SBAA739 October 2025 LM2005 , LM2101 , LM2103 , LM2104 , LM2105 , UCC27444 , UCC27517
Introduction
Traditional discrete gate driver implementation often adds unnecessary complexity, increase in board size, and introduces invariability in performance. The UCC27517A, UCC27444 and LM2x0x family of devices are cost effective, high-performance gate drivers ICs that directly address these challenges. By incorporating critical drive functions and protective features into a single IC, this reduces the need for extra components such as resistors, comparators, level shifters and bootstrap circuit.
These devices are optimized for low-to-mid voltage motor and power switching applications making them preferred for many cost sensitive applications: power tools, vacuum cleaners, battery disconnect systems and more.
By using the UCC27517A, UCC27444 and LM2X0X family of devices, designers drastically reduces BOM (bill of materials) count, simplify PCB layout and improve overall system reliability while preserving or improving performance while integrating a smart integrated approach to power design.
Figure 1 BJT Gate Driver TopologyChallenges of Discrete Gate Driver Implementation
Designers frequently use discrete gate driver implementation to reduce upfront component costs. However, in practice this strategy involves a number of underlying problems that gradually eliminates any initial savings.
Across real world customer use cases, there are often the following pain points:
| High BOM Count and Sourcing Challenges | Complex Layouts and Longer Design Cycles | Higher Field Failure Rates and Reliability Risks |
|---|---|---|
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These challenges are especially greater in high volume and highly space-constrained applications like power tools, vacuum cleaners and battery powered system where board space, design time, and BOM cost are critical.
This is why integrated gate drivers such as UCC27517A, UCC27444 and LM2x0x series are gaining popularity. It addresses these issues head on by providing all of the necessary gate drive functions in a single small packaged, lower design complexity, boosting performance and lower system cost.
Background of Discrete Design
Discrete gate drivers are often organized with individual components to execute or realize key functions. A typical discrete gate driver employs an op-amp or comparator to detect the input control signal, transistors or logic gates to shift levels and buffer the signal and a bootstrap circuit (diodes and resistor) for high side switching. Gate resistors and Zener diodes are commonly used to adjust switching speed and protect the gate from voltage spikes. These components work together to create the voltage and timing required to turn the power MOSFET of IGBT on and off.
However, because each function is handled by a different component, the design necessitates precise coordination, matching and routing. Timing mismatch, parasitic interference and layout limitations can all have an impact on performance and reliability. This complexity is precisely what integrated gate drivers like the UCC27517A, UCC27444 and UCC21X series are intended to eliminate by merging all of these operations into a single small, efficient IC.\
| Features | Discrete Component Design | Gate Driver IC solution (Intergrated) |
|---|---|---|
| UVLO | No (requires further components) | Integrated |
| Driver Current Independent of Input | Directly proportional to input | Consistent regardless of control input |
| Level Shifting | Typically requires 5+ extra components | No external circuitry required |
| Shoot Through Protection | No | Yes (Available, not necessary) |
| Noise Immunity | Poor | Excellent |
| HS dV/dt | Unknown, must watch layout and placement | Provided in data sheet |
| Protection Feature | Extra component and space | Integrated option |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| BOM Count | 10+ | 5 |
Layout Diagrams
Figure 2 Discrete Layout
Figure 3 Integrated LayoutCost-Competitive Integrated Parts
Instead of creating a gate driver circuit from several discrete components, designers can use integrated gate driver ICs such as the UCC27517A, UCC27444 and LM2x0x series. These devices are intended to simplify the implementation of the gate driver by combining critical functionality like signal conditioning, level shifting and protection into a single, cost optimized, compact package.
| UCC27517A | UCC27444 | LM2x0x |
|---|---|---|
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Figure 4 UCC27517A: DBV Package