RECOM's universal half-bridge reference design can be used to compare the real-life performance of various high power IGBT, 1st/2nd generation SiC, GaN, MOSFET, and Cascode switching technologies. The gate driver and PCB layout is the same for every transistor type so engineers will be able to compare switching performances and make informed choices about the proper technology for their application.

The reference design consists of a half-bridge layout with a fully isolated driver stage using isolated power supplies for both the low-side and the high-side switching transistors. Included in the package are four sets of different DC/DC converters which generate the appropriate isolated driver voltages for the different transistor types. Engineers can thus select which TO247 or TO247-4L (Kelvin connection) packaged switching transistors they wish to evaluate from the supplier of their choice, fit the appropriate DC/DC converter to match, and then rapidly prototype and test their application.

As a basic building block, this reference design can be used to evaluate forward, flyback, buck, and boost topologies, and by combining two or more units it can be used to evaluate full-bridge and 3-phase bridge circuits. The PCB is optimized for high-speed switching up to 1000 V at up to 10 A gate drive current. The signal ground is galvanically isolated from the power ground and the on-board BNC sockets are fitted for high speed connections to the external TTL signal generators. Since the high-side and low-side controls are separate, this reference design can also be utilized to implement asymmetric duty cycles, active clamps, and phase shifted full-bridge topologies.

Additional Information: Reference Design Boards