Infineon targets SiC designs with isolated gate driver ICs and opto-emulator input
Infineon has launched its first isolated gate driver IC family with an opto-emulator input, aiming to simplify the migration from optocoupler-based control schemes to next-generation SiC power stages. The new EiceDRIVER 1ED301xMC12I devices are pin-compatible with existing opto-emulators and optocouplers, according to the release.
For eeNews Europe readers designing industrial and energy systems, this is useful because it points to a faster path to higher-efficiency SiC without a full control-board redesign. It also highlights how gate driver performance is being pushed to match the switching speed and robustness demands of modern wide-bandgap power conversion.
Pin-compatible isolated drivers for SiC, IGBTs, and MOSFETs
The EiceDRIVER 1ED301xMC12I family includes three variants: the 1ED3010, 1ED3011, and 1ED3012. Infineon says these devices are designed to support Si MOSFETs, IGBTs, and SiC MOSFETs, respectively, covering a wide range of power conversion topologies.
A key message from the release is that the devices are intended to let engineers keep opto-based input schemes while upgrading the power stage to SiC. That matters in markets where time-to-market and qualification effort often outweigh the pure performance gains of a more disruptive redesign.
Infineon positions the family for demanding applications requiring fast, reliable, SiC-capable gate drivers, including motor drives, solar inverters, EV chargers, and energy-storage systems.
High CMTI and tighter timing for robust switching
Infineon highlights the electrical performance as a major differentiator. All variants deliver up to 6.5A of output current, which the company describes as best-in-class for driving power modules and parallel switch configurations.
The opto-emulator input uses two pins and is designed for high robustness to noise. According to the release, the devices offer common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) exceeding 300kV/µs, propagation delay of 40ns, and timing matching below 10ns, enabling more precise and repeatable switching behavior. Infineon also notes a “pure PMOS sourcing stage” to improve turn-on performance.
The ICs are offered in a CTI 600 6-pin DSO package with more than 8-mm creepage and clearance. Insulation is certified to UL 1577 and pending certification to IEC 60747-17, the company notes.
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