Littelfuse, a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company committed to empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, has announced the release of the IX4352NEAU an automotive-qualified low-side gate driver designed to meet the growing demands of SiC MOSFET and IGBT control in electric vehicle (EV) powertrain and DC-DC converter applications. [(View the video.)]
The IX4352NEAU is the first AEC-Q100-qualified low-side gate driver to feature an integrated and adjustable negative gate drive bias. This innovation eliminates the need for an external negative voltage rail or costly DC-DC converters typically required to suppress parasitic turn-on in high-speed power devices. The result is a simpler gate driver design, improved switching performance, and lower overall system cost.
“By integrating the IX4352NEAU into their latest designs, our customers can develop safer, more compact, and more efficient power systems,” said June Zhang, Product Manager, Integrated Circuits Division at Littelfuse. “This helps accelerate their time to market while reducing total system cost in the expanding markets of DC-DC converters and drivetrains.”
Key Features and Benefits
Adjustable negative gate drive bias (down to −10 V): Enhances dv/dt immunity, suppresses parasitic turn-on, and ensures faster turn-off of SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs.
9 A peak source and sink drive capability (separate pins): Enables optimized turn-on and turn-off timing for greater efficiency and reduced switching losses.
Integrated protections: Includes DESAT detection, active soft shutdown, UVLO, TSD, and fault output improving system reliability and protecting power switches during fault conditions.
3.3 V TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs: Tolerant up to 7 V, allowing easy interfacing with most control logic.
AEC-Q100 qualified and thermally robust: Ensures reliable operation across wide temperature ranges with improved thermal threshold accuracy and charge pump functionality maintained during thermal shutdown.
Target Markets and Applications
Automotive DC-DC Converters
Electric Vehicle Drivetrains
EV Inverters and Motor Drives
Switching Power Supplies
Market Differentiators
Compared to conventional low-side gate drivers, the IX4352NEAU delivers higher power density, fewer external components, and safer overcurrent turn-off transitions. Its built-in charge pump regulator with an adjustable negative bias is an industry first — providing automotive designers with a fully integrated solution to suppress parasitic turn-on and optimize switching performance in SiC and IGBT systems.
The IX4352NEAU is an automotive-grade extension of the proven commercial-grade IX4352NE, optimized to meet the stringent reliability and performance standards required in automotive environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What makes the IX4352NEAU unique compared to other gate drivers?
It is the first AEC-Q100-qualified low-side gate driver with an integrated, adjustable negative gate bias down to −10 V. This eliminates the need for an external negative voltage supply, reducing component count and system cost. - Which power devices can the IX4352NEAU drive?
It is designed specifically for SiC MOSFETs and high-power IGBTs, offering separate 9 A peak source and sink outputs for fine-tuned switching performance — ideal for fast-switching EV and automotive applications. - What protection features are built into the device?
The IX4352NEAU includes DESAT detection, active soft shutdown, thermal shutdown (TSD), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO), safeguarding both the driver and power transistors during overcurrent or fault conditions. - How does the IX4352NEAU benefit EV powertrain applications?
It enables higher power density and switching efficiency in traction inverters and DC-DC converters, while its integrated negative bias and robust protection features simplify design, enhance reliability, and reduce the need for additional components.
Availability
The IX4352NEAU is available in a 16-pin narrow package and supplied in tape-and-reel format (2,000/reel). Samples can be requested through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide.
