Renesas EL7104CNZ

Overview

EL7104CNZ from Intersil is a high-speed, single-channel power MOSFET driver IC designed to replace TC-4420/29 clock drivers in gate drive paths. It delivers 4A peak output current, achieves 7.5ns rise time (CL = 1000pF), and maintains matched rise/fall delays to preserve pulse-width integrity in switching applications such as SMPS and ultrasound transducer drivers.

For engineers reviewing the EL7104CNZ datasheet, EL7104CNZ pinout, EL7104CNZ application, or EL7104CNZ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16V max supply rating, low 1.5Ω pull-up resistance, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, Pb-free PDIP-8 package, and Turbo-Driver architecture enabling reduced clock skew and 10× lower supply current versus bipolar drivers.

Technical Context

The EL7104CNZ implements a proprietary "Turbo-Driver" circuit that accelerates input stage response by feeding back output voltage swing, directly improving propagation delay and edge speed. Its dual-output structure (P_OUT and N_OUT) provides complementary drive capability with separate drain connections for optimized layout in half-bridge configurations.

Matched rise and fall delay times (18–25ns each) minimize pulse-width distortion and timing skew across wide supply ranges (4.5V–16V). The device operates with low input capacitance and high noise immunity, supporting clean switching in noisy industrial and medical environments without external buffering.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

EL7104CNZ is housed in an 8-pin Plastic Dual-In-Line Package (PDIP-8), MDP0031 footprint, suitable for through-hole wave soldering only. RoHS-compliant matte tin termination supports SnPb and Pb-free assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed MOSFET driver applications.

Compared with TC4420CPA and LM5112MMX/NOPB, the EL7104CNZ uniquely delivers matched 18–25ns delays, 4A peak sourcing/sinking, and dual-output architecture in a through-hole PDIP-8 package-making it optimal for timing-critical, high-current, low-skew applications where layout simplicity and pulse fidelity are prioritized over integrated features.

Availability

EL7104CNZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch mode power supplies, ultrasound imaging systems, CCD-based imaging equipment, and resonant charging circuits requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant through-hole assembly.

Supply support for EL7104CNZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Intersil Corporation (now part of Renesas Electronics) is a U.S.-based analog and mixed-signal semiconductor company specializing in high-performance power management, precision analog, and interface solutions.

The EL7104CNZ belongs to Intersil's high-speed driver product line, engineered specifically for low-skew, high-current gate driving in industrial, medical, and test equipment where timing integrity and robustness under capacitive loads are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the EL7104CNZ?

The EL7104CNZ has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of 16.5V between V+ and GND. Its specified operating range is 4.5V to 16V, making it compatible with standard 5V, 12V, and 15V power rails. Operation above 16V risks permanent damage, and derating curves in the FN7113 datasheet confirm safe thermal operation up to 16V at full temperature range. The EL7104CNZ must not be operated beyond this limit even momentarily.

Does the EL7104CNZ support both inverting and non-inverting outputs simultaneously?

No-the EL7104CNZ provides one non-inverting output (P_OUT, pin 6) and one inverting output (N_OUT, pin 7) referenced to the same input (IN, pin 2). It does not offer independent logic control of each output. The complementary behavior is fixed: when IN is high, P_OUT goes high and N_OUT goes low; when IN is low, P_OUT goes low and N_OUT goes high. This architecture is optimized for push-pull or half-bridge gate drive, not dual independent channels.

Is the EL7104CNZ pin-compatible with the TC4420 series?

No-the EL7104CNZ is not pin-compatible with the TC4420/29 family. While functionally similar as single-channel drivers, the EL7104CNZ uses an 8-pin PDIP with dual V+ (pins 1 & 5) and dual GND (pins 4 & 8), plus NC (pin 3), whereas TC4420 uses an 8-pin SOIC/PDIP with single V+, single GND, and no NC pin. Layout redesign is required to migrate from TC4420 to EL7104CNZ due to differing pin assignments and power distribution topology.

What is the purpose of the NC pin (pin 3) on the EL7104CNZ?

Pin 3 on the EL7104CNZ is a no-connect (NC) terminal tied internally to the die substrate or left floating. It must remain unconnected in the PCB layout-neither grounded nor tied to any voltage rail. Connecting pin 3 may cause unpredictable behavior or damage, as confirmed in the FN7113 Rev 2.00 datasheet. This NC designation is specific to the EL7104CNZ and differs from other variants in the EL7104 family that may repurpose this pin.

Can the EL7104CNZ drive GaN or SiC MOSFETs directly?

Yes-the EL7104CNZ can directly drive enhancement-mode GaN and SiC MOSFETs requiring ≤4A peak gate current and ≤16V gate drive. Its 1.5Ω pull-up and 2Ω pull-down resistances, 7.5ns rise time, and matched delays support fast, low-distortion switching of typical 1–5nF gate charges. However, for devices with >5nF total gate charge or requiring negative turn-off bias, external level-shifting or active pull-down circuitry may still be needed-verify using the EL7104CNZ's actual load-dependent timing curves in FN7113.