FAN3180 Gate Driver IC — Features, Uses & Specifications

The FAN3180 is a high-speed, low-side MOSFET gate driver IC from onsemi (formerly Fairchild) that combines a robust MOSFET driver with an integrated 3.3 V Low Drop-Out (LDO) regulator. This makes it ideal for compact power-electronics designs where you need both a fast gate driver and a regulated logic supply for a microcontroller.

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✅ Key Features (Enhanced)

High current gate drive: Up to 2.8 A (sink) / 2.5 A (source) at VDD = 12 V

Integrated 3.3 V LDO: Provides 3.3 V at up to 15 mA; ±1% tolerance at 25 °C, ±2.5% variation overall.

Wide supply range: Operates from ~5 V up to 18 V (VDD) for the gate driver.

Fast switching timings: Typical propagation delay ~23 ns, rise/fall ~19 ns / 13 ns with 1 nF load.

Under-Voltage Lockout (UVLO): V_ON ≈ 4.75V, V_OFF ≈ 4.55V — holds output low until supply is safe.

Low standby current: Maximum ~200 µA when idle.

Thermal shutdown: Additional safety to protect the IC and MOSFET when overheated.

Rail-to-rail output with reverse-current capability: Supports MOSFET Miller-plateau switching via its patented MillerDrive™ output architecture.

SOT-23-5 package: Compact footprint (5-pin) for space-constrained PCBs.

Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Supply Voltage (VDD)	4.5 V to 18 V (recommended)
Gate Drive Peak Current	2.8 A (sink) / 2.5 A (source) at VDD = 12 V
3.3 V LDO Output	3.3 V, 15 mA max, ±1% @ 25 °C, ±2.5% total
Propagation Delay	~23 ns typical
Rise Time / Fall Time (1 nF load)	~19 ns rise / ~13 ns fall
UVLO Thresholds	V_ON ≈4.75 V / V_OFF ≈4.55 V
Standby Supply Current	≤ 200 µA
Operating Temperature	–40 °C to +125 °C
Package	SOT-23-5 (5-pin)

Applications & Uses

Because of the integrated LDO plus gate-driver functionality, the FAN3180 is especially suitable for:

Low-side MOSFET switching in SMPS (switch-mode power supplies) where a MOSFET is driven and the same driver IC also powers the MCU via 3.3 V.

DC-DC converters: The fast drive and compact package allow efficient high-frequency switching.

Motor drivers: For low-side MOSFETs in brushed or BLDC motor applications where compact design and efficient switching matter.

Portable and battery-powered devices: The 3.3 V LDO supports microcontrollers directly, reducing component count.

Embedded power management: The integrated logic supply and driver simplify design in space- and cost-constrained systems.

Shared drive and logic power: When you want one IC to both drive a MOSFET gate and supply logic power (via the LDO) in your board design.

Why Choose FAN3180?

Reduced component count: Because it includes the 3.3 V regulator, you may omit a separate LDO – saving BOM cost and board area.

Optimised for switching: Fast delays and strong peak currents mean improved MOSFET switching performance, lower losses.

Logic compatibility: TTL/CMOS-compatible input, lower voltage logic friendly.

Safety features built-in: UVLO and thermal shutdown increase reliability in power systems.

Summary

The FAN3180 is a versatile gate driver + logic LDO combo IC ideal for modern embedded power designs. With peak drive currents around 2.8 A, integrated 3.3 V 15 mA regulator, and fast switching performance, it’s well suited for compact, efficient power electronics applications. For anyone designing MOSFET-based switching stages and needing logic supply from the same board, this IC offers an excellent solution.