Si875x Isolated FET Driver Family Reduces Cost and Complexity of
Industrial and Automotive Relay Replacement Applications
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Silicon
Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) has introduced a groundbreaking CMOS-based
isolated field effect transistor (FET) driver family that enables
developers to use their choice of application-specific, high-volume FETs
to replace outmoded electromechanical relays (EMRs) and
optocoupler-based solid-state relays (SSRs). The new Si875x family
features the industry's first isolated FET drivers designed to transfer
power across an integrated CMOS isolation barrier, eliminating the need
for isolated secondary switch-side power supplies and reducing system
cost and complexity. When paired with a discrete FET, the Si875x drivers
provide a best-in-class EMR/SSR replacement solution for motor and valve
controllers, HVAC relays, battery monitoring, AC mains line and
communications switches, HEV/EV automotive charging systems, and other
industrial and automotive applications.
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Silicon Labs' Si875x isolated FET drivers provide best-in-class solution for industrial and automotive relays (Graphic: Business Wire)
Get all the details about Silicon Labs' Si875x isolated FET drivers
including product pricing and availability, development tools and data
sheets at www.silabs.com/Si875x.
Developers have traditionally used EMRs and optocoupler-based SSRs in
switching applications, and both technologies have limitations. EMRs are
costly, slow, bulky and noisy. These drawbacks are driving double-digit
growth in SSR usage, but even SSRs pose challenges. Optocoupler-based
SSRs have inherent limitations such as shorter lifetimes due to LED
aging, reduced performance and stability at higher temperatures, and
reduced noise immunity. They also use a limited choice of integrated
FETs, further compromising performance, cost and power.
Silicon Labs' CMOS-based Si875x isolated FET drivers offer a better
alternative that reduces system cost and power and enhances performance
for applications served by SSRs or EMRs. Since Si875x drivers do not use
LEDs or optical components, they provide superior stability over time
and temperature. The small-footprint Si875x devices offer completely
silent switching, making them an ideal replacement solution for bulky
EMRs that are limited by electrical switching noise and wear-out
problems, as well as mass production challenges.
The Si875x devices drive FET gates with a nominal 10.3 V using a very
low 1 mA input with 1.1 ms turn-on time. Increasing the input current to
10 mA enables an exceptionally fast turn-on time of 94 µs. A unique
power optimization option delivers maximum turn-on current for fast
speed and then lowers it by up to 90 percent for static holding current
once the optional external cap is discharged. Flexible 2.25 V to 5.5 V
input side voltages support seamless connection to low-power
controllers. The Si875x drivers also feature an optional Miller clamp
capability to prevent unintended turn on of the external FET.
The Si875x devices have a 2.5 kVrms isolation rating, can operate over
full industrial and automotive temperature ranges (up to +125oC),
and are designed to meet stringent UL, CSA, VDE and CQC standards.
Versatile inputs provide digital CMOS pin control (Si8751 devices) or
diode emulation (Si8752 devices) to best suit the target application,
and flexible outputs support ac and dc load configurations.
"With their unique combination of robust, reliable CMOS-based isolation
technology and revolutionary capability to transfer power across the
isolation barrier, Silicon Labs' Si875x drivers provide a much-needed
replacement solution for antiquated EMRs and optocoupler-based SSRs,"
said Ross Sabolcik, Vice President of power products at Silicon Labs.
"The new Si875x family gives developers the flexibility to choose a
cost-effective FET customized to their application needs, creating an
easy migration to state-of-the-art solid-state switching."
Si875x Isolated FET Driver Family Highlights
-
Industry's first CMOS isolation-based SSR solution, supporting
application-specific FETs
-
Best-in-class noise immunity, high reliability and 2.5 kVrms isolation
rating
-
Long lifetimes under high-voltage conditions (100 years at 1000 V)
-
Efficient switching: 10.3 V at the gate with only 1 mA of input current
-
Wide input voltage of 2.25 V to 5.5 V enables power savings
-
Unique pin feature optimizes power consumption/switching time trade-off
-
Miller clamping prevents unintended turn on of external FET
-
Small SOIC-8 package integrates isolation and power capacitors for
low-power applications
-
AEC-Q100-qualified automotive-grade device options
Pricing and Availability
Samples of the Si875x isolated FET drivers are available now with
production quantities planned for November 2016. The Si875x devices come
in a small SOIC-8 package with industrial (-40˚C to +105˚C) or
automotive (-40˚C to +125˚C) ambient temperature operating range
options. Pricing in 10,000-unit quantities begins at $0.96 (USD) for
industrial versions and $1.20 (USD) for automotive temperature options.
The Si8751-KIT (digital input) and Si8752-KIT (LED emulator input)
evaluation kits are available now and priced at $39.99 each (USD MSRP).
To purchase Si875x product samples and development kits, please visit www.silabs.com/Si875x.
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Silicon Labs
Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is a leading provider of silicon, software
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industrial automation, consumer and automotive markets. We solve the
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unsurpassed software and mixed-signal design expertise, Silicon Labs
empowers developers with the tools and technologies they need to advance
quickly and easily from initial idea to final product. www.silabs.com
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Silicon Labs
Dale Weisman, +1-512-532-5871
dale.weisman@silabs.com
Source: Silicon Labs
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