Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)’s ADuM4121 is a single-channel isolated gate driver with a 2A output capability. The ADuM4121 utilizes ADI’s proprietary iCoupler® technology, providing an isolation barrier using a monolithic transformer isolation architecture. This isolation barrier provides galvanic isolation between a low-voltage control circuit and a high-voltage power switching circuit. In a power converter design, providing an isolation barrier is critical for preventing fault voltage from travelling back into the microcontroller or DSP, as well as for eliminating ground loops between control and power circuits.

This guide provides a complete technical overview of the ADuM4121. It contains the full 8-pin pinout with Operating Conditions, all Electrical Specifications as are found in ADI Data Sheet Rev. 0, as well as a description of the internal Miller clamp and UVLO function, and a Device Variant Selection Guide (ADuM4121 vs. ADuM4121-1). Additionally, the guide includes layout recommendations for printed circuit boards in conjunction with the typical circuit examples for Solar Photovoltaic inverters, Electric Vehicle chargers, Wind Turbine converters, and Battery Energy Storage Systems.

Product Family and Part Numbering

The ADuM4121 and ADuM4121-1 are both single-channel isolated gate drivers with 2 A peak output current. With the same iCoupler® isolation core, both devices have the same 5 kVrms dielectric isolation rating and exhibit greater than 150 kV/μs CMTI performance. The only difference between the two products is thermal protection, with the ADuM4121 incorporating an internal thermal shutdown (TSD) circuit that will drive VOUT low when the junction temperature exceeds approximately 155°C; the ADuM4121-1 does not include TSD circuitry and will not interrupt the gate drive output due to junction temperature.

Both versions of the products can be obtained in tape and reel (ARIZ suffix version), standard versions, and extended industrial temperature range enhanced product (EP) versions are also available. There are three secondary undervoltage lockout (UVLO) threshold options available for each version; these are referred to as Option A at 3.5V, Option B at 6.5V, and Option C at 10.5V. This allows designers to select a suitable UVLO level to match the gate drive supply voltage without requiring additional voltage supervision circuitry.