STGAP2SM: High-Voltage Galvanically Isolated Gate Driver for Power Electronics

 

The STGAP2SM is a single-channel galvanically isolated gate driver from STMicroelectronics, designed to drive high-voltage MOSFETs and IGBTs with precision and speed. With robust protection features, high current capability, and fast switching performance, it’s a top choice for engineers working on motor drives, solar inverters, and industrial power supplies. 

In this article, we’ll explore the key features, technical specifications, and applications of the STGAP2SM, highlighting why it stands out as a reliable solution for demanding power electronics designs. 

 Key Features of STGAP2SM 

 

1. High-Voltage Galvanic Isolation 

   - 4 kV isolation between input and output for safe high-voltage operation. 

2. Powerful Gate Drive Capability 

   - Delivers 2.3A source and 4.6A sink output currents to drive large MOSFETs and IGBTs. 

3. Wide Supply Voltage Range 

   - Supports up to 26V gate driving voltage, with a 3.3V to 5V logic interface. 

4. Low Propagation Delay 

   - Fast 75 ns propagation delay for quick, accurate switching. 

5. Desaturation Protection 

   - Detects overcurrent conditions in the power switch and shuts it down to prevent damage. 

6. Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO) 

   - Prevents the driver from operating in unstable low-voltage conditions. 

7. Integrated Miller Clamp 

   - Avoids unwanted turn-on due to Miller effect, enhancing switch reliability. 

8. High Noise Immunity 

   - Withstands high common-mode transient immunity (CMTI), ideal for noisy industrial environments. 

9. Fault Reporting 

   - Provides fault feedback to the controller for safer and smarter system monitoring. 

10. Compact & Versatile Package 

   - Available in a compact SO-8 package, perfect for space-constrained designs. 

 

 STGAP2SM Specifications 

 

Parameter                                          Value             

Driver Type                                       Single-channel gate driver 

Isolation Voltage                             4 kV                   

Output Current (Source/Sink)        2.3A / 4.6A        

Input Logic Voltage                         3.3V to 5V            

Gate Drive Voltage (VDD)              13V to 26V            

Propagation Delay                          75 ns (typical)        

Desaturation Threshold                 Adjustable             

UVLO Threshold                               Yes (with hysteresis) 

Package Type                                   SO-8                  

Operating Temperature                 -40°C to 125°C        

 

Pin outs

  

Applications of STGAP2SM 

 

1. Motor Control and Drives 

   - Drives MOSFETs or IGBTs in BLDC, PMSM, and AC motors for industrial automation, robotics, and electric vehicles. 

2. DC-DC and AC-DC Power Converters 

   - Ideal for isolated buck, boost, and LLC resonant converters. 

3. Solar Inverters and Battery Chargers 

   - Efficiently switches high-voltage transistors in solar energy systems and EV chargers. 

4. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) 

   - Provides fast, reliable switching for backup power systems. 

5. Industrial Automation 

   - Used in servo drives, inverters, and high-power controllers for smart manufacturing. 

6. Welding and Induction Heating Systems 

   - Handles high-current, high-voltage switching in industrial heating applications.

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