Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8234AB-C-IMR

Overview

SI8234AB-C-IMR from Silicon Labs is a 4.0 A peak-output, high-side/low-side isolated gate driver with PWM input configuration, 5 kVRMS isolation (wide-body SOIC-16), 60 ns max propagation delay, and programmable dead time. It drives IGBTs/MOSFETs in half-bridge topologies for solar inverters and industrial motor control.

For engineers reviewing the SI8234AB-C-IMR datasheet, SI8234AB-C-IMR pinout, SI8234AB-C-IMR application, or SI8234AB-C-IMR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, safety certifications (UL 1577, VDE 0884-5, CSA 5A), thermal derating data, and real-world design context for isolated power stage implementation.

Technical Context

The SI8234AB-C-IMR implements RF-based on/off keying across a silicon isolation barrier to deliver robust noise immunity and zero initialization latency. Its single PWM input controls both high-side and low-side outputs with overlap protection and externally programmable dead time via resistor (70–900 ns range).

It features independent undervoltage lockout (UVLO) on input (VDDI) and dual output supplies (VDDA/VDDB), with thresholds configurable for 5/8/10/12.5 V operation. The device supports up to 8 MHz switching frequency and withstands >45 kV/µs common-mode transients.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SI8234AB-C-IMR is housed in a RoHS-compliant 16-pin wide-body SOIC package (WBSOIC-16) with 8.0 mm creepage/clearance, optimized for high-voltage isolation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side/low-side isolated gate drive applications.

Compared with SI8234AB-C-IMR, Si8233AB-C-IMR offers identical isolation and drive strength but demands two control signals, while ADuM4223BRIZ trades isolation robustness and integrated safety features for broader industry familiarity-neither provides the combination of 5 kVRMS, PWM input, and hardware-programmable dead time found in SI8234AB-C-IMR.

Availability

SI8234AB-C-IMR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solar inverters, industrial motor control systems, and isolated DC-DC power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and certified reinforced insulation.

Supply support for SI8234AB-C-IMR 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

Silicon Labs is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in precision timing, isolation, and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The Si823x family was designed specifically for high-reliability isolated gate driving in high-voltage power conversion systems, emphasizing robustness against EMI, thermal stability, and safety certification compliance.

FAQ

What is the isolation voltage rating of the SI8234AB-C-IMR?

The SI8234AB-C-IMR is rated for 5 kVRMS input-to-output isolation per UL 1577 (1 minute test), validated for reinforced insulation in systems up to 600 VRMS working voltage. This rating applies specifically to the wide-body SOIC-16 package variant denoted by the "-IMR" suffix, and is confirmed in the official Silicon Labs datasheet Rev. 1.5, Table 3 and Table 11.

Does the SI8234AB-C-IMR support programmable dead time?

Yes, the SI8234AB-C-IMR supports hardware-programmable dead time via an external resistor connected to the DT pin. The dead time is adjustable from 70 ns to 900 ns, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (Table 1, AC Specifications). This feature is integral to the SI8234AB-C-IMR's overlap protection architecture and requires no software configuration.

What is the peak output current capability of the SI8234AB-C-IMR?

The SI8234AB-C-IMR delivers 4.0 A peak sink current and 2.0 A peak source current per channel, as confirmed in Table 1 (Electrical Characteristics) under "Output Short-Circuit Pulsed Sink/Source Current". These values are measured under standard test conditions (VDDA/VDDB = 15 V, T_A = –40 to +125 °C) and apply to both high-side (VOA) and low-side (VOB) outputs.

Which safety certifications does the SI8234AB-C-IMR hold?

The SI8234AB-C-IMR holds UL 1577 (5000 Vrms), VDE 0884-5 (IEC 60747-5-5), CSA Component Notice 5A (IEC 60950-1/61010-1/60601-1), and CQC GB4943.1 certifications. All certifications are explicitly listed in Table 2 and Table 11 of the Rev. 1.5 datasheet, with isolation ratings tied to the WBSOIC-16 package used in SI8234AB-C-IMR.

What is the function of the DISABLE pin on the SI8234AB-C-IMR?

The DISABLE pin on the SI8234AB-C-IMR is an active-high global shutdown input. When asserted (logic high), it forces both VOA and VOB outputs low regardless of PWM state, providing fail-safe gate drive disablement. Its behavior is defined in the Si823x Family Truth Table (Table 10) and requires no external pull-up; internal logic ensures safe default state during power-up.