Infineon IR2181STRPBF: A High- and Low-Side Driver IC for Power Conversion Systems

In the realm of modern power electronics, the efficiency, reliability, and compactness of power conversion systems are paramount. At the heart of many such systems, particularly those utilizing half-bridge or full-bridge topologies in applications like motor drives, inverters, and switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), lies a critical component: the gate driver IC. The Infineon IR2181STRPBF stands out as a specialized high- and low-side driver engineered to meet these demanding requirements with exceptional performance.

This driver IC is designed to control both the high-side and low-side N-channel MOSFETs or IGBTs in a bridge configuration. One of its most significant features is the ability to operate the high-side channel with a bootstrap capacitor circuit, which elegantly simplifies the power supply design by eliminating the need for an isolated auxiliary supply. The IR2181STRPBF integrates a high-voltage level shifter that allows the high-side gate drive circuitry to function correctly while floating at the switching node potential, which can be hundreds of volts above ground.

Key to its robust operation is its built-in protection and noise immunity. The IC features dead time control to prevent shoot-through currents, a catastrophic condition where both the high-side and low-side switches conduct simultaneously. This internal control enhances system reliability by ensuring a break-before-make switching action. Furthermore, the driver boasts a high pulse current buffering output stage, capable of delivering peak currents up to 2A, enabling it to swiftly turn power switches on and off. This minimizes switching losses, a crucial factor for high-frequency and high-efficiency designs.

The inputs are compatible with standard CMOS or LSTTL logic levels, making it easy to interface with microcontrollers (MCUs) or digital signal processors (DSPs). Packaged in a compact SOIC-8, the IR2181STRPBF offers a robust and space-efficient solution. Its operational voltage range and robust design make it suitable for a wide array of industrial and automotive applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon IR2181STRPBF is a highly integrated and robust solution for driving bridge circuits, excelling in its use of bootstrap technology for high-side supply, offering strong 2A drive capability, and incorporating essential protective features like dead time control to ensure safe and efficient power conversion.

Keywords:

Gate Driver IC

Bootstrap Circuit

Dead Time Control

Half-Bridge Driver

Power Conversion