STMicroelectronics rolls out 60ns automotive isolated gate drivers

STMicroelectronics has introduced the STGAP2SA and STGAP2HSA, two automotive-grade galvanically isolated gate drivers engineered to deliver faster switching, higher power density and enhanced safety in high-voltage vehicle and industrial systems.

With a 60ns response time and tight part-to-part matching, the new 4A drivers enable higher switching frequencies, supporting more compact and efficient power modules. Designed for IGBTs and silicon MOSFETs operating on high-voltage rails up to 1200V, the devices can source and sink 4A at up to 26V for both unipolar and bipolar drive configurations.

Broad automotive and industrial coverage
AEC-Q100 qualified, the STGAP2SA and STGAP2HSA are suited to a wide range of applications across conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles. Typical use cases include DC/DC converters, on-board chargers (OBC), e-compressors, pumps, fans and heaters. The drivers are also applicable in wallbox and pedestal DC charging systems, as well as industrial motor drives and inverters.

Built-in protection for safer operation
Both devices integrate advanced protection features to simplify design and improve reliability. These include under-voltage lockout (UVLO), a defined safe output state during power-up and power-down, Miller clamping to prevent unwanted turn-on, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery.

A self-monitoring watchdog ensures the output transitions to a safe state if communication from the low-voltage side is interrupted. A power-saving standby mode can be activated by holding both inputs high simultaneously.

Isolation options for flexible design
The STGAP2SA is housed in a standard SO-8 package and meets UL 1577 isolation requirements, offering 4800V transient and surge isolation ratings (VIOTM, VIOSM).

The STGAP2HSA, packaged in a wide-body SO-8W with 8mm creepage and clearance, complies with IEC 60747-17 for basic insulation and delivers up to 6000V surge isolation (VIOSM), making it suitable for designs requiring higher isolation margins.

Development support and availability
Evaluation boards are available to accelerate development: EVALSTGAP2SAC for the STGAP2SA and EVALSTGAP2HSAC for the STGAP2HSA.

Both devices are in production and available from $1.55 in 1,000-piece quantities, enabling designers to implement fast, isolated gate control in next-generation automotive and industrial power systems.

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