UC3706DWTRG4

UC3706DWTRG4 is a monolithic high voltage gate driver that is a part of PMIC - Gate Drivers. This integrated circuit is designed to drive MOSFET’s or IGBT’s with up to 77V working voltage. With its gate-protected low-side MOSFET, it can be a optimized solution for +12V DC-to-DC conversion applications. Additionally, its low-clamping voltage allows for low platform cost, which increases circuit efficiency.

The functions of the UC3706DWTRG4 are divided into three categories: Boost, Buck, and Level Shifting. In order to better understand the features and operation of the circuit, they will be discussed in further detail.

Boost Mode

In boost mode, the output voltage of the circuit is higher than the input voltage. An example application of it is with a buck-boost converter, when the output voltage is lower than the input voltage. The UC3706DWTRG4 is able to deliver the necessary gate drive voltage to the MOSFETs in order to generate the required output voltage. It accomplishes this by using the integrated High-Side MOSFET and the protected low-side MOSFET, which are both protected from short-circuiting during operation.

Buck Mode

In buck mode, the output voltage of the circuit is lower than the input voltage. This can be used in conjunction with a buck-boost converter to drop the output voltage. The UC3706DWTRG4 provides the necessary gate drive signal to the MOSFETs in order to operate the circuit in buck mode. Additionally, it protects the MOSFETs from short-circuiting, due to its current limiting function.

Level Shifting

The UC3706DWTRG4 is also capable of level-shifting, which is the process of translating a signal from one DC voltage level to another. This is useful in applications which require a voltage translation between two different voltage levels, such as in a buck-boost converter. The UC3706DWTRG4 provides the necessary gate drive signal to the MOSFETs in order to accomplish this, as well as providing current limiting and protection against overvoltage.

Working Principle

The UC3706DWTRG4 works on the principle of voltage regulation. Its built-in voltage regulation feature utilizes a feedback loop to ensure that the output voltage remains relatively unchanged, despite fluctuations in the input voltage or load current. In addition to this, the integrated MOSFETs protect the circuit from short-circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent. Furthermore, the integrated protection feature allows for fast recovery from transient events, such as power outages.

Conclusion

UC3706DWTRG4 is an integrated high voltage gate driver that is part of PMIC - Gate Drivers. It is designed to drive MOSFETs or IGBTs with up to 77V working voltage, allowing it to be an optimized solution for +12V DC-to-DC conversion applications. Additionally, its low-clamping voltage allows for low platform cost, increasing circuit efficiency. It works on the principle of voltage regulation, providing current limiting and protection against short-circuiting, overvoltage, and overcurrent.