Smart diode rectifier controller drives external MOSFET to emulate ideal diode

The Texas Instruments (TI) LM74670-Q1 smart diode rectifier controller is now available from Mouser stock. The controller device can be used with an N-Channel MOSFET in full or half bridge rectifier architectures for alternators in applications such as AC rectifiers, alternators, power tools and for reverse-polarity protection. The device is designed to drive an external MOSFET to emulate an ideal diode. A novel advantage of this scheme is that it is not ground referenced, thus, it has zero IQ. The Schottky diodes in full or half-bridge rectifiers and alternators can be replaced with the LM74670-Q1 solution to avoid forward conduction diode losses and produce more efficient AC-DC converters. The LM74670-Q1 controller provides a gate drive for external N-Channel MOSFET and a fast response internal comparator to pull-down the MOSFET Gate in the event of reverse polarity. This device can support an AC signal frequency up to 300Hz.