There are several points to consider
when selecting between an integrated FET driver and a gate driver -
- Integrating the FETs can often
increase the IC package size. However, without the need of external FETs, the
overall solution size decreases. Therefore, integrated FET drivers have
significantly higher power density than gate driver solutions.
- With the FETs in the same IC
package as the controller, complete testing of the whole driver during
production assures the device will perform as expected.
- Another advantage to integrated
FET topology is that the board layout and the overall design process can be more
simple.
- However, integrated FET driver
topology is not optimized for spreading power dissipation. For external FET gate
drivers, having the flexibility of selecting FETs and driver independently
allows handling of higher current.
Some of these points are explained in
greater detail in the following subsections.