Full and Half-Bridge Drivers are critical components in power management integrated circuits (PMICs), designed to control power transistors in high-side and low-side configurations. These drivers enable precise switching of MOSFETs or IGBTs in power conversion systems, playing a pivotal role in motor control, DC-DC converters, and motorized industrial equipment. Their ability to manage high-voltage/current loads with minimal switching losses makes them indispensable in modern electrification and automation systems.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Bridge Driver | Controls four power transistors in H-bridge configuration, enabling bidirectional current flow | Brushed DC motor control, servo actuators, resonant converters |
| Half-Bridge Driver | Drives high-side and low-side transistors in complementary mode | DC-DC converters, BLDC motor drives, Class-D amplifiers |
Typical physical construction includes:
Technical composition combines CMOS control logic with high-voltage DMOS output stages.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Voltage | 4.5V-100V | Determines system compatibility |
| Peak Drive Current | 0.2A-4.0A | Affects switching speed and efficiency |
| Switching Frequency | 100kHz-2MHz | Impacts system size and EMI |
| RDS(on) | 50m -300m | Directly affects conduction loss |
| Propagation Delay | 5ns-100ns | Critical for high-frequency synchronization |
| Manufacturer | Product Series | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TI | DRV8703D | Three-phase gate driver with current sensing |
| STMicro | L6398 | High-voltage half-bridge driver with bootstrap |
| Infineon | IRS2003 | 300V half-bridge driver for Class-D audio |
| ON Semi | NCP5911B | Single-channel high-side driver with diagnostics |
| Renesas | ISL78692 | Automotive full-bridge controller with PWM |
Key considerations:
Example: For 48V motor drives, select drivers with 80V rating, >1A peak current, and thermal shutdown.
Future development focuses on:
The market is shifting towards higher integration and smarter power management solutions driven by EV and IoT applications.