LM5110

LM5110 Dual 5A Compound Gate Driver with Negative Output Voltage Capability October 2003 LM5110 Dual 5A Compound Gate Driver with Negative Output Voltage Capability General Description The LM5110 Dual Gate Driver replaces industry standard gate drivers with improved peak output current and efficiency. Each “compound” output driver stage includes MOS and bipolar transistors operating in parallel that together sink more than 5A peak from capacitive loads. Combining the unique characteristics of MOS and bipolar devices reduces drive current variation with voltage and temperature. Separate input and output ground pins provide Negative Drive Capability allowing the user to drive MOSFET gates with positive and negative VGS voltages. The gate driver control inputs are referenced to a dedicated input ground (IN_REF). The gate driver outputs swing from VCC to the output ground VEE which can be negative with respect to IN_REF. The ability to hold MOSFET gates off with a negative VGS voltage reduces losses when driving low threshold voltage MOSFETs often used as synchronous rectifiers. When driving with conventional positive only gate voltage, the IN_REF and VEE pins are connected together and referenced to a common ground. Under-voltage lockout protection and a shutdown input pin are also provided. The drivers can be operated in parallel with inputs and outputs connected to double the drive current capability. This device is available in the SOIC-8 and the thermally-enhanced LLP-10 p...