Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8261BCD-C-ISR

Overview

SI8261BCD-C-ISR from Skyworks Solutions is a 5 kVRMS isolated gate driver with LED-emulator input and 4.0 A peak output drive current, designed to replace optocoupled drivers (e.g., HCPL-3120) in high-reliability IGBT/MOSFET gate drive circuits for industrial inverters and motor controls. It features rail-to-rail output, 60 ns propagation delay independent of input current, and operates across –40 °C to +125 °C.

For engineers reviewing the SI8261BCD-C-ISR datasheet, SI8261BCD-C-ISR pinout, SI8261BCD-C-ISR application, or SI8261BCD-C-ISR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.0 A sink capability, UVLO threshold of 12 V (Si8261Bxx-C variant), 50 kV/µs CMTI, SOIC-8 narrow-body package, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive-grade designs.

Technical Context

The SI8261BCD-C-ISR implements RF-based silicon isolation instead of optical coupling, enabling stable timing performance across temperature and lifetime. Its diode-emulator input requires only 6–30 mA forward current and exhibits 1.6–2.8 V forward voltage, while the output stage delivers 4.0 A sink current with <200 mV low-level output voltage at 100 mA load.

It integrates programmable under-voltage lockout (UVLO) with 12 V turn-on threshold and 1.3 V hysteresis, supports 6.5–30 V VDD supply, and achieves 50 kV/µs common-mode transient immunity-critical for noisy inverter half-bridge environments where fast dV/dt edges threaten signal integrity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SI8261BCD-C-ISR is housed in an 8-pin narrow-body SOIC package (SOIC-8, 3.9 mm width) with creepage/clearance ≥3.9 mm / 4.7 mm and reinforced insulation rated to 1414 V_PEAK.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SI8261ACD-C-ISR, the SI8261BCD-C-ISR delivers 6.7× higher sink current for robust IGBT drive, while versus UCC23513BDWVR it provides 2× higher isolation rating and automotive qualification-making it essential for safety-critical, high-voltage, and high-reliability systems.

Availability

SI8261BCD-C-ISR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, automotive traction inverters, solar PV string inverters, and uninterruptible power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and certified reinforced isolation.

Supply support for SI8261BCD-C-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 Si826x family was engineered to replace aging optocoupled gate drivers with silicon-isolated alternatives offering superior CMTI, lifetime stability, and design flexibility-specifically targeting high-reliability power conversion in harsh electrical environments.

FAQ

What is the UVLO threshold configuration for SI8261BCD-C-ISR?

The SI8261BCD-C-ISR uses the 'C' suffix to denote the 12 V UVLO option: VDDUV+ = 10.5–13.5 V (rising), VDDUV– = 9.4–12.2 V (falling), with 1.3 V hysteresis. Pin 6 (UVLO) is internally configured for this mode and must be connected to GND per the datasheet to activate the 12 V threshold. This setting ensures reliable disablement during brown-out conditions in 12 V–24 V gate drive rails.

How do I achieve the full 4.0 A output current rating for SI8261BCD-C-ISR?

To achieve the rated 4.0 A sink current, both VO pins (Pins 7 and 8) must be shorted together on the PCB, as explicitly required in Table 2 Note 3 of the SI826x datasheet. This parallel connection halves effective output resistance, enabling the device to deliver 4.0 A into the gate load. Failure to short these pins limits output to ~2.0 A per pin and risks thermal overstress under heavy load.

Is SI8261BCD-C-ISR qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, SI8261BCD-C-ISR is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1, –40 °C to +125 °C) and supported with AIAG-compliant PPAP documentation, IMDS, and CAMDS listings. It is designated as an automotive-grade part in Skyworks' ordering guide and is used in traction inverters, onboard chargers, and DC-DC converters where reinforced isolation and long-term reliability are mandatory.

What is the maximum recommended input current for SI8261BCD-C-ISR?

The absolute maximum average forward input current (IF(AVG)) for SI8261BCD-C-ISR is 30 mA per Absolute Maximum Ratings Table 9. However, the recommended operating condition is 6–30 mA (Table 1), with typical drive at 10 mA. Exceeding 30 mA risks permanent damage; the input diode emulator is not rated for continuous operation above this limit, even with thermal derating.

Does SI8261BCD-C-ISR require external components for basic operation?

Yes, SI8261BCD-C-ISR requires a minimum 1 µF VDD decoupling capacitor placed adjacent to Pins 4 and 5, plus 0.1 µF and 10 µF bypass capacitors for optimal noise suppression. The input circuit needs a series resistor (R1) to limit IF to 6–30 mA, and UVLO configuration (Pin 6 to GND) must be implemented. No external bootstrap or Miller clamp components are needed-the device integrates all core gate drive functions.