STMicroelectronics Introduces STGAP4S Gate Driver for Flexible EV Powertrain Design

STMicroelectronics has announced the launch of the STGAP4S, a galvanically isolated automotive gate driver designed for use with silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The device supports scalable inverter designs for electric vehicle (EV) powertrains and includes built-in diagnostics and protections to meet ISO 26262 ASIL D functional safety standards.

The STGAP4S integrates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a flyback controller, offering a compact solution for controlling inverters across various power levels. The driver’s output circuit supports connection to an external push-pull buffer using small MOSFETs, allowing the gate current capability to be scaled as needed. It can handle gate-drive currents in the range of tens of amperes and supports a maximum operating voltage of 1200V.

To assist with system safety, the device includes self-diagnostic features that verify connection integrity, gate-drive voltages, and internal circuit operations such as desaturation and over-current detection. These diagnostics can be accessed through an SPI interface, and two dedicated pins provide fault-status signals for hardware-level monitoring.

The STGAP4S also includes protections such as active Miller clamping, under-voltage and over-voltage lockout (UVLO and OVLO), as well as desaturation, over-current, and over-temperature detection. Engineers can configure key parameters like protection thresholds, deadtime, and deglitch filtering via the SPI interface.

The integrated flyback controller enables the generation of high-voltage supply rails needed for gate driving, supporting fast and efficient switching of SiC MOSFETs. The device offers 6.4kV isolation between the low-side and high-side circuits.

To support development, STMicroelectronics has made available the EVALSTGAP4S evaluation board, which includes two STGAP4S drivers in a half-bridge configuration. Multiple boards can be connected to test complex setups such as three-phase inverters.

The STGAP4S is now in production and comes in a SO-36W wide-body dual-inline package, priced starting at $4.66 for quantities of 1000 units.

About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor manufacturer working with over 200,000 customers. The company is focused on energy efficiency, smarter mobility, and automation technologies and aims to achieve carbon neutrality and 100% renewable electricity sourcing by 2027.