How to Use IR2104: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The IR2104 is a high and low side driver IC designed to drive N-channel MOSFETs and IGBTs in half-bridge and full-bridge configurations. It is widely used in motor control, power conversion, and other high-voltage applications. The IR2104 features a high voltage capability of up to 600V, built-in dead time control to prevent shoot-through, and a compact design that simplifies circuit implementation.

• Motor control systems (e.g., BLDC and stepper motors)
• DC-DC and AC-DC power converters
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• Solar inverters
• Industrial automation systems

The IR2104 is an 8-pin IC. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Supply: Connect V_CC to a stable 10V-20V power supply. Ensure proper decoupling with a capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF ceramic capacitor) close to the V_CC pin.
2. Logic Inputs: Drive the IN pin with a 0V-5V logic signal to control the high-side and low-side outputs. Use the SD pin to enable or disable the driver (active low).
3. High-Side Floating Supply: Connect V_B to a bootstrap circuit (diode and capacitor) to provide the necessary voltage for the high-side driver.
4. MOSFET/IGBT Connections: Connect the HO pin to the gate of the high-side MOSFET/IGBT and the LO pin to the gate of the low-side MOSFET/IGBT.
5. Grounding: Ensure a solid ground connection at the COM pin for proper operation.

• Bootstrap Circuit: Use a fast recovery diode (e.g., UF4007) and a bootstrap capacitor (e.g., 0.1µF to 1µF) to ensure proper high-side operation.
• Dead Time: The IR2104 has a built-in dead time to prevent shoot-through. Avoid adding external dead time unless necessary.
• Voltage Ratings: Ensure that the high-side floating voltage (V_B) does not exceed 600V.
• Heat Dissipation: If operating at high frequencies or driving large MOSFETs, ensure proper heat dissipation for the IC.

Below is an example of how to control the IR2104 using an Arduino UNO to drive a half-bridge circuit:

// Example: Controlling IR2104 with Arduino UNO
// Connect IN pin of IR2104 to Arduino pin 9
// Connect SD pin of IR2104 to Arduino pin 8

#define IN_PIN 9  // Arduino pin connected to IR2104 IN pin
#define SD_PIN 8  // Arduino pin connected to IR2104 SD pin

void setup() {
  pinMode(IN_PIN, OUTPUT);  // Set IN pin as output
  pinMode(SD_PIN, OUTPUT);  // Set SD pin as output

  digitalWrite(SD_PIN, HIGH);  // Enable the IR2104 driver
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(IN_PIN, HIGH);  // Turn on high-side MOSFET
  delay(1000);                 // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(IN_PIN, LOW);   // Turn on low-side MOSFET
  delay(1000);                 // Wait for 1 second
}

• Ensure proper connections between the Arduino, IR2104, and the MOSFETs.
• Use appropriate pull-down resistors on the IN and SD pins to avoid floating inputs.

1. No Output on HO or LO Pins:

   • Check the V_CC supply voltage (should be between 10V and 20V).
   • Verify that the SD pin is set to HIGH (logic 1) to enable the driver.
   • Ensure proper bootstrap circuit connections for the high-side driver.

2. High-Side MOSFET Not Turning On:

   • Verify the bootstrap capacitor and diode are functioning correctly.
   • Check that the V_B voltage is sufficiently higher than the source voltage of the high-side MOSFET.

3. Overheating of the IR2104:

   • Ensure the IC is not driving MOSFETs with excessive gate capacitance at high frequencies.
   • Add a heatsink or improve ventilation if necessary.

4. Shoot-Through in the MOSFETs:

   • Verify that the dead time is sufficient to prevent simultaneous conduction of high-side and low-side MOSFETs.
   • Avoid external circuitry that interferes with the IR2104's built-in dead time.

Q1: Can the IR2104 drive P-channel MOSFETs?
A1: No, the IR2104 is specifically designed for N-channel MOSFETs and IGBTs.

Q2: What is the maximum switching frequency of the IR2104?
A2: The maximum switching frequency depends on the load and gate capacitance of the MOSFETs. Typically, it can operate up to 500kHz with proper design.

Q3: Can I use the IR2104 for a full-bridge configuration?
A3: Yes, you can use two IR2104 ICs to drive a full-bridge circuit.

Q4: Is the IR2104 suitable for low-voltage applications?
A4: The IR2104 is optimized for high-voltage applications. For low-voltage designs, consider using a dedicated low-voltage gate driver.

Q5: Do I need external dead time control?
A5: The IR2104 has a built-in dead time, so external dead time control is generally not required.