In this topology, the power stage FETs and the FET controller are in different IC packages. Figure 1-1 shows the block diagram of a brushed-DC motor driver circuit with a controller chip, along with four external FETs. This arrangement allows the designer to select the controller and the FETs independently.

Gate drivers generally require more number of passive external components, and gate driver circuit design might involve a number of iterations so that the performance can be optimized.