How to Use UCC27524: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The UCC27524, manufactured by Texas Instruments, is a high-speed, dual-channel, low-side gate driver designed to drive MOSFETs and IGBTs in power applications. It is optimized for high-frequency switching and features fast rise and fall times, low propagation delay, and a wide supply voltage range. This makes it ideal for applications requiring efficient and reliable switching performance.

• Switch-mode power supplies (SMPS)
• DC-DC converters
• Motor drives
• Solar inverters
• Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

• Supply Voltage Range (VDD): 4.5 V to 18 V
• Peak Source Current: 5 A
• Peak Sink Current: 5 A
• Propagation Delay: 13 ns (typical)
• Rise Time: 7 ns (typical)
• Fall Time: 6 ns (typical)
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 140°C
• Input Threshold Type: CMOS/TTL compatible
• Output Channels: 2 (independent or inverting/non-inverting configuration)

The UCC27524 is available in an 8-pin SOIC (D) or VSSOP (DGK) package. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Supply:

   • Connect the VDD pin to a stable power supply within the range of 4.5 V to 18 V.
   • Decouple the VDD pin with a low-ESR ceramic capacitor (e.g., 1 µF) placed close to the pin to minimize noise.

2. Input Signals:

   • Apply CMOS/TTL-compatible signals to the IN1 and IN2 pins to control the outputs.
   • Ensure the input signals do not exceed the VDD voltage level.

3. Output Connections:

   • Connect the OUT1 and OUT2 pins to the gate of the MOSFETs or IGBTs.
   • Use a gate resistor (e.g., 10 Ω to 100 Ω) to limit the inrush current and reduce ringing.

4. Enable Pin:

   • The EN pin must be pulled high to enable the outputs. If unused, connect it to VDD.

5. Grounding:

   • Connect the GND pin to the system ground. Ensure a low-impedance ground connection to minimize noise.

• Thermal Management: Ensure adequate heat dissipation, especially in high-frequency or high-current applications.
• PCB Layout: Minimize trace lengths for the output pins to reduce parasitic inductance and improve switching performance.
• Input Signal Integrity: Use clean, noise-free input signals to avoid false triggering.

The UCC27524 can be used with an Arduino UNO to drive a MOSFET. Below is an example circuit and code:

• Connect the Arduino digital pin (e.g., D3) to the IN1 pin of the UCC27524.
• Connect the OUT1 pin to the gate of the MOSFET.
• Connect the source of the MOSFET to GND and the drain to the load.
• Connect the EN pin to VDD to enable the driver.

// Example code to drive a MOSFET using UCC27524 and Arduino UNO

#define MOSFET_PIN 3  // Define the Arduino pin connected to UCC27524 IN1

void setup() {
  pinMode(MOSFET_PIN, OUTPUT);  // Set the MOSFET control pin as output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(MOSFET_PIN, HIGH);  // Turn the MOSFET ON
  delay(1000);                     // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(MOSFET_PIN, LOW);   // Turn the MOSFET OFF
  delay(1000);                     // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Can the UCC27524 drive high-side MOSFETs?

   • No, the UCC27524 is a low-side driver and is not suitable for directly driving high-side MOSFETs.

2. What is the maximum switching frequency?

   • The UCC27524 can operate at frequencies up to several MHz, depending on the load capacitance and power dissipation.

3. Can I leave unused input pins floating?

   • No, unused input pins should be tied to GND or VDD to prevent undefined behavior.

4. Is the UCC27524 suitable for driving parallel MOSFETs?

   • Yes, but ensure proper gate resistors are used to balance the gate drive currents.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate the UCC27524 into their designs for high-speed, reliable switching applications.