Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8234AC-D-IS1R

Overview

SI8234AC-D-IS1R from Skyworks Solutions is a high-side/low-side isolated gate driver IC with PWM input, 4.0 A peak output current, 3.75 kVRMS isolation rating, and SOIC-16 narrow-body package. It integrates two independently isolated drivers for half-bridge MOSFET/IGBT control in high-voltage power conversion systems including solar inverters and onboard chargers.

For engineers reviewing the SI8234AC-D-IS1R datasheet, SI8234AC-D-IS1R pinout, SI8234AC-D-IS1R application, or SI8234AC-D-IS1R equivalent, key selection factors include its programmable dead time, TTL-compatible PWM input, 5 V UVLO threshold, 45 ns propagation delay, and AEC-Q100-qualified automotive-grade variant availability.

Technical Context

The SI8234AC-D-IS1R implements RF-based silicon isolation with a semiconductor barrier enabling up to 3.75 kVRMS input-to-output withstand voltage and 1500 VDC driver-to-driver differential voltage. Its single PWM input controls complementary high-side and low-side outputs with built-in overlap protection and user-programmable dead time via external resistor.

It operates across –40 °C to +125 °C with independent undervoltage lockout (UVLO) on input (VDDI), high-side (VDDA), and low-side (VDDB) supplies - each with 5 V UVLO threshold - and supports up to 8 MHz switching frequency with 45 ns typical propagation delay (H→L/L→H).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOIC-16 narrow-body package (5.3 mm × 10.3 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) with creepage/clearance optimized for 3.75 kVRMS isolation. Pin 1 marked by dot; exposed pad not present.

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 SI8234BD-D-IS1R, the SI8234AC-D-IS1R offers lower UVLO (5 V) for tighter 5 V controller compatibility and reduced isolation margin (3.75 kVRMS) for cost-sensitive automotive OBCs; versus UCC21541DWPR, it provides native PWM input and hardware-enforced dead time - eliminating external timing components and reducing BOM count.

Availability

SI8234AC-D-IS1R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solar inverters, onboard chargers, and industrial motor drives requiring stable component supply, automotive-grade traceability, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for SI8234AC-D-IS1R 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 for wireless, automotive, and industrial markets.

The Si823x family was designed specifically for high-reliability isolated gate driving in high-voltage power conversion - emphasizing robustness, fast timing, and automotive qualification readiness across multiple isolation ratings and output current classes.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended switching frequency for SI8234AC-D-IS1R?

The SI8234AC-D-IS1R supports up to 8 MHz switching frequency per datasheet specifications. This capability enables use in high-frequency resonant topologies like LLC and active clamp flyback. Real-world achievable frequency depends on gate load, layout parasitics, and thermal management - but the 45 ns propagation delay and 4.0 A drive strength ensure clean edge fidelity well beyond 1 MHz in properly designed circuits using the SI8234AC-D-IS1R.

Does SI8234AC-D-IS1R require external bootstrap circuitry?

No, the SI8234AC-D-IS1R itself does not include or require bootstrap circuitry - it is an isolated gate driver, not a high-side-only driver. However, when used in a half-bridge configuration, the high-side output (VOA) typically interfaces with an external bootstrap network (diode + capacitor) to generate a floating supply for the high-side switch's gate. The SI8234AC-D-IS1R drives that gate directly; the bootstrap design is external and application-dependent.

Can SI8234AC-D-IS1R drive SiC MOSFETs effectively?

Yes, the SI8234AC-D-IS1R is well-suited for driving SiC MOSFETs due to its 4.0 A peak source/sink current, 45 ns propagation delay, and ability to handle fast dV/dt transients. Its RF isolation architecture provides superior CMTI (>35 kV/µs) compared to optocouplers, critical for SiC's rapid switching. The 5 V UVLO aligns with common SiC gate driver supply rails, making the SI8234AC-D-IS1R a robust choice for SiC-based PFC and inverter stages.

What is the purpose of the DT pin on SI8234AC-D-IS1R?

The DT (Dead Time) pin on the SI8234AC-D-IS1R allows users to program the minimum off-time between high-side and low-side output transitions using an external resistor to ground. The relationship is DT (ns) ≈ 10 × RDT (kΩ). This hardware-enforced dead time prevents shoot-through in half-bridge configurations. Leaving DT floating yields ~400 ps nominal dead time; adding a 0.1 µF capacitor in parallel improves noise immunity during programming.

Is SI8234AC-D-IS1R pin-compatible with other Si823x variants?

Yes, all Si823x devices in the SOIC-16 narrow-body package - including SI8234AC-D-IS1R, SI8234BD-D-IS1R, and SI8234AB-D-IS1R - share identical pinouts and footprints. Differences lie in isolation rating (3.75/2.5/5.0 kVRMS), UVLO threshold (5 V or 8 V), and input configuration (PWM vs. dual-input), but PCB layout and soldering processes remain interchangeable across this package variant.