Compact thermally-efficient power MOSFET drivers improve performance

The first power MOSFET drivers in a new product family, the MCP14A005X and MCP14A015X have been introduced by Microchip. The drivers feature an entirely new driver architecture for high-speed operation, the first in the MCP14A product line. Available in SOT-23 and 2mm x 2mm DFN packages, the new devices are among the smallest packaged MOSFET drivers on the market today, says the company. The small packaging enables higher power densities and smaller solutions, while the design targets fast transitions and short delay times that allow for responsive circuit operation. Additionally, the MOSFET drivers include low input threshold voltages that are compatible with low voltage MCUs and controllers, while still maintaining strong noise immunity and hysteresis. The MCP14A005X and MCP14A015X MOSFET drivers' low input threshold is compatible with various Microchip PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), even when operating at lower voltages. This enables customers to design applications with MCUs operating as low as 2.0V, using the MOSFET driver to boost the output signals to 18V, reducing power loss in the controller and minimising conduction loss in the power MOSFET. The threshold levels balance the need for noise immunity with the ability to function with a wider variety of controller products, including Microchip's devices. The drivers are designed for use in power supply, lighting, automotive and consumer electronics markets, including embedded power conversion, brushed DC motor, unipolar stepper motor and solenoid / relay / valve control applications, among others.