Allegro simplifies SiC power design
Allegro MicroSystems has expanded its Power-Thru isolated gate driver portfolio with the launch of the AHV85003/AHV85043 chipset.
Joining the flagship AHV85311 integrated solution, this family is described as creating a complete ecosystem for high-voltage SiC designs in AI data centres, EVs, and clean energy systems.
According to Allegro, the solution simplifies the design challenge in power conversion by eliminating the need for external isolated bias supplies for gate drivers. This innovation delivers the industry’s smallest solution footprint while reducing the bill of materials to address the critical challenge of achieving maximum power density, especially in demanding 800V systems.
Allegro’s Power-Thru isolated gate drivers integrate signal and power across a single isolation barrier. This approach reduces common-mode capacitance in the system by up to 15x, addressing a major source of noise that impacts efficiency. They deliver up to a 20dB improvement in electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, which boosts overall system efficiency and eliminates countless hours spent by designers resolving noise issues.
In addition to addressing the physics of noise, the expanded Power-Thru portfolio is engineered to resolve critical business challenges. To ensure supply chain resilience, both the new AHV85003/AHV85043 chipset and the existing AHV85311 integrated solution support a multi-source SiC strategy. With selectable gate-to-source voltages (Vgs) of 15V, 18V, and 20V, and adjustable regulated negative voltage, designers can easily swap between SiC FETs from different vendors without redesigning their boards.
Furthermore, the portfolio now offers two distinct implementation paths. The flagship AHV85311 integrated solution, which includes the isolation transformer, provides an all-in-one route for accelerating time-to-market. The versatile new AHV85003/AHV85043 chipset empowers designers to optimise for cost and layout by selecting their own external transformer tailored for their specific isolation needs.
“We are redefining what engineers should expect from a gate driver,” said Vijay Mangtani, VP and GM of high voltage power products at Allegro MicroSystems. “With Power-Thru, we solved the fundamental physics problem of noise in high-voltage systems. Now, by offering both a chipset and an integrated solution, we are giving our customers a complete toolkit. Whether they need the plug-and-play speed of an integrated solution or the granular control of a chipset, they get the same game-changing efficiency and the freedom to use the SiC FETs of their choice.”
