Power Integrations’ BridgeSwitch family of integrated half-bridges considerably simplifies the development and production of high-voltage inverter driven 2- or 3-phase PM or BLDC motor drives. These motor drives incorporate two high-voltage N-channel power FREDFETs with low- and high-side drivers in a single, small-outline package. The internal power FREDFETs offer ultra-soft and ultrafast diodes ideally suited for hard switched inverter drives. Both drivers are self-supplied, eliminating the need for an external auxiliary power supply. BridgeSwitch provides a unique instantaneous phase current output signal simplifying implementation of sensorless control schemes. The low-profile, compact footprint surface mount package offers extended creepage distances and allows heat sinking of both power FREDFETs through the printed circuit board.

BridgeSwitch offers internal fault protection functions and external system-level monitoring. Internal fault protection includes cycle-by-cycle current limit for both FREDFETs and two level thermal overload protection. External system level monitoring includes DC bus sensing with four undervoltage levels and one overvoltage level as well as driving external sensors such as an NTC. The bidirectional bussed single wire status interface reports observed status changes.