Partnership upgrades gate driver reference design

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. has introduced the next generation of its isolated gate driver board (GDB) reference design that leverages Wolfspeed’s 1700-V XM3 SiC FET. The new Si828x-BAWB-KIT gate driver boards are suited for SiC FETs with an optimized GDB layout to replace more complex power stage designs.

(Source: Skyworks Solutions)

The simplified design, combining the GDB and XM3, provides a pre-tested solution for electric vehicle (EV) charging and propulsion. The reference design also can be used in industrial applications.

Skyworks previously said that with the growing adoption of SiC for power-conversion and inverter applications due to the need for greater range, faster charging and more efficient propulsion for EVs, there is an increasing need for gate drivers that are optimized for SiC FETs. With the Si828x GDB kit, design is simplified, and it enables increased integration.

The new Si828x-based GBD reference design increases the power density compared to the previous generation modules as well as discrete solutions. The kit offers a low inductance layout, bill of materials and complete design documentation. The solution also guarantees the power module is protected from fault-related damage, said Skyworks.

The gate driver board kit can be purchased via Skyworks’ distribution partners Arrow Electronics, Digi-Key and Mouser Electronics.