Full Half-Bridge (H Bridge) Drivers

Full Half-Bridge Drivers PMICs are integrated circuits specifically designed to control and drive full-bridge or half-bridge power topologies. They play a core role in power electronics systems such as motor control, power conversion, and inverters.

 

1. What are the Core Structure and Work Principles of Full Half-Bridge Drivers PMIC?

1) Basic Topology

A half-bridge consists of two power switches (such as MOSFETs or IGBTs) connected in series, connected between the positive power supply (Vbus) and ground (GND). The midpoint (output) drives the load. A full-bridge consists of two half-bridges, for a total of four switching devices, supporting bidirectional current control.

 

2) Drive Mechanism

Level Conversion: Addresses the floating potential of high-side switches by converting the controller’s logic signal into a high-voltage drive signal.

Dead-Time Control: Forces the switching interval between switches to avoid shoot-through shorts caused by simultaneous conduction of the high-side and low-side switches.

 

3) Protection Functions

Integrated undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown mechanisms enhance system reliability.

 

2. What are the Key Advantages and Technical Challenges of Full Half-Bridge Drivers PMIC?

1) Advantages:

High-efficiency energy conversion (PWM modulation);

 

Precise control of current direction and amplitude, suitable for bidirectional drive;

 

Integrated design simplifies circuit layout (for example, the TLE94112ES supports 12 half-bridge outputs).

 

2) Challenges:

High-side drivers require bootstrap circuitry or an isolated power supply;

 

Dead-time and EMI suppression must be strictly managed.

 

3. What are the Typical Applications of Full Half-Bridge Drivers PMIC?

Motor Drives

Control the direction and speed of DC motors, stepper motors, and brushless DC motors (BLDCs).

 

Power Conversion

DC-AC inverters, DC-DC converters, and wireless charging systems.

 

Industrial and Automotive Electronics

Suitable for high-reliability applications such as electric vehicle motor controllers and industrial inverters.

 

4. Comparison of Half-Bridge and Full-Bridge Drivers PMIC

Type

Number of Switches

Power Range

Typical Applications

Half-Bridge

2 switches

≤1KW

Single-power PWM control, simple inverters

Full-Bridge

4 switches

Medium- to high-power

Bidirectional motor drives, precision inverter systems

 

Full Half-Bridge Drivers PMICs significantly improve power system efficiency and reliability by integrating drive, protection, and control functions. They are core components in the motor drive and energy conversion fields.