On May 27, 2025, STMicroelectronics announced the launch of the STDRIVEG610 and STDRIVEG611 high-voltage GaN half-bridge gate drivers, targeting the consumer electronics and industrial sectors. These devices aim to enhance the energy efficiency, power density, and reliability of GaN power devices by optimizing drive performance and integrating protection features.
Differentiated positioning for diverse applications
The two products are designed for different application requirements:
The STDRIVEG610 features 300ns-level fast startup capability, suitable for LLC resonant or ACF power conversion topologies. It precisely controls the shutdown interval of power transistors in burst mode, significantly improving the conversion efficiency of power adapters, chargers, and other devices. Its transmission delay is less than 10ns, making it suitable for high-frequency switching applications.
STDRIVEG611 is optimized for hard-switching motor control scenarios, featuring new high-side under-voltage lockout (UVLO) and overcurrent protection intelligent shutdown functions, and supporting Kelvin source drive technology. It is suitable for applications such as home appliance motors and industrial servo systems, effectively reducing energy loss and component stress during motor start-stop processes.
Compact packaging and intelligent protection combined
Both drivers adopt a 4mm x 5mm QFN compact package, saving PCB space while incorporating interlocking functionality to prevent cross-conduction, over-temperature protection, and 600V GaN power switch protection mechanisms, significantly simplifying design complexity and enhancing system robustness. Additionally, the integrated bootstrap diodes and high-current voltage regulators (such as the 6V regulator built into the STDRIVEG611) further reduce the number of external components, lowering material costs.
Supporting tools accelerate development and implementation
To help engineers quickly validate their solutions, STMicroelectronics has simultaneously launched the EVLSTDRIVEG610Q and EVLSTDRIVEG611 evaluation boards, which feature 600V GaN HEMT power switches and support plug-and-play testing, significantly reducing the time from design to mass production.
As GaN technology penetrates consumer electronics and industrial applications, STMicroelectronics' newly launched gate drivers, through scenario-based innovation, offer new options for efficient power supply and motor control, potentially driving the large-scale adoption of GaN devices in the trends toward energy efficiency and miniaturization.