A Guide to Designing Gate-Drive Transformers

Focus:

Gate-drive transformers, also described as pulse transformers, control the timing of switched-mode power supply (SMPS) circuits, delivering pulses needed for turning power semiconductors on and off, while also providing voltage isolation and impedance matching. These transformers can be built with different winding configurations and with various types of ferrite cores. This article discusses the electrical, mechanical, and safety-related parameters that must be considered when designing a gate-drive transformer, and gives step-by-step instructions for completing a gate-drive transformer design. Details include how to select core materials and core sizes, how to control leakage inductance and winding capacitance, how to wind the transformer properly, how to determine the number of turns, and how to select the proper gauge of wire. A gate-transformer design example illustrates the process of going from transformer specifications to bill-of-materials.

What you’ll learn:

• How to design a gate-drive transformer (or pulse transformer) for switched-mode power supplies
• How to minimize leakage inductance and winding capacitance in gate-drive transformers
• How to select materials and properly wind gate-drive transformers

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Author & Publication:

Patrick Scoggins, Senior Applications Engineer, Datatronics Distribution, Romoland, Calif., Power Electronics Technology, Jan 01 2007

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