Texas Instruments UCD7100PWP

Overview

UCD7100PWP from Texas Instruments is a digital control compatible single low-side ±4-A MOSFET gate driver with integrated current sense comparator and programmable cycle-by-cycle current limit protection. It interfaces digital power controllers (e.g., UCD9110, UCD9501) to power stages in single-ended topologies, delivers 10-ns rise/fall times into 2.2-nF loads, and operates across 4.5–15-V supply and –40°C to 105°C ambient. It enables fast local fault response in digitally controlled DC/DC converters.

For engineers reviewing the UCD7100PWP datasheet, UCD7100PWP pinout, UCD7100PWP application, or UCD7100PWP equivalent, key selection considerations include its TrueDrive™ output architecture for Miller plateau drive, 25-ns CS-to-OUT propagation delay, 3.3-V/10-mA internal regulator, DSP/µC-compatible 3.3-V input logic, and HTSSOP-14 package with dual OUT/PVDD/PGND terminals for high-current routing.

Technical Context

The UCD7100PWP implements a dedicated analog current-sense path with 25-ns propagation delay from CS to OUT, enabling hardware-level cycle-by-cycle overcurrent shutdown independent of host controller latency. Its TrueDrive™ output stage combines bipolar and MOSFET transistors to deliver ±4-A peak current during the Miller plateau region, optimizing switching efficiency in high-frequency power stages.

It integrates a 3.3-V linear regulator (10-mA max) for powering external digital controllers, features Schmitt-triggered 3.3-V logic inputs rated up to 2 MHz, and uses separate VDD (logic supply) and PVDD (power driver supply) rails to isolate noise-sensitive control circuitry from high-current switching paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UCD7100PWP is housed in a PowerPAD™ HTSSOP-14 package (5.00 mm × 4.40 mm), featuring thermally enhanced exposed pad for improved power dissipation. Dual parallel OUT, PVDD, and PGND pins reduce trace inductance and resistive loss in high-current gate drive paths.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with UCD7100PWP, UCD7100APWP offers identical performance with enhanced manufacturing screening, while LM5113SD trades integrated protection for higher drive capability and flexible high-side/low-side configuration - neither is pin-compatible, and both require PCB layout changes.

Availability

UCD7100PWP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digitally controlled DC/DC converters, motor gate drive stages, and telecom power modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for UCD7100PWP 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with leadership in high-reliability industrial and power conversion solutions.

The UCD7K family - including UCD7100PWP - was designed specifically for digital power architectures requiring local, hardware-enforced current limiting and seamless interface to TI's UCD9xxx digital power controllers.

FAQ

What is the maximum switching frequency supported by the UCD7100PWP?

The UCD7100PWP supports input signal frequencies up to 2 MHz, as specified by its Schmitt-triggered IN pin bandwidth. Its 10-ns rise/fall times into 2.2-nF loads enable reliable operation in converters switching at 1–3 MHz, though practical frequency limits depend on MOSFET gate charge and layout parasitics. The UCD7100PWP itself does not impose a hard upper frequency cap beyond its 2-MHz input rating.

How does the UCD7100PWP implement cycle-by-cycle current limiting?

The UCD7100PWP uses a dedicated high-speed comparator that continuously monitors the CS pin against a threshold set by the ILIM pin minus 25 mV. When exceeded, it forces OUT low within 25 ns and asserts the CLF flag. This hardware path operates independently of the host controller, ensuring protection even during firmware hangs. The CLF flag remains latched until the next rising edge on IN, enabling synchronized recovery.

Can the UCD7100PWP drive high-side MOSFETs?

No, the UCD7100PWP is a dedicated low-side gate driver only. It lacks bootstrap or level-shifting circuitry required for high-side drive and is electrically configured for ground-referenced output switching. For high-side or half-bridge applications, TI recommends complementary devices such as the UCD7232 or UCD7242, which integrate matched high-side/low-side channels with shared current sense.

What is the purpose of the dual PVDD and PGND pins on the UCD7100PWP?

The dual PVDD (pins 13,14) and PGND (pins 9,10) pins reduce impedance in the high-current power loop: parallel connection halves effective trace resistance and inductance, minimizing voltage spikes and ground bounce during ±4-A switching transients. This layout optimization preserves signal integrity and thermal performance, especially critical in high-frequency, high-power-density designs where the UCD7100PWP is typically deployed.

Does the UCD7100PWP require external components for basic operation?

Yes - the UCD7100PWP requires at minimum: a 4.7-µF capacitor from VDD to AGND, a 0.22-µF ceramic capacitor from 3V3 to AGND, and appropriate RC filtering on ILIM and CS based on application noise environment. The internal 100-kΩ pull-down on IN eliminates need for external bias, but layout best practices (Kelvin sensing, separate AGND/PGND planes, short CS traces) are essential to achieve specified 25-ns current limit response.