Toshiba Introduces Advanced SiC MOSFET Gate Driver Photocoupler with Enhanced Safety Features for Industrial Applications
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (“Toshiba”) has unveiled its latest innovation in power device technology with the launch of the TLP5814H, a high-performance gate driver photocoupler designed specifically for silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. Featuring an output of +6.8A/-4.8A and housed in a compact SO8L package, this new photocoupler integrates an active Miller clamp function, significantly enhancing its reliability and operational efficiency. Volume shipments of the TLP5814H commence today, reinforcing Toshiba’s commitment to advancing industrial power electronics.
Addressing Circuit Challenges with Advanced Miller Clamp Technology
In various industrial circuits, including inverters, MOSFETs or insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are often arranged in series. One of the major concerns in such configurations is the potential for gate voltage fluctuations caused by Miller current. This phenomenon occurs when the lower arm of the circuit switches off, generating a transient gate voltage that can inadvertently turn on the upper and lower arms simultaneously, leading to short circuits and possible system failures.
Traditionally, a negative voltage is applied to the gate during the off state to prevent unwanted turn-on. However, SiC MOSFETs, which boast superior voltage tolerance, lower on-resistance, and faster switching capabilities compared to silicon (Si) MOSFETs, sometimes cannot accommodate sufficient negative gate-source voltage. To address this, an active Miller clamp circuit diverts the Miller current from the gate to ground, mitigating the risk of short circuits without requiring a dedicated negative voltage supply.
Some cost-sensitive circuit designs minimize the negative voltage applied to the gate of IGBTs when turned off, making it essential to incorporate a built-in active Miller clamp in gate drivers. Toshiba’s TLP5814H delivers precisely this functionality, improving system safety and reliability while reducing component count and overall system size.
Key Features and Benefits of the TLP5814H
The TLP5814H photocoupler integrates an active Miller clamp circuit, eliminating the need for an external negative voltage power supply and additional external active Miller clamp circuits. This integration significantly enhances system safety and promotes miniaturization by reducing the number of external components.
Key technical highlights of the TLP5814H include:
- Active Miller Clamp Function: Ensures robust protection against unwanted turn-on due to Miller current, enhancing the overall reliability of the circuit.
- Peak Output Current: Capable of delivering +6.8A/-4.8A, making it highly suitable for SiC MOSFET gate driving applications.
- High Temperature Tolerance: Rated for operation between -40°C and 125°C, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments such as photovoltaic (PV) inverters and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs).
- Compact SO8L Package: Measures 5.85 × 10 × 2.1 mm (typ.), providing excellent board layout flexibility.
- High Insulation Performance: A minimum creepage distance of 8.0mm enables its use in applications requiring robust insulation and electrical safety.
- Enhanced Optical Coupling Efficiency: Achieved through optimization of the infrared emitting diode and photodiode array design, resulting in improved signal transmission reliability.
- Fast Switching Performance: Features a propagation delay time of 150 ns (L/H) and 130 ns (H/L), ensuring minimal latency in high-speed switching applications.
- High Common-Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI): Rated at ±70 kV/μs, providing excellent noise immunity essential for industrial applications.
Applications in Industrial Equipment
The TLP5814H is ideally suited for a variety of industrial applications, including:
- Photovoltaic (PV) Inverters: Ensuring efficient energy conversion and stable operation in solar power systems.
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPSs): Enhancing reliability and performance in critical power backup systems.
- Industrial Inverters: Contributing to improved efficiency and longevity in motor control and automation systems.
- AC Servo Drives: Supporting precise motion control and high-speed switching performance.
Additionally, the device is compatible with:
- SiC MOSFETs
- High-voltage Si MOSFETs (300V+ rating)
- IGBTs
Performance Specifications and Ratings
Toshiba has meticulously designed the TLP5814H to meet rigorous industrial standards. Below is a summary of its key specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Package | SO8L |
| Size (mm, typ.) | 5.85 × 10 × 2.1 |
| Operating Temperature (°C) | -40 to 125 |
| Peak Output Current (A) | +6.8/-4.8 |
| Peak Clamp Sinking Current (A) | 6.8 |
| Supply Voltage (V) | 13 to 23 |
| Input On-State Current (mA) | 4.5 to 10 |
| High-Level Supply Current (mA, max.) | 5.0 |
| Low-Level Supply Current (mA, max.) | 5.0 |
| Threshold Input Current (mA, max.) | 3.0 |
| UVLO Threshold Voltage (V, max.) | 13.2 |
| Propagation Delay Time (ns, max.) | L/H: 150, H/L: 130 |
| Common-Mode Transient Immunity (kV/μs, min.) | ±70 |
| Isolation Voltage (Vrms, min.) | 5000 |
Toshiba’s Commitment to Power Electronics Innovation
Toshiba continues to invest in the development of cutting-edge power device solutions to address evolving industrial demands. The TLP5814H is a testament to the company’s dedication to enhancing safety, efficiency, and miniaturization in industrial power systems. By integrating advanced active Miller clamp technology and optimizing component design, Toshiba aims to provide engineers with reliable and high-performance solutions for their industrial applications.
Availability and Purchasing Information
Engineers and developers can now purchase the TLP5814H online. Toshiba provides detailed product information and technical documentation through its official website and authorized distributors.
For more information on the TLP5814H, visit:
- TLP5814H Product Page
- Toshiba’s Isolators/Solid State Relays Portfolio
To check availability and place orders through online distributors, follow the link below:
- TLP5814H – Buy Online
Toshiba’s TLP5814H gate driver photocoupler represents a significant advancement in power device technology, particularly for SiC MOSFET applications in industrial equipment. With its built-in active Miller clamp function, high-temperature tolerance, and compact package, the TLP5814H delivers enhanced safety, reliability, and efficiency. As industrial electronics continue to evolve, Toshiba remains at the forefront, developing innovative solutions that meet the growing demands of modern power systems.
Note: Product names, company names, and service names mentioned in this article may be trademarks of their respective companies. Information, including specifications and availability, is subject to change without notice.
