Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8220CD-A-ISR

Overview

SI8220CD-A-ISR from Skyworks Solutions is a 2.5 A peak-output isolated gate driver with silicon-based isolation, 5.0 kVRMS withstand voltage (UL1577), 60 ns max propagation delay, and –40 to +125 °C operating range. It replaces optocoupled drivers like HCPL-3120 in IGBT/MOSFET gate drive circuits for industrial inverters and UPS systems.

For engineers reviewing the SI8220CD-A-ISR datasheet, SI8220CD-A-ISR pinout, SI8220CD-A-ISR application, or SI8220CD-A-ISR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5.0 kVRMS isolation rating, SOIC-16 wide-body package, UVLO hysteresis of 1000 mV (12.5 V threshold), 30 kV/µs CMTI, and compatibility with 6.5–24 V gate supply rails.

Technical Context

The SI8220CD-A-ISR implements RF-based on/off keying across a semiconductor isolation barrier-replacing LED/photodiode coupling-with no startup initialization required. Its input emulates an LED but draws only 5–20 mA forward current, while output VO delivers up to 2.5 A sink/source capability with <40 ns tPHL and <60 ns tPLH at CL = 200 pF.

It integrates under-voltage lockout with 12.5 V rising threshold (VDDUV+ = 13.8 V typ) and 12.8 V falling threshold (VDDUV– = 12.8 V typ), yielding 1000 mV hysteresis. The device is qualified to AEC-Q100 and certified to UL1577 (5000 VRMS), VDE IEC60747-5-5, CSA 60950-1/61010-1, and CQC GB4943.1.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SI8220CD-A-ISR is housed in a RoHS-compliant SOIC-16 wide-body package (8.5 mm minimum creepage/clearance), optimized for reinforced insulation in high-voltage applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar isolated gate driver applications.

Compared with SI8220CD-A-ISR, Si8233AD-D-ISR adds dual-channel integration for reduced component count in bridge designs, while HCPL-3120-000E lacks silicon-isolation benefits-exhibiting higher propagation delay variation, temperature drift, and no CMTI specification-making it unsuitable for high-frequency or high-reliability systems.

Availability

SI8220CD-A-ISR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, uninterruptible power supplies, switch-mode power supplies, and renewable-energy inverters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified reinforced isolation.

Supply support for SI8220CD-A-ISR 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

Skyworks Solutions is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal connectivity solutions, with leadership in RF, timing, and isolation technologies for communications, automotive, and industrial markets.

The Si8220/21 family was designed as a functional optocoupler upgrade for high-reliability gate drive applications-delivering superior timing accuracy, isolation robustness, and lifetime stability in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

What is the isolation voltage rating of the SI8220CD-A-ISR and how is it certified?

The SI8220CD-A-ISR is rated for 5.0 kVRMS isolation per UL1577 (1 minute), with production testing to 6.0 kVRMS. It is certified to VDE IEC60747-5-5 (891 Vpeak VIORM), CSA 60950-1/61010-1, and CQC GB4943.1. These certifications apply specifically to the 5.0 kVRMS variant and validate reinforced insulation for use in 600 VRMS working voltage systems. SI8220CD-A-ISR meets all required test protocols including partial discharge, surge, and creepage/clearance limits defined in the standards.

Does the SI8220CD-A-ISR require external components for basic operation?

No, the SI8220CD-A-ISR operates with only two external decoupling capacitors: a 0.1 µF ceramic and a 10 µF bulk capacitor placed near VDD and VSS pins. Its integrated UVLO, RF modulation architecture, and LED-emulator input eliminate need for bias resistors, feedback networks, or startup sequencing circuits. SI8220CD-A-ISR starts cleanly when VDD exceeds 13.8 V and holds VO low until tSTART (40 µs) completes-no external reset or enable signals are required.

How does the SI8220CD-A-ISR compare to optocoupled alternatives like HCPL-3120 in terms of timing performance?

The SI8220CD-A-ISR achieves tPLH ≤ 60 ns and tPHL ≤ 40 ns (CL = 200 pF), versus ~500 ns typical for HCPL-3120. Propagation delay is independent of input current (5–20 mA), eliminating timing variation due to LED aging or temperature drift. SI8220CD-A-ISR also offers 14× tighter unit-to-unit matching and 30 kV/µs CMTI-critical for synchronized multi-phase switching where optocouplers introduce unpredictable skew and noise susceptibility.

Can the SI8220CD-A-ISR drive SiC or GaN power devices directly?

Yes, SI8220CD-A-ISR delivers 2.5 A peak sink/source with <20 ns rise/fall times (CL = 200 pF), sufficient to drive typical 10–50 nF gate charges of discrete SiC MOSFETs and GaN HEMTs at frequencies up to 2 MHz. Its 6.5–24 V VDD range supports both 12 V and 15 V gate drive rails, and its 30 kV/µs CMTI prevents false triggering during fast dV/dt events inherent to wide-bandgap devices. No external buffer stage is needed for most medium-power implementations.

What is the meaning of "CD" and "A" in the SI8220CD-A-ISR part number?

In SI8220CD-A-ISR, "CD" denotes the 5.0 kVRMS isolation rating and SOIC-16 wide-body package; "A" specifies the 12.5 V UVLO threshold variant (VDDUV+ = 13.8 V typ, hysteresis = 1000 mV). The "-ISR" suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging. This exact configuration is validated for industrial and automotive applications requiring highest isolation integrity and robust undervoltage protection-distinct from "B" (10 V UVLO) or "C" (8 V UVLO) variants.