Choosing the right DC-DC converter for HV gate drives

How to choose the right DC-DC converter for HV gate driver applications

Bridge circuits using ‘high-side’ switches are common in applications from inverters to motor control. However, the high-side gate drive return is actually a switching node so the gate driver and its associated power rails are offset from ground by a high voltage, high frequency waveform with fast edges. While you can achieve this offset for the driver power rails with charge pumps, isolated DC-DC converters are often preferred.

In this week's Engineers' Insight Philip Lechner explores the key design considerations and technical trade-offs that you need to know when selecting DC-DC conversion solutions for inverter or motor control HV gate drivers.