage during reflow soldering.

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure 2: AHV85111 Block Diagram

PINOUT DIAGRAM AND TERMINAL LIST TABLE

 PINOUT DIAGRAM AND TERMINAL LIST TABLE

Package NH Pinout (Top View)

 

TERMINAL LIST TABLE

Number Name Function
Number1 NameSEL FunctionInternal use only—this pin must be tied high to VDRV.
Number2 NameEN FunctionBidirectional enable pin; see Figure 3.
Number3 NameIN FunctionPWM input; see Electrical Characteristics table.
Number4 NameVDRV FunctionGround referenced voltage supply; this voltage indirectly sets the total output-side bias rail amplitude.
Number5 NameREF FunctionConnection for external decoupling capacitor for internal REF rail; can be used to power external low current loads up to 2 mA.
Number6 NameGND FunctionGround pin for input/primary side.
Number7 NameFB FunctionFeedback pin to adjust the regulated VSECP level.
Number8 NameVSECP FunctionPositive regulated isolated gate drive bias rail; external decoupling capacitor referenced to SOURCE.
Number9 NameVSECN FunctionNegative unregulated isolated gate drive bias rail; external decoupling capacitor referenced to SOURCE.
Number10 NameSOURCE FunctionIsolated output return pin.
Number11 NameOUTPD FunctionIsolated output drive pull-down pin; see Electrical Characteristics table.
Number12 NameOUTPU FunctionIsolated output drive pull-up pin; see Electrical Characteristics table.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Valid at –40°C < TJ < 125°C, 10.8 V < VDRV < 13.2 V, CSEC(NET) = 47 nF, COUT = 1 nF, unless otherwise stated [1]
Characteristics Symbol Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Unit
SUPPLY CURRENTS
CharacteristicsVDRV Disable Current SymbolIDRV_DIS Test ConditionsVIN = 0, EN = 0 Min. Typ.1 Max.1.3 UnitmA
CharacteristicsVDRV Quiescent Current SymbolIDRV_Q Test ConditionsVIN = 0, EN = 1 Min. Typ.2 Max.3.4 UnitmA
CharacteristicsVDRV Switching Current SymbolIDRV_SW Test ConditionsfS = 120 kHz, EN = 1 Min. Typ.9.5 Max.13 UnitmA
INPUT PINS
CharacteristicsInput Data – Logic Low SymbolVIN(L) Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max.0.8 UnitV
CharacteristicsInput Data – Logic High SymbolVIN(H) Test Conditions Min.2.0 Typ. Max. UnitV
CharacteristicsInput Data Hysteresis SymbolVIN(HYS) Test Conditions Min. Typ.300 Max. UnitmV
CharacteristicsEnable Active High – Logic Low SymbolVEN(L) Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max.0.8 UnitV
CharacteristicsEnable Active High – Logic High SymbolVEN(H) Test Conditions Min.2.0 Typ. Max. UnitV
CharacteristicsEnable Active High – Hysteresis SymbolVEN(HYS) Test Conditions Min. Typ.400 Max. UnitmV
CharacteristicsInternal On-Chip Pull-Down Resistance On IN Pin SymbolRIN Test ConditionsTA = 25°C Min. Typ.300 Max. Unit
CharacteristicsFB Pin Voltage [2] SymbolVFB Test ConditionsFB pin reference wrt VSECP Min.1.1 Typ.1.225 Max.1.35 UnitV
OUTPUT PINS
CharacteristicsOUTPU Pull-Up Resistance SymbolRPU Test Conditions Min.1.5 Typ.2.8 Max.3.5 UnitΩ
CharacteristicsOUTPD Pull-Down Resistance SymbolRPD Test Conditions Min.0.5 Typ.1.0 Max.1.7 UnitΩ
CharacteristicsReference Voltage SymbolVREF Test ConditionsRegulation level Min. Typ.3.30 Max. UnitV
CharacteristicsReference Current SymbolIREF Test ConditionsAvailable source current Min. Typ.2 Max. UnitmA
CharacteristicsHigh Level Source Current [2] SymbolISOURCE Test ConditionsVSEC = 5.4 V, Rext_pu = 0 Ω, COUT = 10 nF Min. Typ.2 Max. UnitA
CharacteristicsLow Level Sink Current [2] SymbolISINK Test ConditionsVSEC = 5.4 V, Rext_pd = 0 Ω, COUT = 10 nF Min. Typ.4 Max. UnitA
PRIMARY UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT
CharacteristicsVDRV UV Threshold, Rising [3] SymbolVDRV_UVH Test Conditions Min.9.5 Typ.10.0 Max.10.5 UnitV
CharacteristicsVDRV UV Threshold, Falling [3] SymbolVDRV_UVL Test Conditions Min.8.8 Typ.9.3 Max.9.8 UnitV
CharacteristicsVDRV UV Hysteresis SymbolVDRV_UVHYS Test Conditions Min.0.5 Typ.0.7 Max.0.9 UnitV
SECONDARY UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT
CharacteristicsVSEC UV Threshold, Rising SymbolVSEC_UVH Test Conditions Min.4 Typ.4.4 Max.4.9 UnitV
CharacteristicsVSEC UV Threshold, Falling SymbolVSEC_UVL Test Conditions Min.3.7 Typ.4.1 Max.4.5 UnitV
CharacteristicsVSEC UV Hysteresis SymbolVSEC_UVHYS Test Conditions Min.0.2 Typ.0.3 Max.0.4 UnitV
OVERTEMPERATURE PROTECTION
CharacteristicsOvertemperature Threshold, Rising SymbolTSD Test Conditions Min.150 Typ.155 Max.160 Unit°C
CharacteristicsOvertemperature Hysteresis SymbolTSD(HYS) Test Conditions Min. Typ.30 Max. Unit°C

[1] Not cold tested in production (–40°C); guaranteed by design and bench characterization.

[2] Not tested in production; guaranteed by design and bench characterization.

[3] When VDRV is below the UVLO threshold, the driver output is actively held low.

SWITCHING CHARACTERISTICS

Valid at –40°C < TJ < 125°C, 10.8 V < VDRV < 13.2 V, CSEC(NET) = 47 nF, COUT = 1 nF, unless otherwise stated [1]

Characteristics Symbol Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max. Unit
Characteristics Propagation Delay, High To Low Symbol tPHL Test Conditions Rext_pu = 2 Ω Min. Typ. 50 Max. 100 Unit ns
Characteristics Propagation Delay, Low To High Symbol tPLH Test Conditions Rext_pd = 2 Ω Min. Typ. 50 Max. 100 Unit ns
Characteristics Rise Time Symbol tr Test Conditions Rext_pu = 0 Ω, 20-80% Min. Typ. 9 Max. 15 Unit ns
Characteristics Fall Time Symbol tf Test Conditions Rext_pd = 0 Ω, 20-80% Min. Typ. 7 Max. 15 Unit ns
Characteristics Shortest ON Time Allowable [2] Symbol tpw(on) Test Conditions The ON time should never be less than specified minimum Min. 100 Typ. Max. Unit ns
Characteristics Shortest OFF Time Allowable [2] Symbol tpw(off) Test Conditions The OFF time should never be less than specified minimum Min. 100 Typ. Max. Unit ns
Characteristics Wait Time Before First IN Edge is Delivered After VDRV is Within Specification Symbol tSTART Test Conditions Min. Typ. Max. 250 Unit µs

[1] Not cold tested in production (–40°C); guaranteed by design and bench characterization.
[2] Not tested in production; guaranteed by design and bench characterization.

 

Typical IC Characteristics Curves

IDRV vs FREQIdrv vs Frequecy_Load cap

Idrv quiescent vs TempIdrv disable vs temp

rise-fall-time-vs-temppropogation-delay-vs-temp

UVLO-threshold-vs-tempVsec-vs-Frequency

 

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

The AHV85111 is a self-powered isolated gate driver. Allegro’s patented Power-Thru technology allows the transfer of both PWM signal and gate power across a single transformer-based isolation barrier. This eliminates the need to provide an isolated bias supply to power the isolated side of the driver, greatly simplifying the sys- tem design. Only decoupling capacitors and programming resistors are required on the isolated side to generate the bipolar positive and negative gate drive rails VSECP and VSECN.

The AHV85111 driver has been optimized for driving the gate of typical Schottky-gate Enhancement-mode (E-mode) GaN FETs, such as those available from GaN Systems, Innoscience, ST, Nex- peria, GaN Power International, Taiwan Semiconductor, Rohm and others. An online FET selection tool can be downloaded from the Allegro website to assist system designers, to check compat- ibility of various FET devices with the driver.

The isolated VSECP positive bias rail is locally regulated, using an external resistor divider connect to the FB pin. The balance of the secondary bias voltage becomes the unregulated negative rail VSECN. The VSECP rail regulates quite well versus PWM switching frequency fSW at the IN pin, for a given fixed VDRV level, and for a fixed load COUT at the OUTx drive pins—the load presented by the gate of the GaN FET being driven as long as the QG(TOT) versus frequency recommended operating area (ROA) curve recommendations are adhered to; see Figure 10 ROA curve. This is because the charge delivered per PWM cycle naturally increases in tandem with the charge consumed by the FET gate, so there is a good charge balance across a wide frequency range.

However, the VSEC rails do vary with effective loading of the gate of FET being driven; as VSEC levels fall, more charge is available to be delivered to the secondary side, while the charge consumed by the FET gate decreases with falling VSEC levels. Therefore, the VSEC rails will droop as far as needed until the charge delivered matches the charge consumed. For this reason, it is also very important to minimize the amount of charge diverted into any external loads. For example, a very low bias power external circuit can be powered using VSEC, but the consumption should be minimal, to minimize the charge diverted away from the gate of FET. Similarly, if a gate-source pull-down resistor is desired on the load FET (to prevent false turn-on in the case of a manufacturing fault, such as an open-circuit gate turn-on resistor), the resistor value should be as large as possible. The recommended value is 100 kΩ, to minimize DC loading on VSEC. Since DC load current converts to equivalent charge as Q = I × t, DC loading effects will become significantly more pronounced at lower PWM frequency, as the time duration t gets longer. In particular, it should be noted that the driver will attempt to regulate the positive rail VSECP as priority, with the balance of charge diverted to create the negative rail VSECN. In certain situations, such as low VDRV, high load FET QG, excessive external loading of VSEC, high load FET gate leakage current IGSS, or a combination of these, there may be be insufficient charge available to create a sufficient or even any negative VSECN. However, the ROA curve in Figure 10 indicates the supported operating range of QG versus PWM frequency that maintains a minimum VSECN negative rail of –1 V or better.

Since there is just a single magnetic isolation barrier to transfer both PWM signal and gate power, this also greatly reduces the total parasitic capacitance between the primary-side and isolated side, to typically < 1 pF total for both signal and power channels. This is much less than the typical total parasitic capacitance value for a solution using a conventional isolated gate driver with a separate isolated DC-DC bias supply, where the capacitance contribution from the DC-DC isolation transformer could be as high as 10 pF or more. This reduction in isolation capacitance greatly reduces the level of noise injected back into the low-voltage control circuit by the high-voltage and high dv/dt switching nodes in the power stage half-bridge legs, reduces system level CommonMode (CM) EMI, and saves on power loss that occurs through repetitive charging and discharging of this parasitic capacitance between the high bus voltage level and ground.

APPLICATIONS INFORMATION

Bidirectional Enable/Disable EN Pin

EN is a bidirectional open-drain pin which requires an external resistor pull-up to the VDRV pin. The EN pin allows for management of startup and fault conditions between the PWM controller and multiple drivers, through use of a shared enable EN line. Either the PWM controller or the driver can pull the EN pin low via the EN bus, as shown in Figure 3. When the EN pin is pulled low (either externally or internally), this forces the driver into a mode where the IN pin signal is ignored, and the OUT pins are disabled and actively pulled low. When the EN pin goes high, normal driver operation is enabled.

In the event of an internal driver fault condition, such as UVLO or normal startup delay, the EN pin is actively pulled low internally by the driver. This driver pull-down can be detected by the PWM controller and used as a flag for an external fault, or to flag that the driver is ready, and PWM can commence.

The shared EN line is typically wired-AND with the controller EN pin, as shown in Figure 3. Multiple drivers can be connected in parallel with the controller on the shared EN line, such that all connected drivers will hold the EN line low until all drivers and the PWM controller have released their own EN pin, ensuring smooth safe startup of the system.

Wired-AND-Connection

Figure 3: Example Wired-AND connection between driver and controller

Note that the EN pin has no internal pull-up or pull-down—the open-drain configuration relies on an external pull-up resistor for normal operation. Similarly, the EN pin must be actively pulled low externally to disable the driver. The EN pin should never be left floating or connected directly to VDRV or any other system bias voltage; a pull-up resistor must be used. The EN pin should be connected to VDRV through a pull-up resistor in a recommended range of 10 to 100 kΩ. The EN pin dv/dt when being pulled low or high should be at least 0.1 V/μs.

When the EN pin is pulled low, the driver output is disabled, and pulls down the OUTPD pin, regardless of the IN pin level (high or low). The driver goes to a low-power standby mode, and the isolated VSECP and VSEPN bias rails are allowed to discharge. The rate of decay of VSECP and VSECN depends on the value of the CSECP and CSECN capacitors.

When the EN pin is subsequently pulled high, the driver will re-enable, and the isolated VSEC bias rail will start to recharge. Even if the IN pin is connected to a PWM signal, the OUT pins will not respond until the VSECP rail exceeds the secondary UVLO threshold. The rate of rise of VSECP depends on the PWM frequency at the IN pin. Worst-case slowest rise time is when IN = 0, using the slowest internal energy transfer mode. In this mode, the rise time will be approximately 250 μs for equivalent CSEC of 47 nF to charge from zero to the rising UVLO threshold.

Startup and Shutdown Procedure

Any PWM signal applied to IN must remain low until VDRV > UV threshold, to avoid parasitic charging of the VDRV rail through the IN pin internal ESD structures. After VDRV exceeds the UV rising threshold, a startup time delay tSTART is required to allow all internal circuits to initialize and stabilize. During tSTART, any IN signal inputs are ignored. EN internal pull-down will remain active during tSTART, and will release (i.e., go open-drain) only when VDRV has reached its UVLO voltage level, all on-chip voltages are stabilized, there is no overtemperature fault, and the internal tSTART timer has elapsed. Thus, the EN pin can be used via a shared EN line to flag when tSTART has elapsed, and the driver is ready to respond to PWM signals at the IN pin, as outlined above.

Typical startup waveforms are shown in Figure 4.

AHV85111 Startup Mechanism

Figure 4: AHV85111 Startup Mechanism

Once VDRV drops below UVLO falling threshold, the enable signal is pulled down and the driver output shuts down. The rate of decay of VSEC is determined by the VSEC capacitance as shown in Figure 5.

AHV85111 Shutdown Mechanism

Figure 5: Shutdown Mechanism

Refresh Pulse Mechanism

In cases when IN-PWM signal frequency is low or when IN is set to continuous 1 or 0, in order to prevent VSEC voltage decay, the AHV85111 implements an internal clock of 12 µs (tREFRESH). When tREFRESH elapses, the driver recharges VSEC rail to maintain output voltage. This condition persists until IN changes state as shown in Figure 6.

AHV85111 Refresh Mechanism

Figure 6: AHV85111 Refresh Mechanism

VSECP Voltage Setpoint

As shown in Figure 7, the feedback (FB) pin is used in conjunction with two resistors RFB1 and RFB2 to set the regulated output voltage between VSECP and SOURCE pins.

Rfb1-Rfb2-VSECP-to-SOURCE

Figure 7: Rfb1 and Rfb2 used to set the desired 
VSECP-to-SOURCE positive bias rail regulation level

Decoupling capacitors CSECP and CSECN are connected from VSECP to SOURCE and VSECN to SOURCE respectively, to supply the peak gate charge and discharge currents. In addition, a capacitor CSECPN should be connected directly from VSECP to VSECN to ensure stability of the internal LDO—a value of 100 nF is recommended. A small noise filter cap is also recommended to be placed from FB to SOURCE to improve VSECP regulation robustness to noise. Typically 100 pF is recommended for RFB2 = 100 kΩ

Table 1 shows resistance values (nearest E96 standard value) and associated outputs for an input voltage of VDRV = 12 V, for typical VSECP target setpoints. For other required VSECP levels, Equation 1 can be used to calculate the required value for RFB1, assuming that the VDRV level is high enough to allow VSECP to regulate.

Table 1: VSECP – VSOURCE vs. Rfb1 value; Rfb2 = 100 kΩ, VDRV = 12 V

VSECP – VSOURCE (V) Rfb1 (kΩ)
5.0 32.4
5.4 29.4
6.0 25.5
 
Equation 1:
Equation

The positive output voltage is regulated on-chip with respect to the SOURCE pin, at the level set by choice of RFB2, assuming that the VDRV level is sufficient to allow regulation at the target VSECP level. The remaining voltage overhead, unregulated, is the negative voltage drive (stored on CSECN).

Figure 8 shows curves of the typical positive output voltage range as a function of the input voltage VDRV. Note that if the VDRV level is too low to allow VSECP to achieve regulation, VSECN will be clamped to zero. Once the VDRV level is sufficient to allow VSECP to regulate, and excess secondary bias voltage will then appear on the negative rail VSECN

Positive and negative output voltage a

Positive and negative output voltage b

 

Figure 8: Positive and negative output voltage vs. input VDRV

Effect of Temperature on VSEC

At high operating ambient temperatures and low input PWM frequencies below 100 kHz, the total secondary-side bias rail, VSECP – VSECN, is reduced. Figure 9a shows that for minimum input supply voltage, VDRV, and maximum recommended 6 V output set point, VSECP, the total secondary-side bias voltage is not sufficient to maintain regulation of VSECP and VSECN is subsequently zero volts. Increasing VDRV provides more secondary bias voltage and regulation is achieved.

At higher input frequencies, above 100 kHz, there is no reduction in VSECP – VSECN at maximum ambient temperature. Figure 9b shows there is sufficient secondary-side bias voltage to maintain regulation across the full input voltage range.

Effect of high ambient temperature a

Effect of high ambient temperature b

Figure 9: Effect of high ambient temperature 
on VSECP and VSECN

Operating Frequency and Thermal Derating

The maximum recommended PWM frequency is 1 MHz. However, the device internal dissipation, application PCB layout, and ambient temperature must also be taken into account to ensure that the internal recommended TJ(MAX) of 125°C is not exceeded.

Figure 10 shows the recommended operating area curve of QG(TOT) versus PWM frequency that will maintain a negative rail VSECN of at least –1 V at nominal VDRV of 12 V. Operating further below this curve will result in even more negative off-state volt- age VSECN. The AHV85111 can be operated above the curve of Figure 10, but the negative rail VSECN will be limited, and in some cases can be close to zero.

Recommended Operating Area Curve

Figure 10: Recommended Operating Area Curve Max QG(TOT) as a function of PWM Frequency fSW, VDRV = 12 V

The thermal derating curves of Figure 11 are based on the device thermal performance using JEDEC-standard PCB footprint and PCB design (layer count and size of copper planes for heatsinking). The actual thermal performance in the end system design should always be verified, since every system is different in terms of exact PCB design and ambient airflow from natural or forced convection

Because of the required creepage distance under the IC package to meet system safety requirements, it is not allowed to put a large copper plane under the IC for heatsinking purposes. Instead, it is recommended that the primary-side GND pins and secondary-side SOURCE pins be connected to appropriate ground planes on each side, and to maximize the size of these planes to maximize thermal performance. Multiple thermal vias to larger inner-layer ground planes can also help improve thermal performance.

The effective gate capacitance COUT that loads the OUTx drive pins can be estimated from the GaN FET datasheet. The FET total charge QG(TOT) is usually specified in nC, for a given VGS voltage swing.

Equation 

Knowing the value of COUT, the expected level of the second- ary supply rail VSEC can be estimated from VSEC vs. Frequency from Typical IC Characteristics curve. From COUT, VSEC and the required PWM frequency FSW, the total gate power can be calculated as follows:

Equation 

Note that VSEC in this case is the full VGS voltage swing from posirtive to negative, i.e., VGS = VSECP – VSECN. In practice, the system design will likely use external gate resistors to con- trol the FET turn-on and turn-off speed. The gate-drive power consumption PGATE will be dissipated by the internal driver FET resistances and the external resistors, apportioned by the ratio of the resistances. The larger the value of the external resistors, the higher the power dissipation in those resistors, and the lower the dissipation in the internal driver resistances. To simplify the thermal estimates, and to add in design margin, it is assumed that all of the PGATE power is dissipated inside the driver package.

The internal driver stage MOSFETs will consume drive power, and they will have switching losses, so there is an efficiency factor that needs to be accounted for when estimating the internal power consumed when delivering the PGATE power.

Finally, the internal isolated bias power stage consumes power. As well as the IC quiescent power consumption, there are also drive, conduction and switching losses in the internal power FETs that drive and rectify the energy transfer through the internal isolation transformer, as well as the conduction and core losses of the transformer. These losses scale approximately linearly with PWM frequency.

Combining all of these loss mechanisms, the total package power dissipation (in mW) can be estimated using the following empirical formula, where fSW is in kHz and PGATE is in mW. This assumes a fixed VDRV level of 12 V.

Equation 

Using the standard JEDEC thermal impedances in the thermal characteristics table, the maximum allowed ambient temperature TA can be estimated from:

Equation 

Alternatively, Figure 11 can be used to graphically estimate the allowable TA(MAX) as a function of FSW and COUT. The online FET selection tool can also be used to estimate expected driver temperature rise over ambient, and maximum allowed TA.

AHV85111 thermal derating curve

Figure 11: AHV85111 thermal derating curve as a function of load capacitance COUT and PWM frequency fSW

WORKED EXAMPLE

What follows is an example calculation, based on the APE-K85110KNH-01-T-MH evaluation board. Assume the target switching frequency is 400 kHz, and the required maximum ambient temperature is 85°C.

The FET used on the board is a GS-66516-B from GaN Systems. From the GaN datasheet, the QG(TOT) is specified at 14.2 nC at 6 V VGS swing. Therefore, the equivalent COUT is:

Equation 

From figure 8, for this value of COUT the VSEC level can be estimated as approximately 7.5 V. Note that this evaluation board uses an external Zener circuit to limit the positive VGS swing to approximately 6.2 V, with the balance of the VSEC voltage appearing as a negative VGS in the off-state. Nevertheless, the full VGS swing must be used to estimate the gate power dissipation.

Equation 

From this, the total package power dissipation can be estimated:

Equation 

Now the maximum allowed ambient temperature can be verified to ensure that it meets the system requirement:

Equation 

This equation shows that the design can meet the required maximum ambient temperature. However, as noted above, this uses RTH(JA) estimates based on standardised JEDEC footprints and PCB layouts; the actual thermal performance must be verified in each individual application.

The maximum allowed ambient temperature can also be readily estimated from the curves in figure 7. Using FSW of 400 kHz, and COUT of approximately 2.4 nF, the estimate TA(MAX) is approximately 96°C, which is close the calculated result using the empirical loss estimation.

VDRV and CSEC Design Guidelines

The output gate drive amplitude is always less than VDRV due to internal impedances and voltage drops.

The total secondary-side bias rail, VSECP – VSECN, depends on the VDRV level applied on the primary, and effective CLOAD presented by the GaN FET being driven. CLOAD = QG(TOT) / VGATE, i.e., the total gate charge at a specified VGATE, divided by VGATE. CISS is not an equivalent measure of CLOAD. CISS is a small signal equivalent capacitance, whereas CLOAD is a large-signal equivalent.

The recommended value for CSEC(NET) is approximately 10 to 20 times CLOAD (the equivalent gate capacitance), to give approximately 5% to 10% switching ripple on the VSEC rails. Other values are possible; however, lower values will result in higher ripple. Larger CSEC(NET) value will require a longer startup time. The maximum recommended value of CSEC(NET) = 100 nF should not be exceeded.

Typical Application Example 

Figure 12 shows a typical application for driving a GaN transistor with a bipolar drive arrangement.

APEK85111KNH-02-T-MH-schematic

Figure 12: APEK85111KNH-02-T-MH schematic for driving a GaN transistor with a bipolar drive arrangement

APEK85111KNH-02-T-MH is a design example for half bridge gate driver with GaN transistors. There is also a bipolar output drive 
configuration for additional protection against false turn-on events. The design parameters are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Design Parameters

 
Parameter Value Unit
ParameterVDRV Value10.8–13.2 UnitV
ParameterMaximum Switching Frequency Value1000 [1] UnitkHz
ParameterCSEC(NET) Value50 UnitnF
ParameterVSECP Voltage Value5.4 UnitV
ParameterVSEC_RIPPLE Value5–10 Unit%

[1] Frequency depends on factors like heat sinking, temperature, high voltage decoupling capacitance and IN PWM duty cycle range

PBC LAYOUT

Layout Guidlines

The following are some key points to consider while doing the PCB layout for the best performance with AHV85111:

  • Place the AHV85111 gate driver as close as possible to the transistor. This is necessary to minimize the path of the high peak currents. This arrangement will also minimize the loop inductance and noise injection on the gate signals.
  • Ensure that the resistors connected between the isolated output drive pins to the gate of the transistor are high-power rated and have high power surge withstanding capability.
  • Decoupling capacitors must be connected close to the VDRV/GND, REF/GND, VSECP/SOURCE, and VSECN/SOURCE pin-pairs.
  • The path connecting to the source of the transistor should be minimized to avoid large parasitic inductances. The layout should have good thermal relief to help dissipate heat from the gate driver to the PCB. It is recommended to use vias to maximize thermal conductivity.

Further detailed PCB layout guidelines are available in the application note Design and Application Guide for the AHV85111.

Layout Example

b26d5fcd0cd643b3adb6db2be5550ade

SYSTEM IMMUNITY TO EXTERNAL TRANSIENTS

During various system-level events, large transient currents can flow for short periods. Examples of this include lightning surge testing to IEC61000-4-5, and system-level ESD testing to IEC61000-4-2. During these events, the large transient currents that flow can also create large stray magnetic fields, and these can also couple unintentionally to the isolated gate driver.

It is recommended to use the driver enable (EN) pin to achieve a power-train “safe-state” during such external transient events. An example of the use of this safe-state architecture is shown in Figure 14, for a Totem-Pole PFC power stage. When a surge event is detected, the system controller inhibits the PWM gate drive signal to both GaN and MOS legs, and also pulls down the open-drain Enable (EN) lines to all drivers. This puts the power train into a safe state and ensures a robust response to the surge event.

For further details, refer to the application note Design and Application Guide for the AHV85111

Surge detection Block diagram

PACKAGE OUTLINE DRAWING

Allegro-NH-12-Package-drawing