Avago optocouplers for robust IGBT gate drive

The optocoupler range enables higher output current drive with rail-to-rail capability, providing high-voltage insulation and robust protection.

The optocouplers are available in a stretched SO6 package that is said to be 40-50 per cent smaller than the industry standard dual-inline (DIP) package.

The product range has an output current of up to 4A and provides reliable, fast and efficient system performance, according to Avago.

Traditionally, Avago's gate drive optocouplers have used bipolar transistors for the output stage to deliver high output current.

The output stage can now be replaced with bipolar CMOS/DMOS technology, which combines the high component density and low power consumption of CMOS with the high current drive and speed of bipolar process.

The switching speed is also twice as fast as the previous generation, reducing the dead time when both the high-side and low-side transistors are off from 700ns to 200ns for improved system efficiency.

The ACPL-P343/W343, ACPL-P341/W341 and ACPL-P340/W340 optocouplers come in 4A, 3A and 1A maximum peak current, respectively.

The range of output current allows the series to address systems with different power ratings, including insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and MOSFET gate drive, industrial inverters, renewable energy inverters, AC and brushless DC motor drives, switching power supplies, induction cookers and inverters for home appliances.

The high common mode rejection (CMR) of the optocouplers, at 35kV/us prevents erroneous driving of an IGBT and ensures reliable operation in noisy environments.

The family's stretched SO6 packages are compliant to many industrial safety standards, including IEC/EN/DIN/EN 60747-5-2, UL 1577 and CSA.