A new gate driver integrated circuit for IGBT devices with advanced protections

The aim of this paper is to discuss new solutions in the design of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) gate drivers with advanced protections such as two-level turn-on to reduce peak current when turning on the device, two-level turn-off to limit over-voltage when the device is turned off, and an active Miller clamp function that acts against cross conduction phenomena. Afterwards, we describe a new circuit which includes a two-level turn-off driver and an active Miller clamp function. Tests and results for these advanced functions are discussed, with particular emphasis on the influence of an intermediate level in a two-level turn-off driver on overshoot across the IGBT.

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