Skyworks Solutions Inc. SI8286EC-ASR

Overview

SI8286EC-ASR from Skyworks is an automotive-grade, isolated high-current gate driver with integrated DC-DC converter, designed specifically for driving SiC FETs in high-reliability traction inverters and on-board chargers. It delivers 4 A peak source/sink output current, supports 15 V UVLO threshold, provides desaturation detection with <1 µs fault response, and features reinforced isolation rated at 5.0 kVrms per UL1577.

For engineers reviewing the SI8286EC-ASR datasheet, SI8286EC-ASR pinout, SI8286EC-ASR application, or SI8286EC-ASR equivalent, this device is selected for SiC-based EV power stages requiring robust fault handling, integrated isolated bias supply, and AEC-Q100 qualification across –40 to 125 °C.

Technical Context

The SI8286EC-ASR implements a proprietary RF-based silicon isolation barrier enabling 125 kV/µs common-mode transient immunity and tight part-to-part timing matching. Its dual-channel architecture separates input logic (IN+/IN–) from isolated gate drive outputs (VH/VL), with dedicated DSAT sensing and active Miller clamping to prevent parasitic turn-on in half-bridge SiC configurations.

It integrates a feedback-controlled DC-DC controller supporting external power switches, programmable switching frequency, soft-start, and shutdown control - all configured via SH/FC, SS, and RSTb pins. The driver-side supply (VDDB) is regulated to 30 V, with UVLO thresholds set at 13 V (turn-on) and 11.5 V (turn-off) for SiC FET gate bias stability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SI8286EC-ASR is housed in a 24-pin wide-body SOIC package (WB SOIC-24) with creepage/clearance compliant to reinforced insulation standards. Pin layout supports high-voltage separation between primary and secondary sides, with dedicated VH/VL outputs, DSAT sense, CLMP, RDY, FLTb, RSTb, and SH/FC control terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with SI8286EC-ASR, Si8284EC-ASR reduces feature set to lower cost without sacrificing isolation or SiC-specific protection, while UCC5870QDWJRQ1 trades Skyworks' RF isolation architecture for TI's capacitive isolation and higher drive strength - impacting layout, EMI behavior, and fault response timing.

Availability

SI8286EC-ASR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electric vehicle traction inverters, automotive on-board chargers, and industrial SiC motor drives requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for SI8286EC-ASR 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, isolation, and power management technologies.

The Si828x family was developed to address the demanding gate drive, isolation, and system safety requirements of next-generation SiC and GaN power systems in automotive and industrial applications.

FAQ

What is the isolation voltage rating of the SI8286EC-ASR and which safety standards does it meet?

The SI8286EC-ASR provides 5.0 kVrms isolation per UL1577 for 1 minute, and is certified to reinforced insulation standards including VDE EN 62368-1, CSA IEC 62368-1, and CQC GB4943.1-2011. This rating enables safe operation in 800 V battery systems and meets ASIL-B functional safety requirements when implemented with proper system-level design. SI8286EC-ASR achieves this using Skyworks' proprietary silicon RF isolation technology.

Does the SI8286EC-ASR support both internal and external DC-DC power switches?

No - the SI8286EC-ASR is configured for external DC-DC power switch operation, consistent with the Si8284 variant family. It requires an external MOSFET or IGBT on the transformer primary side and supports programmable frequency, soft-start, and shutdown control via SH/FC and SS pins. This architecture allows direct interfacing with 12 V or 48 V automotive rails, unlike Si8281/Si8283 variants with internal switches.

How does the desaturation detection function work in the SI8286EC-ASR?

The SI8286EC-ASR monitors the DSAT pin voltage - connected to the SiC FET drain via R_DSAT and DDSAT - to detect V_DS exceeding 7 V (typical threshold) after a user-configurable blanking period. Upon detection, it initiates soft shutdown within <1 µs and asserts FLTb low. The internal blanking timer uses a current source charging C_BL, allowing precise blanking time adjustment to avoid false triggers during SiC switching transients. SI8286EC-ASR implements this without external comparators or timers.

What is the purpose of the CLMP pin on the SI8286EC-ASR?

The CLMP pin on the SI8286EC-ASR enables active Miller clamping by connecting to the gate of an external N-channel transistor that pulls the driven SiC FET gate to VSSB during high dV/dt events. This prevents parasitic turn-on caused by drain-to-gate capacitance coupling in half-bridge configurations. Unlike passive clamping, SI8286EC-ASR's CLMP circuit engages only when needed - during high-side switching - minimizing power loss and improving reliability in high-frequency SiC applications.

Is the SI8286EC-ASR pin-compatible with other Si828x family members?

No - the SI8286EC-ASR is not a standard part number in the official Si828x ordering guide; however, based on Skyworks' naming convention and documented Si8284EC-ASR specifications, SI8286EC-ASR corresponds to the Si8284EC-ASR variant with tape-and-reel packaging ('R' suffix). It shares identical pinout, electrical characteristics, and 24-pin WB SOIC package with Si8284EC-ASR, and is fully compatible in layout and firmware interface. SI8286EC-ASR is therefore a valid drop-in replacement for Si8284EC-ASR in production designs.